Why a former AirPods engineer is now building heat pumps

In an ambitious move towards sustainable energy, California aims to install 6 million heat pumps by 2030. However, with only 2.3 million installed to date, the state must achieve an average of approximately 2,000 installations daily over the next five years to meet its target. This ambitious goal poses significant challenges, especially considering that the installation of a typical mini-split heat pump can take a full day and cost between $4,000 and $6,000 per zone, as noted by EnergySage. Recognizing the urgent need for innovation, Mary-Ann Rau, co-founder and CEO of Merino Energy, emphasized the necessity for a different approach. Merino Energy, operating quietly until now, has developed a more accessible solution to heat pump technology. The company's latest product, the Merino Mono, is priced at $3,800 and can be installed in just one hour, offering a stark contrast to traditional systems. Rau, a former engineer at Apple known for her contributions to the launch of new AirPods, reflects on her own experiences with home electrification in San Francisco. After installing solar panels and an induction stove, she faced “total sticker shock” when it came to heat pumps. This realization highlighted the accessibility issues many Californians face regarding sustainable heating options. The Merino Mono simplifies the conventional heat pump design by merging the indoor heat exchanger and outdoor condenser into a single unit, similar in size to a standard radiator. This innovative design allows it to plug into a regular 120-volt outlet, minimizing the need for costly electrical upgrades. "If you can plug in a microwave, the Merino Mono will work on that outlet," Rau explained. Equipped with modern features, the Mono is Wi-Fi enabled and can detect human presence, enabling it to optimize performance for both comfort and efficiency. The company is even exploring integrations with Oura Rings, allowing the unit to adjust the room temperature based on the wearer’s REM sleep stages. Installation of the Mono involves cutting two holes in the wall for air intake and exhaust, which streamlines the process significantly. By eliminating the need for a separate outdoor unit, Merino has reduced both labor costs and installation complexity, addressing one of the major barriers to heat pump adoption. While the Merino Mono's SEER2 rating of 15.2 is lower than that of some competitors, such as the Quilt two-zone system with a rating of 25, the company believes its design is better suited for smaller living spaces and urban environments. Currently, Merino is installing 48 units at the Civic Center Apartments, a low-income housing project in Richmond, California, and is set to expand its operations to additional states, including Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington. With six installers already on board in the Bay Area and Los Angeles, Merino is now accepting pre-orders for the Mono, aiming to make heat pumps a viable heating solution for a broader audience. Rau is optimistic that by simplifying installations, the company can significantly increase the adoption of heat pump technology, stating, "If we can reduce the amount of time and complexity of installing a heat pump, then we can scale adoption."