Aside from the thermostat existing in a poor location to accurately determine comfort, the accuracy of the sensors used in industry standard thermostat lacks the accuracy and sensitivity to allow for virtualized modeling. Basic knowledge of process control uses proportional, integral, and derivative (PID) algorithms where the derivative or second order portion of the control is omitted. This omission may be the result of most on/off type control strategies having no way (i.e., lacking sufficient hardware) to accurately apply the derivative. Additionally or alternatively, the second order portion may be omitted because major manufactures of modern programmable thermostats implement inexpensive components and resistive temperature detector (RTDs) which may not carry the bit resolution to achieve a more accurate control of +/?2 degrees Fahrenheit as tested, or less accuracy with previous generation bimetal/mercury type sensors. Aside from cost and complexity, current thermostats, capable of accurate readings and responding to an accurate reading may lead to over cycling mechanical equipment.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the virtualized thermostat is comprised of 1 to 5 sensor types with an accuracy of approximately +/?0.75 degree Fahrenheit at 75.degree. F. and occupancy sensor inputs with outputs defined by heating, ventilating, cooling, humidification, dehumidification, and fan flow (air volume). As used in the specification and the claims, the term approximately shall mean that the value is within 10% of the stated value, unless otherwise specified.

Input sensors and their function number: