Patent ID: 7085626

Claim:
A control system for selectively providing heat to an interior space comprising: a control panel configured to control a HVAC system having a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator connected in a closed refrigerant loop, and an auxiliary heater controllable independently of the HVAC system, the control panel comprising: a first sensor to measure an ambient outside temperature; a control device, the control device receiving a demand for heating the interior space from the HVAC system based on the interior space being less than a first predetermined indoor temperature; and a storage device storing a predetermined balance point temperature associated with the HVAC system; and the control device being configured to engage the auxiliary heater in response to the ambient outside temperature being greater than the predetermined balance point temperature and the satisfaction of at least one predetermined criteria related to the HVAC system, and wherein the at least one predetermined criteria including upon the control panel determining the ambient outside temperature being greater than the predetermined balance point temperature and at least one of the HVAC system being enabled for a predetermined time and the indoor temperature of the interior space being less than a second predetermined temperature, unless the ambient outside temperature is greater than third predetermined temperature, wherein the control device is prevented from engaging the auxiliary heater.