A new name in ductless heat pumps—Quilt—has started to make noise in the residential HVAC space. It’s not coming from a legacy manufacturer, but from a design-focused startup that’s leaning into smart tech, modular installs, and direct-to-consumer sales. If you’re an HVAC professional, the Quilt heat pump isn’t a system to ignore—but it’s also not one to blindly jump on.
What the Quilt Heat Pump Is Trying to Do
Quilt’s system is built around the idea that homeowners want more control—room-by-room temperatures, app interfaces, and minimal-looking indoor units. The setup includes:
- Low-profile, wall-mounted indoor heads
- A dial-style controller per room (in place of a traditional thermostat)
- A mobile app that manages scheduling, usage, and adjustments
- An outdoor unit that currently supports two zones
They’re pitching a “smarter” mini split alternative—but the core tech is still standard variable-speed heat pump hardware with added design and software layers.
What’s Actually Interesting
- Efficiency ratings are solid: 25 SEER2 and 12 HSPF2
- Occupancy sensors and “learning” algorithms allow for automated adjustments
- User-first design: The look of the indoor heads and controls is cleaner and more modern than typical systems
- App integration: Full access to system control through a smartphone
This might appeal to tech-savvy homeowners or younger buyers who prioritize automation and clean aesthetics.
Where the System May Fall Short
1. Limited Zone Capacity
Right now, each outdoor unit can only support two indoor heads. That severely limits whole-home installations unless multiple outdoor units are used—which increases cost, complexity, and space requirements.
2. Closed Installer Network
Quilt is only working with a select group of approved installers, which shuts out independent contractors and limits your ability to service or spec the product outside their ecosystem. That raises concerns about:
- Replacement parts availability
- Support responsiveness
- Who owns the service relationship (you or Quilt?)
If your customer buys this system and you’re not in their network, you’re potentially locked out of helping them.
3. Proprietary Controls & Software
The system uses its own wall dials and app, not standard thermostats. That means:
- No integration with existing home HVAC controls
- More potential failure points related to software updates or app bugs
- Service calls where HVAC knowledge meets tech support headaches
If something fails, diagnosing it could be less about pressure readings and more about interface quirks or firmware versions.
4. Consumer-Driven Expectations
Because Quilt markets directly to homeowners, you may walk into situations where the customer thinks they know more than they do—or expects something this system doesn’t actually deliver. Managing those expectations becomes your problem.
What HVAC Pros Should Watch
- Warranty structure – Who owns the warranty? The installer or Quilt?
- Parts availability – Will you be able to get what you need in 5 years?
- Support – Is there a reliable tech line for contractors, or just email support for users?
- Long-term viability – If the company folds, is the system still serviceable?
Final Thoughts
The Quilt heat pump isn’t just another mini split—it’s a signal that smart home companies are starting to encroach on HVAC territory. The system is clean-looking, easy to market to tech-forward homeowners, and efficient on paper.
But as pros, we’ve seen this before: proprietary systems that promise convenience and create chaos when things go wrong.
If you’re in high-end residential work, it might be worth keeping on your radar. Just go in knowing the limitations—and don’t expect it to replace a properly designed multi-zone system anytime soon.
