Abstract: A control system for a fuel-fired appliance and methods of operating are disclosed. In an illustrative embodiment, when an electrical characteristic of an optical detector, such as a resistance, does not change by at least a predetermined amount during an ignition trial, and/or when a level of EMI or electrical noise detected by an antenna in a burner assembly of the fuel-fired appliance does not increase during the ignition trial, the control system may determine that the ignition assembly is not sparking properly. In some instances, the control system may also be programmed to activate an indicator that would indicate to a user or technician a potential problem with the ignition assembly (e.g. not sparking properly to ignite fuel).

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a fuel fired appliance that may include an optional hardware component such as a damper are disclosed. In some cases, the presence of the optional hardware component is detected, and it is determined whether the optional hardware component is required for future operation of the fuel fired appliance. The fuel fired appliance may be operated normally if the optional hardware component is present and required, or, in some cases, if the optional hardware component is determined to be not required. If the optional hardware component is absent but required, normal operation of the fuel fired appliance may be stopped.

Abstract: A control system for a fuel-fired appliance and methods of operating are disclosed. In an illustrative embodiment, when an electrical characteristic of an optical detector, such as a resistance, does not change by at least a predetermined amount during an ignition trial, and/or when a level of EMI or electrical noise detected by an antenna in a burner assembly of the fuel-fired appliance does not increase during the ignition trial, the control system may determine that the ignition assembly is not sparking properly. In some instances, the control system may also be programmed to activate an indicator that would indicate to a user or technician a potential problem with the ignition assembly (e.g. not sparking properly to ignite fuel).

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a fuel fired appliance that may include an optional hardware component such as a damper are disclosed. In some cases, the presence of the optional hardware component is detected, and it is determined whether the optional hardware component is required for future operation of the fuel fired appliance. The fuel fired appliance may be operated normally if the optional hardware component is present and required, or, in some cases, if the optional hardware component is determined to be not required. If the optional hardware component is absent but required, normal operation of the fuel fired appliance may be stopped.

Abstract: A method of accommodating an element in a building equipment component. The presence of the element may be detected, and whether the element is required may be determined. The building equipment component may be operated if the element is present and required, or if the element not required. If the element is absent but required, the building equipment component may be stopped. In some instances, the building equipment component may include a required first sensor, and the element may be an optional second sensor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a fuel fired appliance that may include an optional hardware component such as a damper are disclosed. In some cases, the presence of the optional hardware component is detected, and it is determined whether the optional hardware component is required for future operation of the fuel fired appliance. The fuel fired appliance may be operated normally if the optional hardware component is present and required, or, in some cases, if the optional hardware component is determined to be not required. If the optional hardware component is absent but required, normal operation of the fuel fired appliance may be stopped.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at systems and methods for detecting flue blockages in an HVAC system without the addition of numerous additional sensor elements, wiring, and connections that can unduly increase the cost and possibly reduce the reliability of the HVAC system. In an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, changes in the output of a flame sensor are used to detect when a likely flue blockage exists.