An aspect of some embodiments of the current invention relates to an integrated system for heat distribution among a plurality of users. In some embodiments, the system includes a separate automatic control of heat distribution to each user and/or separate billing to each user. For example, a system may supply hot fluid to a plurality of apartments in a building and/or in multiple buildings. Optionally, each apartment has separate remote controlled valves controlling flow of heated fluid to the apartment and/or a sensor sensing how much heat enters and leaves the apartment in the hot fluid. In some embodiments, a processor controls the valve and/or receives data from sensors. The processor optionally controls devices that generate and/or store and/or dissipate heat. Optionally the processor predicts energy availability, costs and needs controls valves and/or devices to provide for predicted and/or unexpected needs while reduce cost of the energy.

A system and method of operating a water heater appliance provides an indication to a user that an excessive amount of hot water has been drawn from the hot water heater. The system includes a hot water heater, a mixing valve, a flow detector, and a controller configured for regulating the mixing valve to restrict the flow of hot water through the mixing valve when a predetermined amount of hot water has been withdrawn within a predetermined time period. By temporarily restricting the flow of hot water, a short duration of cold water will be provided to the user as an indication that an excessive amount of hot water is being used. In response, the user may reduce or terminate the use of further hot water, resulting in a reduced energy and water consumption.

Embodiments of the invention provide a heater including a housing, a first tankless heater, a second tankless heater, a first and second flow directing elements, the first flow directing element in communication with the first tankless heater and the second flow directing element and the second flow directing element in communication with the second tankless heater, and a controller in communication with the first and second tankless heaters and the first and second flow directing elements, the controller configured to control the first and second flow directing elements to control flow to one or both of the first and second tankless heaters.

A system for heating water to improve safety and efficiency. The system may have normal operation measured in time. After a time of normal operation, a water temperature setpoint may be checked. If the setpoint is not at a certain level, normal operation may continue. If the setpoint is within the certain level, water temperature may be measured. If the water temperature is less than a desired level, one or more draws of water may be measured for a preset temperature drop. If the draws do not meet the temperature drop, a return to check the setpoint may be made. If the draws meet the temperature drop, the setpoint may be reduced and a time of normal operation may be measured to determine whether a burn cycle occurs within the time. If not, normal operation may continue; but if so, a return to check the setpoint may be made.

A flame powered intermittent pilot combustion controller may include a first power source and a second power source separate from the first power source, a thermal electric and/or photoelectric device, an igniter and a controller. The thermal electric and/or photoelectric device may charge the first power source when exposed to a flame. The controller and the igniter may receive power from the first power source when the first power source has sufficient available power, and may receive power from the second power source when the first power source does not have sufficient available power.

Systems and methods for dynamic and automated control of a heating appliance based on atmospheric pressure conditions are provided. Particularly, a controller of the heating appliance may be configured to automatically adjust the amount of gas and/or air provided to the combustion chamber of the heating appliance based on changes in atmospheric pressure in the environment of the heating appliance. Changes in atmospheric pressure may impact the combustion process within the heating appliance, which may lead to inefficiencies in the operation of the heating appliance if the rate at which gas and/or air is provided remain constant during pressure changes. To mitigate these impacts, a barometric pressure sensor may be used to measure the atmospheric pressure at any given time and may provide this data to the controller. The controller may then adjust the rate at which gas and/or air is provided within the heating appliance to reduce such inefficiencies.

Systems and methods for dynamic and automated control of a heating appliance based on atmospheric pressure conditions are provided. Particularly, a controller of the heating appliance may be configured to automatically adjust the amount of gas and/or air provided to the combustion chamber of the heating appliance based on changes in atmospheric pressure in the environment of the heating appliance. Changes in atmospheric pressure may impact the combustion process within the heating appliance, which may lead to inefficiencies in the operation of the heating appliance if the rate at which gas and/or air is provided remain constant during pressure changes. To mitigate these impacts, a barometric pressure sensor may be used to measure the atmospheric pressure at any given time and may provide this data to the controller. The controller may then adjust the rate at which gas and/or air is provided within the heating appliance to reduce such inefficiencies.