A temperature control apparatus for controlling operation of at least one temperature-modifying device includes a housing, a wireless communication module configured to communicate with a remote Internet-based server, and a controller in communication with the wireless communication module. The controller is configured to: (i) control operation of the temperature modifying device in response to a comparison of a measured ambient temperature with a setpoint temperature, (ii) in a user-selectable first mode of operation, during a first time period during a day, poll the remote server at a first rate of at least six times per hour, using the wireless communication module, for an instruction to change the setpoint temperature, and (iii) in the first mode of operation, during a second time period, poll the remote server at a second rate that is lower than the first rate, using the wireless communication module, for an instruction to change the setpoint temperature.