Patent ID: 8567686

Claim:
A method of converting a single zone system into a multizone system, wherein the method comprises the acts of: retrofitting an existing heating element in at least a first and a second room by adding an input device at one end of the heating element, the input device coupled to an existing hot water pipe on a first end and to the heating element on a second end, wherein the input device includes an RF circuit configured for receiving an RF control signal from a thermostat; installing a bypass pipe, coupled to the input device on the second end and generally providing a hot water path parallel to the heating element; installing an output device, the output device coupled proximate a first end to the bypass pipe and the heating element and coupled proximate a second end to an existing hot water pipe; installing a central thermostat in the first room, wherein the central thermostat comprises a temperature sensing device, temperature setting controls and an RF circuit, wherein the RF circuit provides the input device RF control signal and for receiving RF signals from peripheral thermostats, the central thermostat configured for providing the input device RF control signal for the input device controlling heat in said first room, and responsive to said temperature sensing device in said central thermostat and to an RF signal from one or more peripheral thermostats, for providing a signal to said boiler causing said boiler to provide hot water to said single zone heating system; and installing at least one peripheral thermostat in the second room, wherein the peripheral thermostat comprises a temperature sensing device, temperature setting controls and an RF circuit, the RF circuit configured for providing the input device located in the second room with an RF control signal and for providing an RF signal to said central thermostat.