Abstract: A multiple-boiler heating system is disclosed in which each boiler or stage is provided with an adjustable firing level of modulation at which the boiler is turned on and an adjustable threshold level of modulation (the MOD point), below which the next stage is disabled from being turned on. A control device for the heating system continuously compares temperature in the area being heated to the set point for the system and determines the total change in system output level ("DUTYCHANGE") which would be required to produce a specified temperature within a predetermined time. Should DUTYCHANGE be negative, it is similarly distributed among the stages which are turned on. However, the reduction in modulation level proceeds backwards from the last stage which was turned on. When the last stage reaches its firing point, it is not turned off until the previous stage drops below its MOD point. The lead stage is turned off as soon as it reaches its firing point.