HVAC startup time randomization

Abstract

A building controller may include a controller and a memory. The memory is configured to store a recurring schedule for operating a building system controlled by the building controller. The recurring schedule includes a plurality of time periods. A first of the plurality of time periods includes a building system enabled mode. A second of the plurality of time periods includes a building system disabled mode. The controller is configured to transition from the second of the plurality of time periods to the first of the plurality of time periods at a first time. The controller is configured to modify the first time by a randomized time offset such that the transition from the second of the plurality of time periods to the first of the plurality of time periods occurs at a second time. The second time is offset from the first time by the randomized time offset.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 203863-079901 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214268-WO Electronically Filed: November 5, 2025HVAC STARTUP TIME RANDOMIZATIONCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 716,481 filed November 5, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. More particularly, this disclosure relates to schedule control in HVAC systems using, for example, a building controller of the HVAC system.BACKGROUND

[0003] HVAC systems are commonly used to control various environmental conditions within building structures including, for example, temperature, humidity, ventilation, etc. In doing so, a fan or the like is often used to force air through the HV AC system and provide conditioned air to the inside space of the building structure. When doing so, the air is circulated within the structure. Air circulation can help increase the comfort inside the building structure by, for example, equalizing the temperature, humidity', and other environmental conditions within the structure.SUMMARY

[0004] In some embodiments, a building controller includes a controller and a memory'. In some embodiments, the memory is configured to store a recurring schedule for operating a building system controlled by the building controller. In some embodiments, the recurring schedule includes a plurality of time periods. In some embodiments, a first of the plurality of time periods includes a building system enabled mode in which the building system is configured to be powered on by the building controller. In some embodiments, a second of the plurality of time periods includes a building system disabled mode in which the building system is configured to be unpowered by the building controller. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to transition from the second of the plurality' of time periods to the first of the plurality of time periods at a first time. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to modify the first time by a randomized time offset such that the transition from the second of the plurality of time periods to the first of the plurality of time periods1ACTIVE 716218673v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-079901 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214268-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025 occurs at a second time. In some embodiments, the second time is offset from the first time by the randomized time offset.

[0005] In some embodiments, the plurality of time periods includes a return period and a wake period.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first time includes a setback from a scheduled time.

[0007] In some embodiments, the second time is earlier than the first time.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second time is later than the first time.

[0009] In some embodiments, the recurring schedule can include the plurality of time periods for each day of the week.

[0010] In some embodiments, an end time for the recurring schedule is unchanged.

[0011] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to include a setting to disable the randomized time offset.

[0012] In some embodiments, the building controller is a thermostat.

[0013] In some embodiments, a method includes maintaining, in a memory of a controller for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, a recurring schedule including a plurality of time periods. In some embodiments, a first of the plurality of time periods includes an HVAC enabled mode in which the HVAC system is configured to be powered on by the controller. In some embodiments, a second of the plurality of time periods includes an HVAC disabled mode in which the HVAC system is configured to be unpowered by the controller. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to transition from the second of the plurality of time penods to the first of the plurality of time periods at a first time. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving an indication to transition from the second of the plurality of time periods to the first of the plurality of time periods at the first time. In some embodiments, the method includes generating, by the controller, a random offset time. In some embodiments, the method includes initiating the HVAC enabled mode at a second time, the second time being offset from the first time by the random offset time.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method includes setting the second time to be earlier than the first time.2ACTIVE 716218673v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-079901 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214268-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025

[0015] In some embodiments, the method includes setting the second time to be later than the first time.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method includes generating a random offset indicator. In some embodiments, the random offset indicator determines whether the second time is offset earlier than the first time or offset later than the first time.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method includes a third time corresponding to a setback. In some embodiments, the second time is offset from the first time by the random offset time and the setback.

[0018] In some embodiments, a thermostat includes a controller and a memory'. In some embodiments, the memory is configured to store a schedule for operating a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. In some embodiments, the schedule includes a return time having an enabled mode in which the HVAC system is configured to be powered on. In some embodiments, the schedule includes an away time having a disabled mode in which the HVAC system is configured to be unpowered. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to transition from the disabled mode to the enabled mode at a first time. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to modify the first time by a randomized time offset such that the transition from the disabled mode to the enabled mode occurs at a second time. In some embodiments, the second time is offset from the first time by the randomized time offset.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first time includes a setback from the return time.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second time is earlier than the first time.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second time is later than the first time.

[0022] In some embodiments, the schedule can include a plurality of different time periods for each day of the week.

[0023] In some embodiments, an end time for the schedule is unchanged.

[0024] In some embodiments, a building controller includes a controller and a memory.In some embodiments, the controller is configured to transition a building system from a building system disabled mode in which the building system is powered off to a building system enabled mode in which the building system is powered on by the building controller.3ACTIVE 716218673v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-079901 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214268-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025In some embodiments, the controller is configured to delay the transition by a randomized time offset such that the transition is randomized.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] References are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this disclosure and that illustrate embodiments in which the systems and methods described in this Specification can be practiced.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a building including a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, according to some embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the controller, according to some embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for randomizing the start time of an HVAC system, according to some embodiments.

[0029] Like reference numbers represent the same or similar parts throughout.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] HVAC systems can be controlled using a building controller such as a thermostat. In some cases, the thermostat can include a recurring, programmable schedule in which the user can set an away time in which equipment may have a first setting that is not focused on comfort since the structure is empty' and a return time in which comfort is prioritized for the return of the occupants. In many cases, the return time can be based on a typical work schedule, causing many HVAC systems to prioritize comfort and startup at a similar time. This can be taxing on the utility7as the loads all engage at similar times. In some instances, thermostats may be synchronized to an Internet provided time source (e.g., UTC time). As a result, thermostats running a standard schedule can be synchronized, further taxing the utility. In other cases, when power is enabled following a power outage, large numbers of HVAC systems can be restarted at the same time, burdening the utility.

[0031] Embodiments of this disclosure are directed to offsetting the startup times to reduce the overall load that is placed on the utility at the same time. In some embodiments, the startup times can be offset at typical times of heavy usage (e.g., return time). In some embodiments, the startup times can be offset when a thermostat is cycled from the powered off state to the powered on state.4ACTIVE 716218673v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-079901 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214268-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a building 100 including a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system 102, according to some embodiments. The HVAC system 102 can be configured to control one or more environmental conditions within one or more spaces (e.g., conditioned spaces) of the building 100.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the HVAC system is representative of a forced air type HVAC system. It is to be appreciated that other types of HVAC systems are within the scope of the present disclosure. Examples of other types of HVAC system include, but are not limited to, boiler systems, radiant heating systems, electric heating systems, cooling systems, heat pump systems, combinations thereof, or any other suitable type of HVAC system.

[0034] The HVAC system 102 includes one or more HVAC components 104, a system of ductwork and air vents including a supply air duct 106 and a return air duct 108, and at least one controller 110. In some embodiments, the controller 110 can be referred to as the building controller, the HVAC controller, or the like. In some embodiments, the controller 1 10 can be a thermostat, a plurality of thermostats, or the like. The one or more HVAC components 104 can include, but are not limited to, a furnace, a heat pump, an electric heat pump, a geothermal heat pump, an electric heating unit, an air conditioning unit, a ventilation unit, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, an air exchanger, an air cleaner, a damper, a valve, combinations thereof, or the like.

[0035] In some embodiments, the controller 110 may be configured to control the comfort level and, in some embodiments, the air quality conditions in the building by activating and deactivating the one or more HVAC components 104 in a controlled manner. In some embodiments, the controller 110 can be configured to control one or more other systems in the building besides the HVAC system. For example, the controller 110 can control one or more components related to security, control of appliances, control of systems such as water systems, combinations thereof, or the like. The controller 110 can be configured to control the one or more HVAC components 104 via a wired or wireless communication link 112. The controller 110 may wirelessly communicate with the one or more HVAC components 104 or other systems using a wireless protocol such as, but not limited to, cellular communication, ZigBee, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, IrDA, dedicated short range5ACTIVE 716218673v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-079901 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214268-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025 communication (DSRC), EnOcean, combinations thereof, or any other suitable wireless protocols.

[0036] In some embodiments, the controller 110 is a thermostat. In some embodiments, the thermostat can include (e.g.. within a housing of the thermostat) or have access to a temperature sensor for sensing an ambient temperature at or near the thermostat. In some embodiments, the controller 110 can be a zone controller, or can include multiple zone controllers each monitoring, controlling, or combinations thereof, the comfort level within a particular zone in the building.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more HVAC components 104 may provide heated air, cooled air, or a combination thereof, via the ductwork throughout the building 100. In some embodiments, the one or more HVAC components 104 can be in fluid communication with the conditioned space (e.g., each room, zone, or combination thereof) in the building 100 via the ductwork.

[0038] In some embodiments, when a heat call signal is provided by the controller 110, the one or more HVAC components 104 (e.g., forced warm air furnace) can be activated to supply heated air to the conditioned space within the building 100 via supply air duct 106. The heated air may be forced through supply air duct 106 by a blower or fan 114. In this example, the cooler air from the conditioned space can be returned to the one or more HVAC components 104 for heating via return air duct 108. Similarly, when a cool call signal is provided by the controller 110, the one or more HVAC components 104 (e.g.. air conditioning unit) can be activated to supply cooled air to the conditioned space within the building via the supply air duct 106. In some embodiments, the cooled air may be forced through supply air duct 106 by the blower or fan 114. In this example, the warmer air from each zone may be returned to the one or more HVAC components 104 for cooling via the return air duct 108.

[0039] In some embodiments, the system of vents or ductwork can include one or more dampers 116 to regulate the flow of air. For example, one or more dampers 116 may be coupled to the controller 110 and the controller 110 can coordinate the one or more dampers 116 with the operation of the one or more HVAC components 104. The controller 110 can actuate the one or more dampers 116 to an open position, a closed position, or a partially open position to modulate the flow of air from the one or more HVAC components 104 to6ACTIVE 716218673v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-079901 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214268-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025 an appropriate space within the building. The one or more dampers 116 may be included in zoned HVAC systems and may be used to control which zone or zones receives conditioned air from the one or more HVAC components 104.

[0040] Additionally, in some embodiments, the one or more HVAC components 104 may exhaust stale air, supply fresh air, or combinations thereof, to the building 100 via the ductwork located throughout the building 100. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more HVAC components 104 can include a ventilation unit 118, which can draw outside air into the building via an outside air intake 120 and expel inside air via an inside air outlet 122. In some embodiments, a heat exchanger (not shown) can be provided to exchange heat between the outgoing inside air and the incoming outside air. In some embodiments, the ventilation unit 118 can include additional fans, blowers, or combinations thereof to facilitate the exchange of stale air from within the building 100 with fresh air supplied from outside the building 100.

[0041] In some embodiments, the ventilation unit 118 can include a ventilation controller (not shown), that can receive ventilation commands from, for example, the controller 110, and in response, can activate or deactivate the various components of the ventilation unit 118 to implement the received ventilation commands. In some embodiments, the ventilation unit 21 may be coupled to additional ductwork which may draw stale air from different locations within the building 100 to be exhausted from the building via the inside air outlet 122. It is to be appreciated that these are just examples.

[0042] In some embodiments, the ventilation unit 118 can be controlled according to a schedule or setpoint stored in the controller 110. In some embodiments, the controller 110 can be configured to allow' a user to select time periods during which the ventilation unit 118 will operate or not operate. In some embodiments, the controller 110 can be configured to allow a user to select a speed the ventilation unit 118 will operate during each period selected. In some embodiments, the controller 110 can be configured to allow a user to specify when the ventilation unit 118 can operate at a reduced level to conserve energy while at the same time maintaining the indoor air quality within the building 100 at an acceptable level such as for example, in accordance with a user’s vacation schedule.

[0043] The one or more HVAC components 104 can also provide humidification, dehumidification, or combinations thereof within the building 100. In some embodiments,7ACTIVE 716218673v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-079901 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214268-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025 humidification or dehumidification can be provided by a humidifier unit or a dehumidifier unit, as applicable, in a controlled manner according to a schedule or setpoint stored in the controller 110. In some embodiments, the controller 1 10 can be configured to allow a user to select certain time periods in which the humidification unit or dehumidification unit will operate or not operate. In some embodiments, the controller 110 can be configured to allow a user to select a setpoint the humidification unit or dehumidification unit will operate during each period. In some embodiments, the controller 110 can be configured to allow a user to specify when the humidification unit or dehumidification unit may operate at a reduced level to conserve energy' while maintaining the indoor air quality within the building 100 at an acceptable level such as for example, in accordance with a user’s vacation schedule.

[0044] The HVAC system 102 can include a communications gateway 124 that allows one or more of the one or more HVAC components 104 to communicate wirelessly with one another in accordance with a wireless communications protocol such as, for example, cellular communication, ZigBee, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, IrDA, dedicated short range communication (DSRC), EnOcean, combinations thereof, or any other suitable wireless protocols, as desired. In some embodiments, the communications gateway 124 can facilitate communication between the one or more HVAC components 104 over a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or the Internet.

[0045] In some embodiments, one or more air filters 126 can be used to remove dust and other pollutants from the air inside the building 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more air filters 126 are installed in the return air duct 108 and can filter the air prior to the air entering the one or more HVAC components 104. It is to be appreciated that any other suitable location for the one or more air filters 126 can be used. The one or more air filters 126 can, in some embodiments, improve the indoor air qualify and protect the one or more HVAC components 104 from dust and other particulate matter.

[0046] In some embodiments, the HVAC sy stem 102 includes an equipment interface module (EIM) 128. In some embodiments, the EIM 128 can be configured to communicate with the controller 110 via, for example, a wired or wireless communication link 130. In some embodiments, the EIM 128 can be incorporated or combined with the controller 110. In some embodiments, the EIM 128 may communicate, relay, or otherwise transmit data8ACTIVE 716218673v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-079901 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214268-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025 regarding a selected parameter (e.g., temperature, pressure, flowrate, etc.) to the controller 110. In some embodiments, the controller 110 may use the data from the EIM 128 to evaluate the system’s operation or performance.

[0047] In some embodiments, the EIM 128 can include one or more terminals that can be wired to various components in the building 100. For example, in some embodiments, the EIM 128 can be connected in electrical communication with an electronic device such as, but not limited to, a window or door sensor configured to indicate whether a door or window is opened or closed; the EIM 128 can be connected in electrical communication with a leak detector configured to indicate when a water leak is present; the EIM 128 can be connected in electrical communication with one or more air quality sensors such as, but not limited to, a carbon monoxide detector configured to indicate when an amount of carbon monoxide exceeds a threshold; combinations thereof, or the like. In some embodiments, the EIM 128 can provide information on a state of the connected electronic device to the controller 110. In some embodiments, a user or installer can customize an action taken by the controller 110 in response to the state information received from the EIM 128.

[0048] In some embodiments, the controller 110 can be configured to randomize startup times for the one or more HVAC components 104. For example, the controller 110 can generate a randomized offset for controlling the one or more HVAC components 104 during startup of the equipment. As a result, an energy load placed on a utility grid collectively from HVAC components at various buildings can be staggered during startup. This can be beneficial in reducing strain on the grid during times where buildings are commonly starting up their HVAC components such as, but not limited to, when people typically return home from work (e.g., a change in schedule period from away to home); on startup from a powered-off to a powered-on state (e g., following a power outage or the like).

[0049] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the controller 110, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the controller 110 can be a thermostat.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 110 includes a controller 150 (e.g., microprocessor, microcontroller, etc.), a user interface 152, and a memory 154. In some embodiments, the controller 110 can include an input / output block (I / O block) 156 for receiving one or more signals from the HVAC system 102, for providing one or more9ACTIVE 716218673v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-079901 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214268-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025 control signals to the HVAC system 102, or combinations thereof. For example, the I / O block 156 can communicate with one or more HVAC components 104 of the HVAC system 102. Additionally, in some embodiments, the I / O block 156 can communicate with another controller, which is in communication with one or more HVAC components 104 of the HVAC system 102, such as a zone control panel in a zoned HVAC system, EIM 128, combinations thereof, or any other suitable building control device.

[0051] The controller 150 can operate in accordance with an algorithm that controls or at least partially controls the one or more HVAC components 104 of the HVAC system 102. The controller 150 can, for example, operate in accordance with an algorithm that provides temperature setpoints, starting times, ending times, combinations thereof, or the like. In some embodiments, the controller 150 can be configured to read a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor and control the one or more HVAC components 104 of the HVAC system 102 to maintain a desired temperature setpoint within the building 100 in accordance with a programmable recurring schedule stored in the memory 154 of the controller 110. In some embodiments, the controller 150 can be configured to control the one or more HVAC components 104 including one or more indoor air quality units such as, for example a ventilation unit, a humidification unit, and / or a dehumidification unit, to maintain a desired indoor air quality within the building 100, sometimes in accordance with a programmable recurring schedule stored in the memory 154 of the controller 110. In some embodiments, the programmable recurring schedule can include a wake time, a sleep time, an away time, a return time, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the programmable recurring schedule can include these time periods for every day of the week and the days can be grouped. In some embodiments, the away phase can transition to the return phase at the return time. In some embodiments, transitions between a period in which the programmable recurring schedule results in less usage of the HVAC equipment (e.g., a higher temperature in a cooling setting) to a period in which the programmable recurring schedule results in more usage of the HVAC equipment (e.g., a lower temperature in a cooling setting) can be offset by a randomized time so that the switchover may not happen at exactly the specified time. In some embodiments, this can reduce a load on the utility grid by reducing a likelihood that HVAC systems of multiple buildings are enabled at a same time, thereby reducing a strain on the utility grid.10ACTIVE 716218673v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-079901 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214268-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025

[0052] In some embodiments, the controller 110 can be programmed to control the one or more indoor air quality units according to a programmable operating schedule that includes one or more time periods. The programmable operating schedule in some embodiments the same period as the programmable operating schedule of the temperature setpoints (heating setpoints, cooling setpoints), or they may be different time periods. In some embodiments, the controller 150 can be programmed to allow a user to select at least a first period of the programmable operating schedule to control at least one of the one or more indoor air quality units (e.g., ventilation unit, humidifier unit, dehumidifier unit) differently than during at least one other of period of the programmable operating schedule. For example, the controller 150 can be programmed to allow a user to select a period in which an indoor quality unit will operate and a different period in which the indoor air quality unit will not operate (or will operate in a different mode, at a different speed, at a different setpoint, or at some other different setting). In some embodiments, the controller 150 can be programmed to allow a user to select which indoor air quality units will or will not operate during each period of the programmable operating schedule or during a user's vacation schedule. In some embodiments, the controller 150 can be programmed to allow a user to select which indoor air quality units may operate at a reduced level to conserve energy7while at the same time maintaining indoor air quality7for a period identified by the user such as, for example, the user’s vacation schedule.

[0053] In some embodiments, user interface 152 can be any suitable user interface that permits controller 110 to display information as well as accept one or more user interactions with the controller 110. For example, the user interface 152 can permit a user to enter data such as temperature set points, humidity set points, starting times, ending times, diagnostic limits, conditions under which diagnostic limits may be suspended, responses to alerts, requests for ventilation, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the user interface 152 can be configured to enable a user to customize an output action taken based on a particular input.

[0054] In some embodiments, user interface 152 can include a display and a separate keypad. In some embodiments, a displays can include any suitable display. In some embodiments, a display can be a liquid cry stal display (LCD), and a fixed segment display, a dot matrix LCD display, combinations thereof, or the like. In some embodiments, user interface 152 can be a touch screen LCD panel that functions as both display and keypad.11ACTIVE 716218673v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-079901 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214268-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025In some embodiments, a touch screen LCD panel may be adapted to solicit values for several operating parameters and to receive such values.

[0055] The memory 154 can be in communication with the controller 150. The memory 154 can be used to store any desired information, such as the control algorithm, setpoints, schedule times, combinations thereof, or the like. Memory 154 can be any suitable type of storage device including, but not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, flash memory, a hard drive, combinations thereof, or the like. In some embodiments, controller 150 can store information within memory 154 and retrieve the stored information.

[0056] In some embodiments, controller 110 includes a data port 158. Data port 158 can be a wireless port such as a Bluetooth™ port or any other wireless protocol. In some embodiments, data port 158 can be a wired port such as a serial port, a parallel port, a CATS port, a USB (universal serial bus) port, combinations thereof, or the like. In some embodiments, data port 158 can be a USB port and may be used to download and / or upload information from a USB flash drive or some other data source. Other remote devices may also be employed.

[0057] Data port 158 can be configured to communicate with controller 150 and can, if desired, be used to upload information to controller 150 or download information from controller 150.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method 200 for randomizing the start time of an HVAC system (e.g., HVAC system 102 of FIG. 1), according to some embodiments.

[0059] In some embodiments, the method 200 can be enabled by default for the controller 110. In some embodiments, the method 200 can be selectively enabled. In some embodiments, a uti lily company may be able to enable the method 200 based on an agreement with a user of the HVAC system 102.

[0060] At block 202, the method 200 includes determining a start time for the one or more HVAC components 104 based on a schedule stored in the controller 110. In some embodiments, the start time selected can be a start time for the return phase of the user’s schedule. In some embodiments, the start time selected can be a start time for a wake phase of the user’s schedule. In some embodiments, other phases of the schedule such as the away time or the sleep time can be ignored. In some embodiments, all phases of the schedule can12ACTIVE 716218673v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-079901 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214268-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025 be included. In some embodiments, the start time can be selected regardless of the phase of the user’s schedule. For example, the start time can be randomized during powering on of the controller 110 which can, for example, reduce an amount of strain on the utility grid following return of power after a power outage.

[0061] At block 204, the method 200 includes calculating a random offset.

[0062] At block 206, the method 200 includes applying the calculated random offset to adjust the determined start time. In some embodiments, the offset can be generated using a random number generator.

[0063] In some embodiments, this can include adjusting the determined start time so that the calculated random offset is applied prior to the determined start time. In some embodiments, this can include adjusting the determined start time so that the calculated random offset is applied after the determined start time. As such, in some embodiments, the start time can be adjusted to start earlier than the determined start time and in some embodiments the start time can be adjusted to start later than the determined start time. In some embodiments, a randomizer can select whether the start time is earlier or later than the determined start time. As a result, on some days of the schedule, the start time can be offset to be earlier than the determined start time while on other days of the schedule the start time can be offset to be later than the determined start time. As a result, the one or more HVAC components 104 can be enabled or powered on at different times. In some embodiments, the result can be that less stress is placed on the electrical grid as various ones of the controller 110 are starting the load consuming one or more HVAC components 104 at various, randomized times.

[0064] In some embodiments, the determined start time may be based on a setback time that is calculated by the controller 110 to ensure that a setpoint temperature is met at the user’s desired schedule time. For example, in some embodiments, there may be a variable setback that enables the one or more HVAC components 104 a period of time N before the scheduled start time. In some embodiments, the determined start time that is adjusted at block 206 can be the start time as offset by the setback time.

[0065] At block 208, the method 200 can include operating the one or more HVAC components 104 at the adjusted start time.13ACTIVE 716218673v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-079901 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214268-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025

[0066] In some embodiments, a user may be presented with a user interface that allows the user to enable or disable the randomization of the method 200. In some embodiments, the user may not be able to modify the randomization setting. In some embodiments, a contractor or a utility may be able to update the randomization setting based on an agreement with the user of the controller 110. In some embodiments, this can enable a utility to disperse the electrical loads placed on the grid at times that are typically load intensive for the utility.

[0067] In some embodiments, the end time of the recurring schedule can remain unchanged regardless of the adjustments to the start time.

[0068] The terminology used herein is intended to describe embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms as well, unless clearly indicated otherwise. The terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this Specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0069] It is to be understood that changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of the construction materials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of parts without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This Specification and the embodiments described are examples, with the true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the claims that follow.14ACTIVE 716218673v1

Claims

Atorney Docket No. 203863-079901 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214268-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025CLAIMS1. A building controller, comprising: a controller; and a memory; wherein the memory is configured to store a recurring schedule for operating a building system controlled by the building controller; wherein the recurring schedule includes a plurality of time periods; wherein a first of the plurality of time periods includes a building system enabled mode in which the building system is configured to be powered on by the building controller; wherein a second of the plurality of time periods includes a building system disabled mode in which the building system is configured to be unpowered by the building controller; wherein the controller is configured to transition from the second of the plurality of time periods to the first of the plurality of time periods at a first time; wherein the controller is configured to modify the first time by a randomized time offset such that the transition from the second of the plurality of time periods to the first of the plurality of time periods occurs at a second time, wherein the second time is offset from the first time by the randomized time offset.

2. The building controller of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of time periods includes a return period and a wake period.

3. The building controller of claim 1, wherein the first time includes a setback from a scheduled time.

4. The building controller of claim 1, wherein the second time is earlier than the first time.

5. The building controller of claim 1, wherein the second time is later than the first time.

6. The building controller of claim 1, wherein the recurring schedule can include the plurality of time periods for each day of the week.

7. The building controller of claim 1, wherein an end time for the recurring schedule is unchanged.

8. The building controller of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to include a setting to disable the randomized time offset.

9. The building controller of claim 1, wherein the building controller is a thermostat.15ACTIVE 716218673v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-079901 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214268-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 202510. A method, comprising: maintaining, in a memory of a controller for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, a recurring schedule including a plurality of time periods; wherein a first of the plurality' of time periods includes an HVAC enabled mode in which the HVAC system is configured to be powered on by the controller; wherein a second of the plurality’ of time periods includes an HVAC disabled mode in which the HVAC system is configured to be unpowered by the controller; wherein the controller is configured to transition from the second of the plurality of time periods to the first of the plurality' of time periods at a first time; receiving an indication to transition from the second of the plurality of time periods to the first of the plurality’ of time periods at the first time; generating, by the controller, a random offset time; and initiating the HVAC enabled mode at a second time, the second time being offset from the first time by the random offset time.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising setting the second time to be earlier than the first time.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising setting the second time to be later than the first time.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising generating a random offset indicator, wherein the random offset indicator determines whether the second time is offset earlier than the first time or offset later than the first time.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising a third time corresponding to a setback, wherein the second time is offset from the first time by the random offset time and the setback.

15. A thermostat, comprising: a controller; and a memory; wherein the memory is configured to store a schedule for operating a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system; wherein the schedule includes a return time having an enabled mode in which the HVAC system is configured to be powered on; wherein the schedule includes an away time having a disabled mode in which the HVAC system is configured to be unpowered;16ACTIVE 716218673v1Attorney Docket No. 203863-079901 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214268-WOElectronically Filed: November 5, 2025 wherein the controller is configured to transition from the disabled mode to the enabled mode at a first time; wherein the controller is configured to modify the first time by a randomized time offset such that the transition from the disabled mode to the enabled mode occurs at a second time, wherein the second time is offset from the first time by the randomized time offset.

16. The thermostat of claim 15, wherein the first time includes a setback from the return time.

17. The thermostat of claim 15, wherein the second time is earlier than the first time.

18. The thermostat of claim 15, wherein the second time is later than the first time.

19. The thermostat of claim 15, wherein the schedule can include a plurality of different time periods for each day of the week.

20. The thermostat of claim 15, wherein an end time for the schedule is unchanged.

21. A building controller, comprising: a controller; and a memory; wherein the controller is configured to transition a building system from a building system disabled mode in which the building system is powered off to a building system enabled mode in which the building system is powered on by the building controller; wherein the controller is configured to delay the transition by a randomized time offset such that the transition is randomized.17ACTIVE 716218673v1

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