In the realm of home climate solutions, a captivating collaboration has emerged between San Francisco industrial design duo Mike&Maaike and the innovative heat and cooling technology startup, Quilt. With an impressive portfolio spanning furniture, product design, technology devices, environments, and transportation, Mike&Maaike's expertise in infusing technology with an inviting approachability sets Quilt apart from other HVAC options.
Quilt's indoor unit delivers an impressive cooling range of 2,000 to 19,700 BTU and a heating range of 2,500 to 20,500 BTU/h. The system's decor-friendly design allows for customization using wraps or paint to seamlessly match wall colors, breaking away from the typical monotonous plastic housing of mini-split units. The unit's White Oak veneer front panel option offers a warmly benign presence, while the all-white version provides a clean and modern look.
Measuring just 38 inches wide and 7-7/8 inches tall, Quilt's indoor unit minimizes its visual imprint, making it easier to accommodate in tight spaces such as above windows or doors. When in operation, the unit is remarkably quiet, producing only 27-47 decibels depending on the fan speed, which is "quieter than rainfall."
The Quilt Dial, a smart thermostat designed for room-by-room control, can be installed in-wall or used as a portable device. Its wedge-like design features a 326ppi OLED touchscreen display, providing an unobtrusive control system that rivals the widely adopted Nest Thermostat. The Quilt Dial is complemented by an iOS and Android app, enabling users to easily control their home's climate from the comfort of their sofa or bed.
Quilt's outdoor heat pump condenser unit boasts a sleek, matte black design with a slatted exterior, adding an architectural touch to its appearance. The unit operates at a sound rating of 55 decibels, ensuring a silent presence outside the home. Impressively, the system is rated as an Energy Star Most Efficient system with a SEER2 rating of 25, a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2 of 11, and a Consortium for Energy Efficiency Tier 2 rating.
The cost of the Quilt system is $6,499 per room (before rebates), which includes professional installation by Quilt and all the necessary hardware. Each outdoor unit can power up to two indoor units, potentially making it a competitive option compared to other multi-room heat pump systems. The system also features built-in accent lighting with changeable colors and brightness, adding a pleasant atmospheric touch to any room.
Quilt is currently accepting reservations, with installations set to begin in late Summer 2024 for Bay Area households, followed by Los Angeles in Fall/Winter 2024. The company plans to expand to new markets based on reservation numbers and geography.
As homeowners seek to upgrade their outdated HVAC systems without incurring significant damage to their homes and bank accounts, Quilt emerges as an intriguing and visually appealing option. The collaboration between Mike&Maaike and Quilt demonstrates the power of partnerships in creating innovative solutions that seamlessly blend technology with home decor, elevating the overall living experience.
