TL;DR
Quilt launched a three-zone mini-split that uses extensive sensor data and software updates to improve low-speed compressor control and maintain high capacity in cold weather. The company credits field data, a larger copper coil and a smaller compressor spec for delivering near-rated output at very low temperatures.
What happened
Quilt unveiled a three-zone heat pump that lets a single outdoor unit drive three indoor heads, simplifying larger installations and reducing exterior equipment footprint. The startup’s systems are heavily instrumented and internet-connected; Quilt says engineers used telemetry from roughly one thousand installed units to identify real-world operating patterns and tune control software. An over-the-air update in September reportedly unlocked about 20% more capacity for deployed units, which can be directed to one or two zones. For the new three-zone product, Quilt combined control software improvements with hardware choices — including a larger copper coil and a smaller-spec compressor — to sustain nearly 90% of rated capacity (27,000 BTUs) at -13°F (-25°C) while preserving low-speed stability. Individual indoor heads can modulate down to a few thousand BTUs, and the outdoor unit releases only modest heat when zones are idle. Quilt recently raised $20 million in a Series B to expand sales.
Why it matters
- Field telemetry enabled iterative software and hardware tuning that standard lab testing often misses.
- Maintaining high capacity at very low temperatures expands heat pump viability in colder climates.
- A three-zone outdoor unit reduces installation complexity and outdoor equipment footprint for larger homes.
- Over-the-air updates can materially improve installed hardware performance without physical retrofits.
Key facts
- Product: a three-zone mini-split that connects one outdoor unit to three indoor heads.
- Data: Quilt collects extensive sensor data from roughly 1,000 installed units to guide development.
- OTA update: In September, Quilt pushed an over-the-air update that unlocked an additional ~20% capacity for existing units.
- Cold performance: Quilt reports the unit delivers nearly 90% of its 27,000 BTU rating at -13°F (-25°C).
- Hardware choices: The design uses a larger copper coil paired with a smaller compressor spec to balance low-speed control and capacity.
- Per-head modulation: Each indoor head can supply as little as ~2,210 BTUs of heating or ~1,570 BTUs of cooling.
- Idle heat release: When zones do not require heating, the outdoor unit emits around 300 BTUs in heating mode, according to Quilt.
- Funding: Quilt raised a $20 million Series B aimed at expanding sales.
What to watch next
- How quickly Quilt can scale installations beyond its existing fleet and whether the data-driven approach holds up across more diverse housing stocks.
- Independent verification of Quilt’s efficiency and cold-weather capacity claims (not confirmed in the source).
- Rollout of additional products and product lines informed by field data — Quilt says more products are coming but provided no specifics.
Quick glossary
- Heat pump: A heating and cooling device that transfers heat between indoors and outdoors using refrigerant and a compressor rather than generating heat by combustion.
- Mini-split: A type of heat pump system with an outdoor compressor/condenser and one or more indoor air-handling units (heads) connected by refrigerant lines.
- Compressor: The component in a heat pump that pressurizes refrigerant and drives the refrigeration cycle; its speed affects capacity and efficiency.
- BTU: British Thermal Unit; a common unit of heat output used to rate heating and cooling equipment.
- Over-the-air update (OTA): A remote software update delivered via the internet to devices already deployed in the field.
Reader FAQ
How did Quilt increase capacity for existing units?
Quilt says it delivered an over-the-air software update in September that unlocked about 20% more capacity based on analysis of field data.
Can the new three-zone unit operate in very cold weather?
Quilt reports the unit maintains nearly 90% of its 27,000 BTU rating at -13°F (-25°C).
How many units provided the data Quilt used?
Quilt drew on telemetry from around one thousand installed units, according to the company.
Will Quilt release more products or expand to all home types?
The company’s CTO said Quilt wants solutions for all homes and indicated more products are coming, but provided no further specifics.
Smart home startup Quilt introduced a three-zone heat pump on Tuesday that promises to maintain efficiency even in the kinds of demanding conditions that stymie traditional incumbents. The three-zone unit…
Sources
- How Quilt solved the heat pump’s biggest challenge
- Quilt – The smartest way to heat and cool your home
- How an over-the-air update made Quilt's heat pumps more …
- Quilt rapidly expands system capacity with over-the-air update
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