The transformative evolution of energy-efficient home systems offers homeowners a thoughtful, smarter way to manage their indoor environments. There are many benefits of smart home technology, and invested homeowners recognize that trend runs deeper than potential energy savings. Simply put: If you're not paying attention to smart technology yet, these innovative companies are game-changers. They're developing the most advanced, integrated, and sophisticated solutions to the greenhouse gas crisis we've ever seen. The newest to the market is Quilt, a brand-new, all-electric, ductless, rebate-eligible heat pump that's a full generation ahead of any other HVAC system.
Smart Systems Look to Improve Energy Efficiency and Enhance Comfort
“There is one system that dominates energy use in the home: heating and cooling. HVAC is responsible for 70% of all fossil fuel use in the home. [This energy] is responsible for 20% of greenhouse gas emissions. That’s more than cars," notes Paul Lambert, CEO and Co-Founder of Quilt. The company has raised a $9M seed round and $33 Series A, and excitement around the product is palpable. It's co-led by Energy Impact Partners and Galvanize Climate Solutions, with participation from Lowercarbon Capital, Gradient Ventures, MCJ Collective, Garage Capital, Incite Ventures, and Drew Scott.
"If we want to accelerate the energy transition we need all-electric, really fantastic, 21st-century smart heating and cooling systems. The good news is that the modern technology already exists. Heat pumps can reach 300% to 400% energy efficiency, meaning they’re putting out three to four times as much energy in the form of heat as they’re using in electricity," shares Lambert. "That said, today's heat pumps lack great design and are difficult and stressful to adopt. Quilt’s home heating and cooling system is smarter, sleeker, and more efficient than anything else on the market today.”
Why Switch to a Heat Pump
"Heat pumps are 3 to 4 times as efficient as traditional furnaces (gas or electric) and Quilt is at the very top of that range," notes Lambert. "Independent studies have found that 80-95% of Americans would save on their energy bills by switching to a typical heat pump; we expect Quilt to be even higher due to our category-leading, real-world efficiency."
But savings and a reduction in energy waste aren't the only reason people are excited about Quilt. Smart home climate control is important to many, and Quilt enables a healthier and more comfortable home across the board. "80% of Americans with central systems struggle with hot or cold spots, and Quilt solves this with its room-by-room control. Quilt gives homeowners a level of control over their own home they have never experienced before."
Quilt Outdoor Unit
Measures 28"H x 38"W x 16"D
The outdoor unit powers up to two indoor units and serves as the anchor for the system. Its 2:1 ratio translates to a quieter, more compact, and more efficient system. Its energy-efficient performance will also save you more money than higher ratio systems.
- Best-in-class variable speed compressor to achieve a wide range of heating and cooling outputs
- Uses R32, a refrigerant with a global warming potential 3 times lower than current options
- Matte black exterior — so slick
- Architectural design elements
- Can sit on the ground outdoors or be wall-mounted; a space-efficient solution
- Quieter than a conversation at 36-55 dBA
- Input power 208/230V
Quilt Indoor Unit
Measures 7-7/8"H x 38"W x 8-1/4"D
Forget unsightly indoor units. Quilt's indoor units are customizable, like built-in cabinetry. Even better, the product comes with a choice of two premium covers: real white oak veneer or a white option that is paintable or ready for wallpaper. Unlike the competitors, Quilt's design won't intrude in your interior aesthetic. It'll help to enhance it.
- Brings the room to your ideal temperature preference in minutes
- Industry-leading millimeter wave occupancy detection; an advanced technology
- Quieter than rainfall, 27-47 dBA
- One key feature is the built-in accent lighting with changeable colors and brightness
- Wi-Fi updates enabled
- Upgradable Sense module unlocks new, advanced features and improves performance
Quilt Dial
Measures 2-1/4" diameter
Manage your home's temperature settings using the Quilt Dial, a room-by-room smart thermostat that can wall-mount or sit on your tabletop. This smart home device has a small, high-resolution touchscreen that's easy to use. It also enables Quilt's motion sensors and proximity detection technologies for efficient heating and cooling.
- Touchscreen and rotary dial for effortless control
- Supports in-wall wiring or plug-in AC adapter
- High-resolution (326ppi) OLED display — and it turns totally dark when off, so you won't be bothered by an ambient light setting.
- Meticulously crafted and durable matte glass finish
- Energy-saving features include advanced sensors/occupancy sensors
- Ambient room temperature, motion, and proximity detection
- Wall-mountable or tabletop
- 2.4 GHz/5 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 / BLE connectivity
- 802.15.4 (at 2.4 GHz) Thread and Matter capable
Quilt App
This app-enabled smart device is easy to control from anywhere using the Quilt App. Plus, unlike a traditional thermostat, the app gives you insight into live reporting and comprehensive energy usage and lets you manage permissions for both family members and guests.
- Smart control system is accessible from anywhere
- Schedule settings for hours of the day and days of the week
- Settings to minimize energy consumption when rooms are unoccupied
- Live reporting so you always know how your system’s running
- Comprehensive energy reporting
- Permissions for family, children, and guests
- Available for both iOS and Android smartphones
How do you switch from a gas furnace to a heat pump?
“The first thing you should expect when switching from a gas furnace to a heat pump is a whole new level of comfort and control over your home. Each room will be at the perfect temperature–all without the use of fossil fuels," notes Lambert.
He adds, "There are two kinds of heat pumps: ducted (forced air conditioning) and ductless. Quilt is a ductless mini-split heat pump, which doesn’t require a home to have ducting to be installed. Installation is a non-invasive and simple installation process; Quilt will mount the indoor units in each room and connect them to the outdoor units through a refrigerant line. Installation is handled by Quilt’s expert team to make sure homes are treated with care and respect.”
How can I get Quilt?
If you're in the Bay Area or Los Angeles, you're in luck. Installations begin in late Summer and continue into Winter 2024/25. Further expansion depends on reservation volume, so tell your friends to show interest and help boost your hometown to the top of their install list.
The product starts at $6,499 per room before point-of-sale rebates. The price includes everything you need: the Indoor Unit, the Dial for the room, the Outdoor Unit, app, full installation, and ongoing support.
