Patent ID: 6375087
Filing Date: 2002-04-23
Classification: F24D,G05D

Abstract:
A computer-implemented method for self-programmable temperature and usage control for a hot water heater comprising the steps of:receiving a plurality of user entered selections; receiving an ON/OFF signal from a water meter indicating an ON/OFF state of water into the hot water heater; utilizing said ON/OFF signal to detect an idle period representing no water usage; detecting idle periods of a set time duration; responsive to an idle period start time, automatically setting a control temperature to a lower than normal temperature for an idle mode; responsive to an idle period end time, automatically setting said control temperature to a normal temperature; detecting and storing a number of idle days of no water usage; automatically entering a vacation mode responsive to a predefined number of idle days of no water usage and automatically setting said control temperature to a vacation temperature: and responsive to detecting an end of said detected no water usage, automatically setting said control temperature to said normal temperature.