Patent Publication Number: US-8112181-B2

Title: Automatic mold and fungus growth inhibition system and method

Description:
PRIORITY DATA 
     This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application 61/104,707, filed Oct. 11, 2008. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a duct type forced air system for a multi-zone space, and more particularly, to a variable air quantity, air humidity, and air quality control system capable of regulating temperature and humidity in each zone independently of other zones. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Mold is a common allergen that can grow in many locations inside or outside a dwelling. It can also be found thriving inside building cavities, between walls. Mold is a very common indoor contaminant, and a common cause of illness. Only a few dozen of the thousands of different types of mold are commonly found in dwellings for humans. 
     Molds reproduce by releasing spores into the air. The spores are extremely small, about 1 micron or about 0.00004 inches. Mold counts are often 1,000 times higher than pollen counts. Although tiny parts of the parent mold colony can break off and be inhaled, usually, inhaled microscopic spores are the source of health problems. A person&#39;s allergic response is a biological reaction to the protein in mold, so the reaction can occur whether the inhaled spores are dead or alive. A thriving mold colony often releases various gases, including volatile organic compounds, that are also a problem for sensitive individuals. 
     Different species of mold have different health effects ranging from mild symptoms to death in some individuals.  Stachybotrys chartarum  ( Stachybotrys atra ) mold is being studied for possible links to AIPH (Acute Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemorrhage) among infants. Some species of the mold  Aspergillus  can infect the entire body of a person, causing lung damage or other serious illnesses.  Histoplasma capsulatum  can affect the lungs, but can also be systemic. A mold colony can use any organic material for food, and can even derive nutrition from a layer of dust on non-organic surfaces. 
     Mold requires five ingredients to thrive: food, air, a surface to grow upon, suitable temperature, and moisture. In an occupied building, little can be done to eliminate the first four conditions. In these instances, only the manipulation of moisture can be used to eliminate a mold colony or to prevent a new colony from forming. In an unoccupied building, temperature and humidity may be managed to control the commencement or continuing growth of a mold colony. 
     Another factor in mold growth is a change in barometric pressure. Sporalation can be encouraged by a reduction in the barometric pressure. In nature, a storm front and the accompanying higher humidity levels and wet weather are normally preceded by a reduction in barometric pressure. 
     Mold growth is related to relative humidity. Relative humidity levels below about 70% will not support excessive mold growth. However, indicated relative humidity levels below 70% do not ensure safety. Although a house may have 60% relative humidity, microclimates of higher relative humidity may exist throughout the house, especially near cooler surfaces. This is because cold air cannot support as much water moisture as warm air. Thus, for a given amount of water vapor in the air, the cooler air will have a higher relative humidity. 
     For example, assume the air in a house has a relative humidity of 60% at 21° C. (70° F.). The air outside the house is 10° C. (50° F.), and the air between the outside wall and the inner drywall is at 16° C. (60° F.). Furthermore, the air in the house and the air between the walls can circulate, which is very common. In this case, the 16° C. air within the wall cavity will have a relative humidity of 70%, and may support excessive mold growth. 
     Temperature, humidity and barometric pressure measurement and control are mature and well-developed arts. Numerous temperature and humidity measuring, monitoring, and controlling devices have been developed. However, each of these devices has shortcomings making them inappropriate or ineffective for monitoring and controlling indoor environmental conditions that are conducive to mold and fungus growth conditions. 
     Some of these prior art devices measure rainfall and emphasize temperature measurements to determine the potential for mold growth. Other devices measure surface wetness, or condensed water vapor, to determine the potential for mold growth. These devices are of little use indoors. 
     Other devices measure temperature, relative humidity or barometric pressure, and will alert a user when a single predetermined parameter is observed. However, such existing devices are not capable of determining when a combination of two or more conditions is observed. For example, mold growth depends on a specific relationship between temperature and moisture. Neither a specific temperature or moisture value nor a range of temperature or moisture values will provide optimal conditions for mold growth. Both temperature and relative humidity must be compared to determine if conditions are satisfactory for mold or fungus growth. 
     Thus, there exists a need for a device that alerts a homeowner or dwelling occupant to the unobvious combination of environmental conditions that are conducive to unseen and destructive mold and fungus growth and assigns a threat level to the problem. There is also a need for a device that provides suggestions to reduce the threat of mold growth. There is a further need for an energy efficient control system that can automatically manage the temperature and humidity in multiple zones to eliminate the mold and fungus growth threat. 
     According to the present invention there is provided a device to monitor and measure temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure changes, and control temperature and humidity conditions. There is also provided an indicator to warn when environmental conditions are favorable for undesirable growth such as mold, mildew, and fungi. The present invention provides suggestions to the user to allow the informed user to take steps to reduce or eliminate the environmental conditions that are beneficial for such unwanted growth. 
     It is an object of the invention to provide an automatic system and method that can determine the most efficient way to eliminate the environmental conditions that are beneficial for such unwanted mold and fungus growth. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an automatic system and method for mold and fungus growth inhibition that controls each environmental zone in a manner that causes the least change in the temperature of the environment zone and which uses a minimum of energy. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following summary and description, the term “thermostat” is meant to convey a device provided to measure, monitor, and control temperature and humidity. 
     The thermostat device reads the temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure values from sensors, and compares the values to a data map to determine the corresponding hazard level for the specific combination of the temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure conditions. The thermostat indicates when environmental conditions are favorable or unfavorable for unseen and destructive organic infestations such as mold, mildew, and fungi. The relative hazard level is displayed visually or audibly. The rising level of potential for mold and fungus growth may be visually presented in a variety of ways. A text display may provide a numeric representation of the environmental conditions. A traffic signal configuration may show the increasingly favorable growth conditions as a change from a green indicator, to a yellow indicator, to a red indicator, and finally to a flashing red indicator warning of extreme susceptibility for unseen mold and fungus growth. In addition, the device may provide suggestions, via the text display, to allow a user to change the environmental conditions that contribute to the risk of organic infestation. If a “Mold-Guard” switch is active, and the user does not change the conditions favorable for biological infestation, the thermostat will proactively make judgments about the most efficient way to eliminate the environmental conditions that are beneficial for such unwanted growth, and automatically correct the undesirable conditions by adjusting one or more cooling, heating, ventilation, humidity, filtration, and ultraviolet light parameters. 
     The aforementioned objects and other intentions of the present objective are attained by a one heating and cooling unit zoned system comprising a single master programmable thermostat for programming desired temperatures and humidity schedules for a plurality of zones, a plurality of zone dampers controlling the desired temperature and humidity in a respective one of the zones, individual zone temperature and humidity measuring means for measuring the actual temperature and humidity in a respective zone and for overriding the desired temperature and humidity set point of the master thermostat in a respective zone until the “Mold-Guard” switch is deactivated or until the conditions within the zone are no longer conducive to excessive mold growth. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout the same, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a flowchart of a prior art mold growth warning apparatus; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a flowchart of prior art methods to control humidity and temperature; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a flowchart combining prior art mold growth devices with a prior art humidity thermostat controller and a programmable thermostat controller; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a highly diagrammatic schematic view of an HVAC system having an automatic mold and fungus growth inhibition device, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a flowchart of a simplified thermostat controller, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a flowchart of a subroutine for an automatic mold and fungus growth inhibition device, in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a flowchart for operating an automatic mold and fungus growth inhibition device, in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In accordance with the present invention, a device and method are provided to monitor temperature, humidity and barometric pressure conditions. The device reads the temperature, relative humidity and barometric pressure values from a data map to determine the corresponding hazard level for the observed temperature, relative humidity and barometric pressure conditions. The device indicates when environmental conditions are favorable or unfavorable for unseen and destructive organic infestations such as mold, mildew, and fungi. The device provides suggestions or instructions to the user to enable the user to change the combination of environmental conditions to reduce the risk of organic infestation. In addition, the device and method provide for a system that can automatically, and in an efficient manner, eliminate environmental conditions favorable for mold and fungus growth for an entire dwelling or structure, or for a particular zone or zones within the dwelling or structure. 
     Conventional residential (and many commercial) forced air systems (which can provide both heating and cooling) are typically controlled with a single thermostat. Accordingly, the one set point in the thermostat will cause the temperature and humidity in the vicinity of the thermostat to be controlled to the desired level, but in other parts of the residence the temperature and humidity can vary widely due to heat load through windows, shading of spaces, heat and humidity generated by people or appliances, and various other factors such as external weather conditions. Thus, certain places in homes require more or less temperature and humidity control than others. In addition, some areas in a dwelling can support a higher humidity level for a longer period, without deleterious effects, than other areas in a residence. Upstairs areas have drastically different heating/cooling requirements than downstairs areas or basements. Interior areas of water usage such as laundry rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms present extreme difficulties for maintaining a desired level of relative humidity. With a single centrally-located thermostat it is impossible to have optimum temperatures and humidities in all zones/rooms at all times. In a zoned residence, however, individual zones with differing heating/cooling properties and hours of use can be kept at optimum temperatures and humidities. 
     One zoning method uses separate heating and cooling units to maintain different comfort levels in different parts of the residence. However, each system uses its own thermostat which is centrally located in a zone to be maintained by the respective system, but, because the separate units do not function as a system, they may overlap in heating and cooling some areas and perform as two independent systems. 
     To overcome the added installation costs, added expense to operate, and the overlap problems with dual equipment zoned systems, the use of one heating and cooling unit with a series of thermostats in each room can be provided. A single unit zoned system allows different parts of a residence to be controlled at different temperatures and humidities at different times by programming each thermostat in each zone for a desired temperature over a period of time. Although the single-zoned heating and cooling unit offers cost savings, greater comfort, and greater flexibility by allowing the homeowner to set different temperatures throughout the house only during times of need or occupancy, these single heating and cooling units with multiple programmable thermostats also have some disadvantages. Conventional single-heating and cooling zoned systems allow each individual thermostat to turn on the heating and cooling unit and operate the zone damper in the respective zones. In practice, this system is quite complicated to operate and inefficient because the several individual thermostats can turn the heating and cooling unit ON and OFF and each zone must be individually programmed for the desired temperature and schedule, and there is no central control. Further, using short bursts of cooling by a large system to cool a small zone may lead to excessive humidity, even though the temperature is in a comfortable range. Often it is desirable to temporarily change the temperature setpoint in a single zone during the pre-set program period. Further, it is often desirable to temporarily prevent the temperature setpoint in a zone from changing with a pre-set program schedule. Still further, it is often desirable to temporarily change all zone setpoints and time schedules, e.g. during vacation periods. These problems require the user to re-program the controller for a short period and then re-program the controller again shortly thereafter to set in the original schedule. 
     Other conventional devices teach energy conserving thermostats with temperature settings for comfort during scheduled times, and energy saving temperatures during other scheduled times. Other devices disclose methods for controlling temperatures in multiple locations for comfort during scheduled times, and energy saving temperatures during other scheduled times. Further devices teach a controller that maintains programmed temperatures for specific periods in multiple zones having hold, override and vacation modes, to save energy. 
     Energy saving thermostats are beneficial in most conditions. However, when the air becomes excessively humid, and the energy saving feature allows elevated temperatures, mold and fungus can grow rapidly. Such settings of energy saving thermostats may allow mold infestation to grow by compounding on previous growth. For example: during the first hypothetical occurrence of high humidity and high temperature allowed by an energy saving thermostat, mold may grow by 10%. During the next occurrence mold may grow by 10% added to the previous 10%, resulting in 21% growth. The third occurrence will result in 33% total growth, and so on. Each occurrence is important because mold will lie dormant until the next growth condition, and will not diminish. 
     Other devices disclose methods to control maximum humidity in an air conditioned space by varying the “on” time of an air conditioner. Such devices teach the use of a controller for heating, cooling, ventilation, filtration, humidifying and dehumidifying, and an ultraviolet lamp, and that signals the user when servicing is required. Also known are mold detection apparatuses whereby the likelihood of mold growth is indicated by a temperature/humidity or a temperature/humidity/pressure look-up table. 
       FIG. 1  is a flowchart of a prior art mold growth warning apparatus and illustrates a method to detect conditions for excessive mold growth and to warn a user about such conditions by means of green, yellow, red, or flashing red light. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  the flowchart  10  is entered at block  12  and control is passed to block  14 . Block  14  observes the current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space, such as element  142  of  FIG. 4 . A decision step  16  follows which chooses a path depending on whether the relative humidity is greater than or equal to 49%. If the relative humidity is not greater than or equal to 49% then a green light  18  is illuminated, and control passes to block  14  which again observes the current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. If decision step  16  decides that the relative humidity is 49% or greater, control is passed to decision step  20 . 
     Decision step  20  chooses a path depending on whether the observed relative humidity is greater than or equal to 69%. If the relative humidity is not greater than or equal to 69%, control passes to decision step  22  which chooses whether the observed temperature (Tc) is less than or equal to 74° F. If the current temperature is less than or equal to 74° F. green light  18  is illuminated, and control passes to block  14  which again observes the current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. If decision step  22  decides that the observed temperature (Tc) is not less than or equal to 74° F., control is passed to decision step  24 , which chooses whether the observed temperature (Tc) is greater than or equal to 89° F. If the current temperature is greater than or equal to 89° F. green light  18  is illuminated, and control passes to block  14  which again observes the current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. If decision step  24  decides that the observed temperature (Tc) is not greater than or equal to 89° F., a yellow light  26  is illuminated, and control passes to block  14  which again observes the current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. 
     If decision step  20  decides that the relative humidity is greater than or equal to 69%, control passes to decision step  28 . Decision step  28  chooses a path depending on whether the observed relative humidity is greater than or equal to 89%. If the relative humidity is not greater than or equal to 89%, control passes to decision step  30  which chooses whether the observed temperature (Tc) is less than or equal to 69° F. If the current temperature is less than or equal to 69° F. green light  18  is illuminated, and control passes to block  14  which again observes the current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. If decision step  30  decides that the observed temperature (Tc) is not less than or equal to 69° F., control is passed to decision step  32 , which chooses whether the observed temperature (Tc) is greater than or equal to 104° F. If the current temperature is greater than or equal to 104° F. green light  18  is illuminated, and control passes to block  14  which again observes the current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. If decision step  32  decides that the observed temperature (Tc) is not greater than or equal to 104° F., control is passed to decision step  34 , which chooses whether the observed temperature (Tc) is less than or equal to 74° F. If the current temperature is less than or equal to 104° F. yellow light  26  is illuminated, and control passes to block  14  which again observes the current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. If decision step  34  decides that the observed temperature (Tc) is not less than or equal to 74° F., control is passed to decision step  36 , which chooses whether the observed temperature (Tc) is greater than or equal to 89° F. If the current temperature is greater than or equal to 89° F., yellow light  26  is illuminated, and control passes to block  14  which again observes the current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. If decision step  36  decides that the observed temperature (Tc) is not greater than or equal to 89° F., a red light  38  is illuminated, and control passes to block  14  which again observes the current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. 
     If decision step  28  decides that the relative humidity is greater than or equal to 89%, control passes to decision step  40 . Decision step  40  chooses a path depending on whether the observed temperature (Tc) is less than or equal to 64° F. If the current temperature is less than or equal to 64° F. green light  18  is illuminated, and control passes to block  14  which again observes the current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. If decision step  40  decides that the observed temperature (Tc) is not less than or equal to 64° F., control is passed to decision step  42 , which chooses whether the observed temperature (Tc) is greater than or equal to 104° F. If the current temperature is greater than or equal to 104° F. green light  18  is illuminated, and control passes to block  14  which again observes the current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. If decision step  42  decides that the observed temperature (Tc) is not greater than or equal to 104° F., control is passed to decision step  44 , which chooses whether the observed temperature (Tc) is less than or equal to 69° F. If the current temperature is less than or equal to 69° F. yellow light  26  is illuminated, and control passes to block  14  which again observes the current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. If decision step  44  decides that the observed temperature (Tc) is not less than or equal to 69° F., control is passed to decision step  46 , which chooses whether the observed temperature (Tc) is greater than or equal to 94° F. If the current temperature is greater than or equal to 94° F., yellow light  26  is illuminated, and control passes to block  14  which again observes the current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. If decision step  46  decides that the observed temperature (Tc) is not greater than or equal to 94° F., control is passed to decision step  48 , which chooses whether the observed temperature (Tc) is less than or equal to 74° F. If the current temperature is less than or equal to 74° F., red light  38  is illuminated, and control passes to block  14  which again observes the current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. If decision step  48  decides that the observed temperature (Tc) is not less than or equal to 74° F., control is passed to decision step  50 , which chooses whether the observed temperature (Tc) is greater than or equal to 89° F. If the current temperature is greater than or equal to 89° F., red light  38  is illuminated, and control passes to block  14  which again observes the current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. If decision step  50  decides that the observed temperature (Tc) is not greater than or equal to 89° F., red light  38  is illuminated and switched on and off to become a flashing red light  52 . Control is then passed to block  14  which again observes the current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. 
       FIG. 2  is a flowchart that combines the prior art for thermostats and methods to control humidity. Referring to  FIG. 2  the flowchart  60  is entered at block  62  and control is passed to block  64 . Block  64  observes the current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space, such as element  142  of  FIG. 4 . Another observation step follows block  64 . Step  66  observes the temperature set point (Ts), the first humidity pre-select level (RH 1 ) and the second humidity pre-select level (RH 2 ). Decision step  68  follows and chooses a path depending on whether unit  60  has a cooling mode enabled. 
     If decision step  68  finds that the cooling mode is not enabled, control is passed to a heating program  70 . Heating program  70  has an interface  72  that may interactively enable functions of heating/cooling subroutine  80  through heating/cooling subroutine interface  82 . 
     Referring to heating/cooling subroutine  80 , a block diagram of an illustrative HVAC system is shown. the system includes a programmable controller  98 . Programmable controller  98  may be operatively connected to one or more system components that can be activated to regulate various environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and air quality levels occurring within a structure. As shown in  FIG. 2 , for example, the programmable controller  98  can be connected to a heating unit program  70  and a cooling unit program  100  that can be activated to maintain the structure at a particular temperature level. A ventilation unit  86  such as a fan or blower equipped with one or more dampers may be employed to regulate the volume of air delivered to the various rooms of the structure. A filtration unit  84 , UV lamp unit  96 , and humidifier/dehumidifier unit  94  may also be provided to regulate the air quality and moisture levels within the structure. One or more local and/or remote sensors  88  as well as other system components can also be connected to programmable controller  98  to monitor and regulate the environment, as desired. The system components may be directly connected to a corresponding Input/Output (I/O) port or I/O pins on programmable controller  98 , and/or connected to the controller via a network or the like, as desired. 
     Programmable controller  98  may include a user interface  90  that allows a user or service technician to transmit signals to and from the programmable controller  98 . User interface  90  can include a touch screen, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel and keypad, a dot matrix display, a computer, and/or any other suitable device for sending and receiving signals to and from programmable controller  98 . Programmable controller  98  can be configured to display servicing information on user interface  90  to notify the user when a fault or malfunction has been detected, or when servicing is necessary or desirable. Alternatively, or in addition, programmable controller  98  may be programmed to automatically contact a designated contractor, a service referral organization, a utility, a retailer, a manufacturer, and/or some other person or organization, requesting service for any detected system anomalies. User interface  90  is also used to set the unit to operate in any variety of modes, and is also used to manually reset these modes, override, and set for automatic override of the set program. A damper control process  92  is also shown. Damper control process  92  is useful in directing conditioned air to an individual zone or plurality of zones that require it when detected by programmable controller  98 . 
     Programmable controller  98  may include a processor (e.g. a microprocessor/CPU), a storage memory, a clock, and an I/O interface that connects programmable controller  98  to the various system components illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Internal sensors located within programmable controller  98  can be employed to measure the temperature, humidity levels and/or other environmental conditions occurring within the structure. In some cases, the sensors  88  may be external to programmable controller  98 . 
     After interactive operation with programmable controller  98 , control is passed again to heating program  70 , and then to decision step  74 . Decision step  74  chooses whether the current temperature is equal to or greater than the temperature set point plus 1° F. If the current temperature is equal to or above the temperature set point plus 1° F., control is passed to block  76  which turns off the heater. Control is then passed to block  64  which again observes the current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. If decision step  74  determines that the current temperature is not equal to or above the temperature set point plus 1° F., control is passed to block  78  which turns off the heater. Control is then passed to block  64  which again observes the current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. 
     If decision step  68  finds that the cooling mode is enabled, control is passed to a cooling program  100 . Cooling program  100  has an interface  102  that may interactively enable functions of heating/cooling subroutine  80  through heating/cooling subroutine interface  82 . As explained previously, referring to heating/cooling subroutine  80 , the system includes a programmable controller  98  that  98  may be operatively connected to one or more system components that can be activated to regulate various environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and air quality levels occurring within a structure. 
     After interactive operation with programmable controller  98 , control is passed again to cooling program  100 , and then to decision step  104 . Decision step  104  chooses whether the current temperature (Tc) is equal to or less than the temperature set point (Ts) minus 1° F. If current temperature (Tc) is equal to or below temperature set point (Ts) minus 1° F., control is passed to block  106  which turns off the cooling device. Control is then passed to block  64  which again observes current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. 
     If decision step  104  finds that current temperature (Tc) is not equal to or less than temperature set point (Ts) minus 1° F., control is passed to block  108  which activates the cooling device. Control is then passed to decision step  110  which determines whether the relative humidity (RH) is equal to or greater than the first pre-selected relative humidity level (RH 1 ). If relative humidity (RH) is not equal to or above first pre-selected relative humidity level (RH 1 ), control is passed to block  112 . Block  112  does not adjust the minimum on time of the cooling unit and returns control to block  64  which again observes current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. 
     If decision step  110  finds that relative humidity (RH) is equal to or above first pre-selected relative humidity level (RH 1 ), control is passed to block  114 . Block  114  adjusts the minimum on time of the cooling unit in an attempt to reduce the humidity level of the inside space. Preferably, after a time delay, control then passes to block  116  which again observes the relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. Control then passes to decision step  118  which determines if the updated relative humidity (RH + ) is equal to or above the second pre-selected relative humidity level (RH 2 ). Second pre-selected relative humidity level (RH 2 ) may be lower than first pre-selected relative humidity level (RH 1 ), which helps introduce hysteresis into the system. If decision step  118  finds that updated relative humidity level (RH + ) is equal to or above second pre-selected relative humidity level (RH 2 ), control passes to block  120  which does not reset the minimum on time of the cooling unit to its original value. Control is then returned to block  64 , which again observes current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. 
     If decision step  118  finds that updated relative humidity level (RH + ) is not equal to or above second pre-selected relative humidity level (RH 2 ), control passes to block  122  which resets the minimum on time of the cooling unit to its original value. Control is then returned to block  64 , which again observes current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) of the inside space. 
       FIG. 3  is a flowchart combining a prior art mold growth warning apparatus, a prior art humidity thermostat controller, and a programmable thermostat controller. Referring now to  FIG. 3 , those skilled in the art may see that the prior art teachings may be combined to achieve a device that can monitor the propensity for mold growth in an interior space and actively control the temperature and humidity in that space  130 . 
     However, the combined teachings will not yield a device that will actively control the interior space to reduce the probability of mold growth, such as the present invention. The control flowchart for a prior art mold growth warning apparatus  10  is shown. A flowchart for a prior art programmable thermostat with humidity control  60  is also shown. The addition of several steps allow the two units to work simultaneously as thermostat and humidity controller with mold growth warning device  130 . In operation, the flowchart is entered at block  131 . Control is then passed to decision step  132 . Decision step  132  determines if mold growth warning device  10  is enabled. If mold growth warning device  10  is enabled control is passed to block  14  and then through the remaining steps of the flow chart for mold growth warning device  10 . Control exits mold growth warning device  10  at location  135  and travels to decision step  136 . Decision step  136  determines if thermostat with humidity control  60  is enabled. If decision step  136  determines that thermostat with humidity control  60  is enabled control is passed to block  64  and then through the remaining steps of the flow chart for thermostat with humidity control device  60 . Control exits thermostat with humidity control device  60  at location  137  and travels back to decision step  132  to determine if mold growth warning device  10  is enabled. 
     If mold growth warning device  10  is not enabled control is passed to block  134  which turns off the lights of mold growth warning device  10 . Control bypasses mold growth warning device  10  and travels to decision step  136 . Decision step  136  determines if thermostat with humidity control  60  is enabled. If decision step  136  determines that thermostat with humidity control  60  is enabled control is passed to block  64  and then through the remaining steps of the flow chart for thermostat with humidity control device  60 . Control exits thermostat with humidity control device  60  at location  137  and travels back to decision step  132  to determine if mold growth warning device  10  is enabled. 
     After determining at decision step  134  whether mold growth warning device  10  is enabled, control passes to decision step  136 . If decision step  136  determines that thermostat with humidity control  60  is not enabled, control passes to block  138  which turns off the heating and cooling controls. Control then travels back to decision step  132  to determine if mold growth warning device  10  is enabled. 
     From the description of the flowchart of  FIG. 3  and the combined prior art teachings, above, it can be determined that mold growth warning device  10  and thermostat with thermostat with humidity control device  60  will operate sequentially. The process decisions of mold growth warning device  10  will not affect the decisions of thermostat with humidity control device  60 . 
     Therefore, interactive operation is impossible. 
     For example, although mold growth warning device  10  may show that interior space conditions are very conducive for mold growth (red light  52  is illuminated and flashing), thermostat with humidity control  60  will not operate differently. In fact, if thermostat with humidity control  60  is turned off, the interior space condition may continue to degrade (flashing red light  52 ). 
     The combination of the prior art can also lead to very inefficient behavior. For example if thermostat with humidity control  60  is set to a low humidity (RH 1 ) primarily to avoid mold growth, the air conditioner will run until this humidity is achieved. During this period the air temperature will decrease and energy will be used to decrease the humidity level. Since it is the combination of temperature and humidity that determines mold growth, a very slight decrease in humidity and temperature may be all that is needed to abate mold growth. Mold growth warning device  10  will indicate this, but thermostat with humidity control  60 , being noninteractively connected, will not change its behavior to take advantage of this, and will waste energy. 
     In addition, the combination of the prior art is overly complicated for the intended use of active mold abatement. 
     There is no prior art for a device that actively controls temperature and humidity in individual zones from the perspective of comfort, energy savings and mold growth. There is no reason or suggestion in the prior art for one skilled in the art to combine the teachings of the prior art to construct a device capable of controlling temperature and humidity to combat mold growth, but such a device would have the obvious disadvantage of wasting energy during operation. Also, such a device might require excessive “on” time of the air conditioner which wastes energy and may cool a zone many degrees below a comfortable range in order to reduce the humidity to prevent mold growth. The present invention teaches several unobvious features to overcome the energy wasting disadvantage found when combining prior art, and allows a device that can control the temperature and humidity in a habitat in such a way as to actively suppress mold growth and save energy. 
       FIG. 4  is a highly diagrammatic schematic view of an HVAC system  140  adapted to control an inside space  142  of a building or other structure, according to the present invention. In the illustrative embodiment, HVAC system  140  is used to control the temperature, humidity and/or other environmental parameters of inside space  142 , in which a first zone  144 , a second zone  146 , and a third zone  148  have been defined. Whereas a multi-zoned HVAC system is shown, it is contemplated that a single-zoned HVAC system can also be used if desired. 
     The illustrative HVAC system includes a controller  150  which controls a main HVAC unit  152 . Main HVAC unit  152  is comprised of an air filter  154 , a fan or blower  156 , an air routing valve  158 , a cooling unit  160  and a heating unit  162 . Main HVAC unit  152  may include an external air conditioner unit  164 , which may have parts outside of defined inside space  142 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the cooling unit has an external air conditioner unit  164  usually consisting of a compressor and heat exchanger located outside of defined inside space  142 , and internal air conditioning unit  160  usually consisting of air conditioning coils within a plenum connected to the duct work within the inside space  142 . In some embodiments, the air conditioner is a constant volume rooftop unit, commonly used in some residential and commercial applications, and/or may be single or multi-stage unit. 
     Preferably, controller  150  gathers information about temperatures and humidity levels of inside space  142  from a first thermostat/humidistat  166  in first zone  144 , a second thermostat/humidistat  168  in second zone  146 , and a third thermostat/humidistat  170  in third zone  148 . An air intake  172  is shown in first zone  144 , a second intake  174  is shown in second zone  146 , and a third intake  176  is shown in third zone  148 . A first vent  178  feeds air into first zone  144 , a second vent  180  feeds air into second zone  146 , and a third vent  182  feeds air into third zone  148 . A first damper  184  controls whether, and how much, air is forced through first vent  178  and into first zone  144 , a second damper  186  controls whether, and how much, air is forced through second vent  180  and into second zone  146 , and a third damper  188  controls whether, and how much, air is forced through third vent  182  and into third zone  148 . 
     During a cooling operation, controller  150  may sense whether any of thermostats/humidistats  166 ,  168  or  170  indicate a call for cooling. If there is a call for cooling, controller  150  activates blower  156  and cooling unit  160  of main HVAC unit  152 . Controller  150  may also control the position of dampers  184 ,  186 , and/or damper  188 . For example, if first thermostat/humidistat  166  indicates a call for cooling and second and third thermostat/humidistats  168  and  170  do not, controller  150  may close second and third dampers  186  and  188  to prevent cool air from being supplied to second zone  146  and third zone  148 , and open first damper  184  to allow cool air to be supplied to first zone  144 . Once thermostats/humidistats  166 ,  168 , and  170  indicate that the temperature in each respective zone  144 ,  146 , and  148  are at or below a predetermined temperature set point, controller  150  may turn off cooling unit  160 , and blower  156 . Some HVAC systems may also include a furnace for heating inside space  142 . Heating operations may be performed in a manner similar to that described above. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5  a simple thermostat flowchart  190  is shown. Flowchart  190  is entered at block  192 . Control is then passed to block  194  which observes the current temperature (Tc) of interior space  142  of  FIG. 4 . Control is then passed to decision step  198 . Decision step  198  determines if HVAC system  140  of  FIG. 4  is in a cooling mode. If Cooling is not enabled, control is passed to a heating program  200 . Heating program  200  has an interface  202  that may interactively enable functions of heating/cooling subroutine  80  through heating/cooling subroutine interface  82 . The components and operation of heating/cooling subroutine  80  have been described previously. 
     After returning to simple thermostat flowchart from heating/cooling subroutine  80 , control is passed to decision step  204 . Decision step  204  determines if the current temperature (Tc) is greater than or equal to temperature setpoint (Ts) plus 1. If current temperature Tc is greater than or equal to current temperature plus 1, control is passed to block  206  and the heater is turned off. Control is then passed to block  194  which again observes current temperature (Tc). If decision step  204  determines that current temperature Tc is not greater than or equal to current temperature plus 1, control is passed to block  208  and the heater is turned on. Control is then passed to block  194  which again observes current temperature (Tc). 
     If decision step  198  determines that HVAC system  140  of  FIG. 4  is in a cooling mode, control is passed to a cooling program  210 . Cooling program  210  has an interface  212  that may interactively enable functions of heating/cooling subroutine  80  through heating/cooling subroutine interface  82 . The components and operation of heating/cooling subroutine  80  have been described previously. 
     After returning to simple thermostat flowchart from heating/cooling subroutine  80 , control is passed to decision step  214 . Decision step  214  determines if the current temperature (Tc) is less than or equal to temperature setpoint (Ts) minus 1. If current temperature Tc is less than or equal to current temperature minus 1, control is passed to block  216  and the cooling system is turned off. Control is then passed to block  194  which again observes current temperature (Tc). If decision step  214  determines that current temperature Tc is not less than or equal to current temperature minus 1, control is passed to block  218  and the cooling system is turned on. Control is then passed to block  194  which again observes current temperature (Tc). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6  a MoldGuard flowchart  220  is shown. MoldGuard function  220 , when enabled, can overide temperature setpoint (Ts) and allow the HVAC system to operate in an energy efficient manner by determining if it is more efficient to raise or lower current temperature (Tc) to combat mold and fungus growth. 
     MoldGuard flowchart  220  is entered at step  222 . Control is then passed to decision step  224  which determines if the MoldGuard function is enabled. If the MoldGuard function is not enabled, control is routed through connector  226  and back to the main flowchart. If the MoldGuard function is enabled control is passed to an alert program  227 . Alert program  227  may call an appropriate person or organization when MoldGuard unit  220  is active. It is contemplated that alert program  227  may contact an appropriate person such as the tenant, homeowner, or maintenance person, or a responsible organization such as a security monitoring service via an internet connection, wireless connection, or any other suitable communication method as desired. Control is then passed to block  228 . Block  228  calculates two parameters. The first parameter is ΔT 89  which is defined as the difference between current temperature (Tc) and a temperature of 89° F. The second parameter is ΔT 74  which is defined as the difference between current temperature (Tc) and a temperature of 74° F. Control is then passed to decision step  230 . Decision step  230  determines if ΔT 89  is greater than ΔT 74 . If ΔT 89  is greater than ΔT 74 , control is passed to block  232  which turns on the cooling system. Control is then routed back to the main flowchart through connector  234 . If decision step  230  determines that ΔT 89  is not greater than ΔT 74 , control is passed to block  236  which turns on the heating system. Control is then routed back to the main flowchart through connector  238 . 
     The decision-making process of  FIG. 6  will now be described in more detail. Let us take for example a situation where the program has decided that the temperature is between 74° F. and 89° F. Thus, there is an mold alert condition (step  227 ), and the system must do something to get the temperature out of the 74° F. to 89° F. range and thereby make the environmental conditions less favorable for mold and fungus growth. 
     Let us assume for this example that the temperature is 80° F. Step  228  will calculate the difference between 89° F. and 80° F. (9° F. delta) and between 74° F. and 80° F. (6° F. delta). Step  230  decides if the difference between 89° F. and 80° F. is larger than the difference between 74° F. and 80° F. Since the difference between 89° F. and 80° F. is greater than the difference between 74° F. and 80° F., the cooling is turned on in Step  232 . 
     Let&#39;s take a more extreme example: The alert temperature is 88° F. In step  228 , the program calculates that the difference between 89° F. and 88° F. is 1° F., and the difference between 74° F. and 88° F. is 14° F. In step  230 , the program determines that the difference between 89° F. and 88° F. is not greater than the difference between 74° F. and 88° F., and, thus, turns on the heating. 
     The system is arranged to take the path of least resistance. If the air is at 88° F. and we want it to be 89° F. or 74° F., it is determined that it will require less energy to heat the air 1 degree (to achieve 89° F.) than it will take to cool the air 14° F. (to achieve 74° F.). 
     Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7  a complete system flowchart to monitor and control temperature, humidity and fungus growth in an efficient manner  240  is shown. Flowchart  240  is entered at block  131  and control is passed to decision step  132 . Decision step  132  determines if Mold Warning function  10  is enabled. If Mold Warning function  10  is not enabled, control is passed to block  134  which turns off the warning lights on the device. Control is then passed to decision step  136  which determines if thermostat controller  190  is enabled. If thermostat controller  190  is not enabled, control is passed to block  138  which turns of the heating and cooling system. This loop will continue until either decision step  132  and/or decision step  136  determines that mold warning device  10  or thermostat controller  190  respectively have been enabled. 
     Consider an example of a current temperature (Tc) of 80° F., a temperature setpoint (Ts) of 72° F. and a relative humidity (RH) of 90%. In this example, Mold Warning device  10  is turned off, MoldGuard device  220  is turned off, and thermostat controller  190  is turned on in cooling mode. The flowchart is entered at block  131 . Control is passed to decision step  132  that determines that Mold Warning device  10  is off. Control is passed to block  134  and the Mold Warning lights are turned off. Control then passes to decision step  136  which determines that thermostat controller device  190  is turned on. Control then passes to block  194  and current temperature is found to be 80° F. (Tc=80° F.). Control passes to decision block  198  which determines that the cooling mode is on. Control passes to cooling program  210  which may also activate various devices in heating/cooling subroutine  80 . Control passes to decision step  214  which determines that current temperature (Tc=80° F.) is not less than temperature setpoint minus 1 (Ts−1=72° F.−1=71° F.). Control passes to block  218  which activates an air conditioner. Control passes to decision step  132  which again determines that Mold Warning device  10  is inactive. Control will continue through this cooling loop with the air conditioner active until decision step  214  finds that current temperature (Tc) is less than temperature setpoint (Ts) minus 1 (71° F.). When this does occur, meaning the environment temperature is roughly equivalent to the desired temperature, control passes to block  216  which turns off the air conditioner. Control then loops again until current temperature (Tc) is not roughly equivalent to the desired temperature (Ts). At this point the air conditioner will turn on again. 
     Consider the previous example, having Mold Warning device  10  active. Current temperature (Tc) is 80° F., temperature setpoint is 72° F., and relative humidity is 90%. Mold Warning device  10  is turned on, MoldGuard device  220  is turned off, and thermostat controller  190  is turned on in cooling mode. The flowchart is entered at block  131 . 
     Control is passed to decision step  132  that determines that Mold Warning device  10  is on. Control is passed to block  114  and current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) are observed to be 80° F. and 90% respectively. Control passes to decision step  16  which determines that relative humidity (RH=90%) is greater than 49%. Control passes to decision step  20  which determines that relative humidity (RH=90%) is greater than 69%. Control passes to decision step  28  which determines that relative humidity (RH=90%) is greater than 89%. Control then passes to decision step  40  which determines that current temperature (Tc=80° F.) is not less than 64° F. Control passes to decision step  42  which determines that current temperature (Tc=80° F.) is not greater than 104° F. Control then passes to decision step  44  which determines that current temperature (Tc=80° F.) is not less than 69° F. Control then passes to decision step  46  which determines that current temperature (Tc=80° F.) is not greater than 94° F. Control then passes to decision step  48  which determines that current temperature (Tc=80° F.) is not less than 74° F. Control then passes to decision step  50  which determines that current temperature (Tc=80° F.) is not greater than 89° F. Flashing red light  52  is illuminated which indicates a high risk of mold infestation and growth. 
     Control passes to decision step  224  which determines that MoldGuard device  220  is turned off. Control then passes to decision step  136  which determines that thermostat controller device  190  is turned on. Control then passes to block  194  and current temperature is found to be 80° F. (Tc=80° F.). Control passes to decision block  198  which determines that the cooling mode is on. Control passes to cooling program  210  which may also activate various devices in heating/cooling subroutine  80 . 
     Control passes to decision step  214  which determines that current temperature (Tc=80° F.) is not less than temperature setpoint minus 1 (Ts−1=72° F.−1=71° F.). Control passes to block  218  which activates an air conditioner. Control passes to decision step  132  which again determines that Mold Warning device  10  is active. Control again passes through block  14  and decision steps  16 ,  20 ,  28 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50 , which results in the continuation of flashing red light  52 . Control will continue through this cooling loop with the air conditioner active until decision step  214  finds that current temperature (Tc) is less than temperature setpoint (Ts) minus 1. 
     When this occurs, meaning the environment temperature is roughly equivalent to the desired temperature, control passes to block  216  which turns off the air conditioner. Control then loops again until current temperature (Tc) is not roughly equivalent to the desired temperature (Ts). At this point the air conditioner will turn on again. Note however that during the time that the air conditioner is active, flashing red light  52  may turn to red light  38 , yellow light  26  or green light  18 , depending on how much humidity is removed from the air by the cooling system. It is also possible that temperature setpoint (Ts) might be achieved but humidity may remain unacceptably high. In this case the air conditioner would turn off, but red light  52  would remain flashing to indicate a high risk of mold growth. 
     Consider again the previous example, except having MoldGuard device  220  active. Current temperature (Tc) is 80° F., temperature setpoint is 72° F., and relative humidity is 90%. Mold Warning device  10  is turned on, MoldGuard device  220  is turned on, and thermostat controller  190  is turned on in cooling mode. The flowchart is entered at block  131 . Control is passed to decision step  132  that determines that Mold Warning device  10  is on. Control is passed to block  114  and current temperature (Tc) and relative humidity (RH) are observed to be 80° F. and 90% respectively. Control passes to decision step  16  which determines that relative humidity (RH=90%) is greater than 49%. Control passes to decision step  20  which determines that relative humidity (RH=90%) is greater than 69%. Control passes to decision step  28  which determines that relative humidity (RH=90%) is greater than 89%. Control then passes to decision step  40  which determines that current temperature (Tc=80° F.) is not less than 64° F. Control passes to decision step  42  which determines that current temperature (Tc=80° F.) is not greater than 104° F. Control then passes to decision step  44  which determines that current temperature (Tc=80° F.) is not less than 69° F. Control then passes to decision step  46  which determines that current temperature (Tc=80° F.) is not greater than 94° F. Control then passes to decision step  48  which determines that current temperature (Tc=80° F.) is not less than 74° F. Control then passes to decision step  50  which determines that current temperature (Tc=80° F.) is not greater than 89° F. Flashing red light  52  is illuminated which indicates a high risk of mold infestation and growth. Control passes to decision step  224  which determines that MoldGuard device  220  is turned on. Control then passes to alert program  227  which notifies the appropriate person or organization. Control then passes to block  228  which determines that ΔT 89  is 9 and ΔT 74  is 6. Control is passed to decision step  230  which determines that ΔT 89  is greater than ΔT 74  (9&gt;6). Control is passed to block  232  which activates the air conditioning system. The purpose of steps  228  and  230  is to determine if it is more efficient to raise the temperature or lower the temperature to get out of the flashing red temperature/humidity growth warning zone. In this example, assuming constant relative humidity, less energy is consumed to cool the environmental temperature by 6° F. than to heat the environmental temperature by 9° F. Control is then passed to decision step  132  which again determines that Mold Growth Warning device  10  is enabled. This loop will continue until the environmental temperature cools and/or dehumidifies so that flashing red light  52  is no longer illuminated, and temperature will be controlled again by thermostat controller  190 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the various components of a duct type air conditioning system for a multi-zone residence are shown together with their thermostat controllers which are adapted to operate in accordance with the present invention. A plurality of zones in which the temperature is to be controlled are schematically illustrated as a space or room designated by numeral  144 ,  146 ,  148 , and defined by walls, floors, ceilings, and the like with a supply air register vent  178 ,  180 ,  182 , or other device, provided for supplying conditioned air to each zone. A supply duct system  181  is connected to each register vent and includes a segment of branch duct to control the flow of conditioned air into each space or zone. A control/sensor unit of the present invention  166 ,  168 ,  170  is mounted on suitable surfaces, such as a wall surface, or the like, in the respective zones which modulate dampers  184 ,  186 ,  188  in the supply duct  181  thereby controlling the inflow of conditioned air into the respective zones  144 ,  146 ,  148 . Dampers  184 ,  186 , and  188  are normally constructed with a control box mounted externally of the duct to receive a control signal from controller  150  in order to pivot the damper blades, about a central shaft which extends diametrically into each register vent  178 ,  180 ,  182 . In this manner the control box can modulate the damper blades between open and closed positions. Return intake ducts  172 ,  174 ,  176  return air from the conditioned spaces to the main HVAC heating/cooling unit  152 . 
     In an example of operation of the present invention, assume that the homeowners are away from the house during a thunderstorm and the HVAC system is active along with mold growth warning device  10  and MoldGuard device  220 . During the storm, a window breaks in first zone  144 , allowing hot (88° F.), humid (95%) air into the room. Control/sensor unit  166  will determine that this combination of temperature and humidity are within the established criteria which indicate a high risk of mold growth. Flashing red light  52  is illuminated. MoldGuard alert program  227  may send a signal to the homeowners, security monitoring agency or other such organization to investigate the problem. Moldguard decision step  230  determines that ΔT 89 =1 and ΔT 74 =14. Therefore, less energy will be consumed by heating the room to diminish the threat of mold growth than by cooling the room. Controller  150  sends signals to open first zone damper  184  and close second and third dampers  186  and  188 . Controller  150  sends another signal to air routing valve  158  to route air for heating. Controller  150  sends other signals to main HVAC unit  152  to activate heating system  162  and fan  156 . Heated air is then routed to first zone  144  to increase the local air temperature and simultaneously reduce the humidity level. 
     Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope 
     Accordingly, there is provided a device that will control an enclosed environment to minimize mold and fungus growth in an energy efficient manner. 
     While the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the illustrative embodiment, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Many other ramification, modifications and variations would present themselves to those skilled in the art without parting from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Thus the true scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not limited to the examples provided. 
     Drawing Reference Numerals 
       FIG. 1  Prior Art 
     
         
           10  Mold Warning Flowchart 
           12  start 
           14  observation step 
           16  humidity decision step 
           18  illuminate green 
           20  humidity decision step 
           22  temperature decision step 
           24  temperature decision step 
           26  illuminate yellow 
           28  humidity decision step 
           30  temperature decision step 
           32  temperature decision step 
           34  temperature decision step 
           36  temperature decision step 
           38  illuminate yellow 
           40  temperature decision step 
           42  temperature decision step 
           44  temperature decision step 
           46  temperature decision step 
           48  temperature decision step 
           50  temperature decision step 
           52  illuminate flashing red
 
 FIG. 2  Prior Art
 
           60  Thermostat and Humidity Controller Flowchart 
           62  start 
           64  observation step 
           66  observation step 
           68  cooling mode decision step 
           70  heating program subroutine 
           72  heating program subroutine interface 
           74  temperature decision step 
           76  turn off heater 
           78  turn on heater 
           80  Heating/Cooling Subroutine 
           82  heating/cooling subroutine interface 
           84  filtration process 
           86  ventilation process 
           88  sensors 
           90  user interface 
           92  damper control process 
           94  humidifying/dehumidifying process 
           96  ultraviolet lamp process 
           98  heating/cooling subroutine controller 
           100  cooling program subroutine 
           102  cooling program subroutine interface 
           104  temperature decision step 
           106  turn off cooling 
           108  turn on cooling 
           110  humidity decision step 
           112  do not adjust on time 
           114  adjust on time 
           116  observe humidity step 
           118  humidity decision step 
           120  do not reset on time 
           122  reset on time
 
 FIG. 3  Prior Art
 
           130  Combination Thermostat and Humidity Controller with Mold Growth Warning Flowchart 
           131  start 
           132  mold growth warning on decision step 
           134  turn off mold growth warning lights 
           135  control exits mold growth warning device 
           136  thermostat on decision step 
           137  control exits thermostat and humidity controller 
           138  turn off heating and cooling
 
 FIG. 4 
 
           140  Schematic View of an HVAC System 
           142  inside space 
           144  first zone 
           146  second zone 
           148  third zone 
           150  controller 
           152  main HVAC unit 
           154  air filter 
           156  fan or blower 
           158  air routing valve 
           160  cooling unit 
           162  heating unit 
           164  external air conditioning unit 
           166  first zone thermostat/humidistat 
           168  second zone thermostat/humidistat 
           170  third zone thermostat/humidistat 
           172  first zone air intake 
           174  second zone air intake 
           176  third zone air intake 
           178  first zone vent 
           180  second zone vent 
           182  third zone vent 
           184  first zone damper 
           186  second zone damper 
           188  third zone damper
 
 FIG. 5 
 
           190  Thermostat Controller Flowchart 
           192  start 
           194  observation step 
           198  cooling mode decision step 
           200  heating program subroutine 
           202  heating program subroutine interface 
           204  temperature decision step 
           206  turn off heater 
           208  turn on heater 
           80  Heating/Cooling Subroutine 
           82  heating/cooling subroutine interface 
           84  filtration process 
           86  ventilation process 
           88  sensors 
           90  user interface 
           92  damper control process 
           94  humidifying/dehumidifying process 
           96  ultraviolet lamp process 
           98  heating/cooling subroutine controller 
           210  cooling program subroutine 
           212  cooling program subroutine interface 
           214  temperature decision step 
           216  turn off cooling 
           218  turn on cooling
 
 FIG. 6 
 
           220  MoldGuard Flowchart 
           222  start 
           224  MoldGuard enabled decision step 
           226  back to main flowchart 
           227  Alert program 
           228  calculate DT process 
           230  ΔT decision step 
           232  turn on cooling 
           234  back to main flowchart 
           236  turn on heating 
           238  back to main flowchart
 
 FIG. 7 
 
           240  Thermostat Controller with Mold Guard Flowchart