Aiming to transform the heating and cooling industry with sleek, smart designs, Quilt was founded by former Google employees. The company raised $9 million in a seed round in May 2023, led by Lowercarbon Capital and Gradient Ventures, positioning itself to scale operations and bring innovative products to market. Inspired by design principles from Apple, Tesla, and Nest, Quilt targets consumers seeking both aesthetics and functionality in their home HVAC systems.
Designer: Quilt
The indoor units are compact in size and feature customizable front panels. Unlike the bulky designs found in traditional mini-splits, Quilt offers options such as oak wood veneer or surfaces that can be painted or wallpapered to match any interior decor. This flexibility allows the units to either blend seamlessly with or enhance home aesthetics. Moreover, the inclusion of color-customizable accent lighting adds a personal touch, serving as a nightlight or mood light.
The exterior unit, often a significant drawback for potential buyers due to its unattractive appearance, has been reimagined with a sleek, unobtrusive design. Quilt’s outdoor unit is compact and aesthetically pleasing, ensuring it doesn’t detract from a home’s exterior.
These heat pumps are packed with smart features designed to optimize comfort and efficiency. The Dial, a central control device, combines a touchscreen with a rotary control, providing an intuitive user interface. Compatible with Thread and Matter smart home communication protocols, the Dial ensures seamless integration with other smart devices. The Sense module, featuring a millimeter-wave occupancy sensor, accurately detects room occupancy, optimizing energy use and maintaining comfort levels.
The system’s zoning capability allows for precise temperature control in individual rooms, maximizing energy efficiency. With the ability to maintain 90% of its heating capacity down to -13 degrees F and utilizing R-32 refrigerant, which has a lower global warming potential than R-410a, Quilt’s heat pumps are both powerful and environmentally friendly.
The design and functionality make it ideal for various use cases, especially in regions with older buildings where central air installation is impractical. For instance, in Europe and Asia, where many buildings lack central air conditioning, Quilt’s ductless mini-splits offer an efficient, aesthetically pleasing solution. In the U.S., homeowners with rooms that are difficult to heat or cool, such as an upstairs office above a garage, can benefit from Quilt’s smart and attractive units. The customizable design and efficient performance make Quilt an appealing option for those who have avoided traditional mini-splits due to their unattractive exterior units.
Quilt’s customizable front panel blend in with your decor unlike other white mini-split.
Quilt distinguishes itself from competitors like Mitsubishi, Daikin, and Carrier with its focus on design and smart features. While traditional units may offer similar functionality, Quilt’s emphasis on aesthetics and user experience sets it apart. The customizable front panels and sleek exterior unit provide a significant visual upgrade, appealing to consumers who value both form and function. Additionally, Quilt’s smart technology, including the intuitive Dial and advanced occupancy sensing, enhances the user experience, making it a more attractive option for tech-savvy homeowners.
The ability to integrate seamlessly into smart home ecosystems and a commitment to sustainability with the use of R-32 refrigerant further bolster its competitive edge. With the global heat pump market expected to grow significantly, Quilt is well-positioned to capture a share of this expanding market by offering a product that combines beauty, intelligence, and efficiency.
Innovative design and smart features redefine the residential HVAC market by addressing both aesthetic and functional concerns. With a strong foundation and backing from notable investors, Quilt is poised to lead the next wave of HVAC innovation, providing consumers with a product that is as beautiful as it is efficient.