An apparatus for controlling a device in connection with a sensed temperature in a space includes an actuator for regulating the operation of the device, a temperature sensor for providing the sensed temperature, and a thermal antenna connected to the temperature sensor. The thermal antenna may form part of the exposed face of the apparatus. A housing may include partitions, such as a plurality of circuit boards, for communicating with the actuator to provide control for the device. The partitions or circuit boards are spaced apart to form ventilation channels for ventilating heat from the housing, including byway of an encouraging convective flow.