Abstract: A system for monitoring temperature in the combustion chamber of a gas fueled water heater using a thermoelectric device placed near the gas burner. Based on the measured temperature, the water heater can determine whether abnormal operation is occurring that would require closing the flow of gaseous fuel to e.g., the main burner, pilot burner, or both.

Abstract: A packaged terminal air conditioner unit (PTAC) and methods for operating the same are provided. The PTAC includes a bulkhead defining a vent aperture providing fluid communication between an indoor portion and an outdoor portion. A vent door or a make-up air module is positioned proximate the vent aperture for controlling a flow of make-up air passing through the vent aperture. A communication module communicates with a remote source for obtaining outdoor environmental conditions and a controller selectively operates the vent door or the make-up air module based at least in part on the outdoor environmental conditions obtained from the remote source.

Abstract: Air conditioner units are provided. A unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, and a compressor. The unit further includes a bulkhead disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. The unit further includes a vent aperture defined in the bulkhead. The unit further includes a dehumidification system disposed at least partially within the outdoor portion, the dehumidification system including an evaporator configured for removing heat from outdoor air flowing therethrough, a condenser configured for adding heat to outdoor air flowing therethrough, and an auxiliary compressor in fluid communication with the evaporator and the condenser.

Abstract: A packaged terminal air conditioner unit is provided. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit can include a heater bank jumper configured to couple one or more heater banks to a controller associated with the packaged terminal air conditioner unit. The heater bank jumper can be selectively configurable to provide at least one shunt line to couple at least one contact point associated with the controller to at least one contact point associated with the one or more heater banks. In this manner, the heater bank jumper can be configured based at least in part on an amount of current provided to the packaged terminal air conditioner unit by an electric service.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Air conditioner units are provided. A unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, and a compressor. The unit further includes a bulkhead disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. The unit further includes a vent aperture defined in the bulkhead. The unit further includes a dehumidification system disposed at least partially within the outdoor portion, the dehumidification system including an evaporator configured for removing heat from outdoor air flowing therethrough, a condenser configured for adding heat to outdoor air flowing therethrough, and an auxiliary compressor in fluid communication with the evaporator and the condenser.

Abstract: A packaged terminal air conditioner unit is provided. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit can include a heater bank jumper configured to couple one or more heater banks to a controller associated with the packaged terminal air conditioner unit. The heater bank jumper can be selectively configurable to provide at least one shunt line to couple at least one contact point associated with the controller to at least one contact point associated with the one or more heater banks. In this manner, the heater bank jumper can be configured based at least in part on an amount of current provided to the packaged terminal air conditioner unit by an electric service.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing two energy level settings for a refrigerator hot water heater are provided. An exemplary refrigerator includes a refrigeration system that includes an evaporator. The refrigerator includes a defrost assembly for defrosting one or more of the evaporator or a freezer compartment. The refrigerator includes a water dispensing assembly that includes a heating element for heating a volume of water. The refrigerator includes a controller configured to operate the heating element at a first energy level when the defrost assembly is not operating and to operate the heating element at a second energy level when the defrost assembly is operating. An exemplary method includes detecting that the refrigerator is performing an energy critical task. The method includes enabling a reduced consumption of electrical power by a heating element included in a water dispensing assembly of the refrigerator when the refrigerator is performing the energy critical task.

Abstract: Refrigerator appliances for use with fragrance dispensers, and methods for operating refrigerator appliances, are provided. A method includes providing a fragrance dispenser in a housing, the housing disposed in a dispenser recess defined in the refrigerator appliance. The method further includes flowing a gas from an outlet conduit into the fragrance dispenser.

Abstract: Refrigerator appliances for use with fragrance dispensers, and methods for operating refrigerator appliances, are provided. A method includes providing a fragrance dispenser in a housing, the housing disposed in a dispenser recess defined in the refrigerator appliance. The method further includes flowing a gas from an outlet conduit into the fragrance dispenser.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing two energy level settings for a refrigerator hot water heater are provided. An exemplary refrigerator includes a refrigeration system that includes an evaporator. The refrigerator includes a defrost assembly for defrosting one or more of the evaporator or a freezer compartment. The refrigerator includes a water dispensing assembly that includes a heating element for heating a volume of water. The refrigerator includes a controller configured to operate the heating element at a first energy level when the defrost assembly is not operating and to operate the heating element at a second energy level when the defrost assembly is operating. An exemplary method includes detecting that the refrigerator is performing an energy critical task. The method includes enabling a reduced consumption of electrical power by a heating element included in a water dispensing assembly of the refrigerator when the refrigerator is performing the energy critical task.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance with a hot water dispenser includes a refrigerated cabinet having a dispenser area an input device for a user to indicate and control desired dispensing functions. The input device may require the user to perform two actions to dispense hot water: a first action to indicate one or more desired hot water parameters and a second action to dispense the hot water. A controller may reduce current draw in the appliance when water is heated, or may employ an energy storage device for heating.