Patent ID: 8740101

Claim:
An equipment interface module configured to communicate with a wireless thermostat and a temperature sensor, the equipment interface module also configured to provide instructions to an HVAC system to affect the temperature of an inside space of a building, the equipment interface module comprising: a sensor input port for receiving an output signal from a temperature sensor; a wireless receiver for receiving wireless signals from a wireless thermostat, wherein the wireless thermostat is located remotely from the equipment interface module; a controller in communication with the sensor input port and the wireless receiver, the controller programmed to determine if the equipment interface module loses communication with the wireless thermostat, and if not, provides instructions to the HVAC system in accordance with and in response to the wireless signals received from the wireless thermostat, and if so, provides instructions to the HVAC system without input from the wireless thermostat but in accordance with and in response to the output signal from the temperature sensor.