System and method for using ramped setpoint temperature variation with networked thermostats to improve efficiency

A system for automatically varying temperature setpoints for an HVAC system comprising:

• evaluating the temperature inside a conditioned environment;
• evaluating weather conditions outside the conditioned environment;
• storing a first target inside temperature for the conditioned environment;
• receiving at least a second target inside temperature for the conditioned environment, where said second target temperature differs from said first target temperature;
• automatically determining that said second target temperature is appropriate given said outside weather conditions;
• automatically setting a first setpoint of a repeating sequence of discrete setpoints to the second target temperature;
• automatically setting subsequent setpoints in the repeating sequence of discrete setpoints to increments away from the first setpoint, where each successive setpoint is further from said first setpoint;
• and
• cycling through said repeating sequence of discrete setpoints.