Abstract: A method for customizing an interactive presentation layout for a remote system controller is disclosed. The method is implemented by a functional interface customization (FIC) computing device comprising a memory device, a processor, and the interactive presentation layout. The method includes storing a plurality of presentation layout files associated with a plurality of presentation layouts for the remote system controller in the memory device; storing a plurality of layout component files associated with a plurality of layout components in the memory device; receiving, from a consumer computing device, a selection of a presentation layout of the plurality of presentation layouts; and transmitting a presentation layout file of the plurality of presentation layout files to the remote system controller for installation on the remote system controller, wherein the presentation layout file corresponds to the presentation layout selected by the consumer computing device.

Abstract: An example HVAC system includes an HVAC component, and an HVAC controller configured to selectively control the HVAC component in a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The system also includes a sensor in communication with the HVAC controller. The sensor is configured to detect one or more parameters of the HVAC system and periodically transmit the one or more detected parameters to the HVAC controller. The sensor is also configured to transmit the one or more detected parameters according to a first transmission interval when the HVAC controller is operating in the first operating mode, and to transmit the one or more detected parameters according to a second transmission interval when the HVAC controller is operating in the second operating mode. The first transmission interval is different than the second transmission interval. Example methods of controlling an HVAC system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting occupancy of a conditioned space are provided. The method includes controlling an environmental parameter of the conditioned space to a first selectable value using a first output signal of a process controller. The process controller configured to receive an indication of the environmental parameter of the conditioned space. The method also includes receiving a first indication of occupancy of the conditioned space using a passive occupancy sensor, receiving a second indication of occupancy of the conditioned space using an active occupancy sensor, and determining an occupancy state of the conditioned space based on a correlation between the first indication of occupancy and the second indication of occupancy. The method further includes controlling the environmental parameter of the conditioned space to a second selectable value based on the determined occupancy state.

Abstract: An example HVAC system includes an HVAC component, and an HVAC controller configured to selectively control the HVAC component in a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The system also includes a sensor in communication with the HVAC controller. The sensor is configured to detect one or more parameters of the HVAC system and periodically transmit the one or more detected parameters to the HVAC controller. The sensor is also configured to transmit the one or more detected parameters according to a first transmission interval when the HVAC controller is operating in the first operating mode, and to transmit the one or more detected parameters according to a second transmission interval when the HVAC controller is operating in the second operating mode. The first transmission interval is different than the second transmission interval. Example methods of controlling an HVAC system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of controllers and methods for controlling a climate control system. In an exemplary embodiment, a climate control system controller for controlling operation of a climate control system of a structure generally includes a processor, memory, and network interface configured to provide the climate control system controller with wireless network connectivity. The climate control system controller is selectively connectable, in response to user input, with each of a plurality of destination servers remote from the structure.

Abstract: A method for customizing an interactive presentation layout for a remote system controller is disclosed. The method is implemented by a functional interface customization (FIC) computing device comprising a memory device, a processor, and the interactive presentation layout. The method includes storing a plurality of presentation layout files associated with a plurality of presentation layouts for the remote system controller in the memory device; storing a plurality of layout component files associated with a plurality of layout components in the memory device; receiving, from a consumer computing device, a selection of a presentation layout of the plurality of presentation layouts; and transmitting a presentation layout file of the plurality of presentation layout files to the remote system controller for installation on the remote system controller, wherein the presentation layout file corresponds to the presentation layout selected by the consumer computing device.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a water heater that operates according to a voltage supply includes a temperature sensor, mounted on at least one of a temperature and pressure (T&P) valve of the water heater and a hot water line of the water heater, that generates a temperature signal corresponding to a first temperature of the at least one of the T&P valve and the hot water line. A control module mounted on the water heater includes a switching module that receives the voltage supply and outputs the voltage supply to the water heater. The voltage supply passes at least one of through and adjacent to the control module. The control module determines a second temperature of water within the water heater based on the temperature signal and selectively actuates the switching module to turn on and turn off the voltage supply to the water heater based on the second temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for using real-time feedback from appliance servicers. In an exemplary embodiment, a system generally includes a repository in which instructions are stored to provide an interactive resource for guiding user servicing of appliances. Specific appliances are registered in an appliance registry and associated with specific users. Each registered appliance is user-serviceable in accordance with instructions from the repository provided via a server on a display and/or speaker of an intermediary computing device, e.g., a user smart phone. The server solicits and receives, in the course of servicing being user-performed, real-time user feedback pertaining to the servicing instructions. The instructions may be updated in the repository based on the user feedback.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of controllers and methods for controlling a climate control system. In an exemplary embodiment, a climate control system controller for controlling operation of a climate control system of a structure generally includes a processor, memory, and network interface configured to provide the climate control system controller with wireless network connectivity. The climate control system controller is selectively connectable, in response to user input, with each of a plurality of destination servers remote from the structure.

Abstract: A water heater includes an electrical junction box that receives a voltage supply. The electrical junction box includes at least one cover plate for providing access to an internal portion of the water heater. The voltage supply passes through the at least one cover plate and connects to internal wiring of the water heater. A method for providing a control module on the water heater includes routing service wiring for providing the voltage supply to the water heater into an electrical connection portion of the control module, routing the internal wiring of the water heater into the electrical connection portion of the control module, and connecting the service wiring to the internal wiring of the water heater within the electrical connection portion of the control module.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of climate control system controllers and methods for staging controller functions. In an exemplary embodiment, a climate control system controller generally includes power stealing circuitry, charge storage device(s) for storing charge provided by the power stealing circuitry and for providing power for controller functions, and a processor. For each controller function, the processor predefines a maximum wait time corresponding to the controller function. Before performance of one of the controller functions, the processor compares at least once the current level of charge on the charge storage device(s) to a predefined voltage level. Based on the comparing, the processor delays performance of the controller function until the corresponding predefined maximum wait time has passed and/or the current level of charge on the charge storage device(s) has reached the predefined voltage level.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of controllers and methods for controlling a climate control system. In an exemplary embodiment, a climate control system controller for controlling operation of a climate control system of a structure generally includes a processor, memory, and network interface configured to provide the climate control system controller with wireless network connectivity. The climate control system controller is selectively connectable, in response to user input, with each of a plurality of destination servers remote from the structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of climate control system controllers and methods for staging controller functions. In an exemplary embodiment, a climate control system controller generally includes power stealing circuitry, charge storage device(s) for storing charge provided by the power stealing circuitry and for providing power for controller functions, and a processor. For each controller function, the processor predefines a maximum wait time corresponding to the controller function. Before performance of one of the controller functions, the processor compares at least once the current level of charge on the charge storage device(s) to a predefined voltage level. Based on the comparing, the processor delays performance of the controller function until the corresponding predefined maximum wait time has passed and/or the current level of charge on the charge storage device(s) has reached the predefined voltage level.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a water heater that operates according to a voltage supply includes a temperature sensor, mounted on at least one of a temperature and pressure (T&P) valve of the water heater and a hot water line of the water heater, that generates a temperature signal corresponding to a first temperature of the at least one of the T&P valve and the hot water line. A control module mounted on the water heater includes a switching module that receives the voltage supply and outputs the voltage supply to the water heater. The voltage supply passes at least one of through and adjacent to the control module. The control module determines a second temperature of water within the water heater based on the temperature signal and selectively actuates the switching module to turn on and turn off the voltage supply to the water heater based on the second temperature.

Abstract: A system for controlling a water heater that operates according to a voltage supply includes a temperature sensor, mounted on at least one of a temperature and pressure (T&P) valve of the water heater and a hot water line of the water heater, that generates a temperature signal corresponding to a first temperature of the at least one of the T&P valve and the hot water line. A control module mounted on the water heater includes a switching module that receives the voltage supply and outputs the voltage supply to the water heater. The voltage supply passes at least one of through and adjacent to the control module. The control module determines a second temperature of water within the water heater based on the temperature signal and selectively actuates the switching module to turn on and turn off the voltage supply to the water heater based on the second temperature.

Abstract: A water heater includes an electrical junction box that receives a voltage supply. The electrical junction box includes at least one cover plate for providing access to an internal portion of the water heater. The voltage supply passes through the at least one cover plate and connects to internal wiring of the water heater. A method for providing a control module on the water heater includes routing service wiring for providing the voltage supply to the water heater into an electrical connection portion of the control module, routing the internal wiring of the water heater into the electrical connection portion of the control module, and connecting the service wiring to the internal wiring of the water heater within the electrical connection portion of the control module.

Abstract: A control system includes a remote temperature sensor configured to wirelessly communicate a signal indicative of a space temperature, and a return air temperature sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a temperature of return airflow within an air conditioning/heating unit. The system further includes a controller segregated from the space that is responsive to the signals from the sensors for determining a working sensed temperature based upon a temperature value associated with the return air sensor and at least one temperature value associated with at least one remote temperature sensor. The controller is configured to compare the working sensed temperature to a set-point temperature and responsively generate a command signal to activate the air conditioning or heating unit to control temperature relative to a set-point. The controller controls the air conditioning/heating unit at all times based upon the temperature value associated with the return air sensor.

Abstract: A smart energy control module for a water heater includes a switching module that receives a voltage supply and outputs the voltage supply to the water heater. A communication module communicates with at least one of an energy meter and an energy network external to the water heater and the control module. The control module is mounted on the water heater. The voltage supply passes at least one of through and adjacent to the control module. The control module determines at least one operating characteristic of the water heater based on the voltage supply and selectively actuates the switching module to turn on and turn off the voltage supply to the water heater in response to the operating characteristic and information received from the at least one of the energy meter and the energy network.

Abstract: A control module for a water heater includes a switching module that receives a voltage supply and outputs the voltage supply to the water heater. The water heater includes an electrical junction box that receives the voltage supply. A communication module communicates with at least one of an energy meter and an energy network external to the water heater and the control module, and receives information from the at least one of the energy meter and the energy network. The control module is mounted on the water heater and the voltage supply passes through or adjacent to the control module. The control module determines an operating characteristic of the water heater based on the voltage supply and selectively actuates the switching module to turn on and turn off the voltage supply to the water heater in response to the operating characteristic and the information.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of controllers and methods for controlling a climate control system. In an exemplary embodiment, a climate control system controller for controlling operation of a climate control system of a structure generally includes a processor, memory, and network interface configured to provide the climate control system controller with wireless network connectivity. The climate control system controller is selectively connectable, in response to user input, with each of a plurality of destination servers remote from the structure.