Paul Lambert

Paul Lambert, founder and CEO of Quilt, dives into the world of heat pumps, addressing their rocky customer experience. He explains why many technicians hesitate to sell these efficient systems, the surprising cost components, and installation complexities. The conversation draws parallels to lessons from other industries like solar and automotive. Lambert emphasizes the need for a revamp in the purchasing process to build trust, streamline installations, and ultimately enhance user savings, making heat pumps more accessible to homeowners.

CEOs from startup Quilt discuss redesigning heat pumps for better aesthetics and performance. Topics include ductless heat pumps, innovative outdoor and indoor units, smart room temperature control, pricing models, working with contractors, scaling a clean energy startup, and exploring demand for clean home heating in different regions.

Paul Lambert, Co-founder and CEO of Quilt, talks about innovative ductless heat pumps that offer intelligent room controls. He discusses the unique name 'Quilt,' symbolizing comfort and community, and their sustainable approach to heating solutions. Lambert shares insights into overcoming consumer inertia and the challenges of integrating these systems into older homes. With plans for market expansion, he highlights the importance of partnerships with HVAC contractors and the emotional impact of design in creating effective home climate solutions.

In this engaging discussion, guests Paul Lambert, the eco-focused CEO of Quilt, industrial designer Maaike Evers, and designer Mike Simonian share their insights on using design to combat climate change. They dive into innovative heating solutions like heat pumps, emphasizing how thoughtful design can enhance both functionality and aesthetics. The trio also explores the importance of collaboration between designers and engineers to create appealing sustainable products, while drawing inspiration from literature to deepen their understanding of human-nature connections.

Heat pumps are having a moment. Last year, the U.S. passed China to become the world's number one market for heat pumps—and they're not slowing down. But while heat pumps are efficient and effective on paper, they haven't always been objects of desire. Until now.This week, Molly talks to Paul Lambert, CEO and co-founder of Quilt, about building a heat pump company that's equal parts climate solution and consumer product. Paul explains how his team is reimagining the mini-split heat pump—not just as an HVAC system, but as a piece of technology you're proud to have on your wall.We dive into:How heat pumps work: Why an AC is basically "a half-broken heat pump" that only runs in one directionThe two types of heat pumps: Ducted systems vs. ductless mini-splits, and why room-by-room control is a game-changerDesign as climate strategy: How Quilt spent half their initial capital on a domain name and invested heavily in industrial design to create pull, not just policy pushThe installer advantage: Why partnering with contractors (instead of doing it all in-house) unlocked national scaleSmart grid integration: How Quilt's internet-connected system enables demand response without sacrificing comfort—curtailing load in empty rooms while keeping occupied spaces perfectThe data center opportunity: How replacing electric resistance heating with heat pumps near data centers can free up 75% of the energy load—without building new generation capacityWhy incentives help but aren't required: 60% of America is primarily cooling-driven, and heat pumps are just better air conditionersPricing reality: Quilt is competitive with high-end Japanese mini-splits, not luxury-priced like early Nest thermostats or TeslasThe personal mission: How Paul's Alberta roots in the fossil fuel industry and his commitment to his kids' future drove him to climate techKey insight: Space heating and cooling represent half of all home energy use and 70% of fossil fuel consumption in homes—making HVAC the single biggest lever for decarbonizing buildings.Links:Quilt: https://quilt.comFind a Quilt installer: https://quilt.com (click "Find an Installer")All episodes: https://www.everybodyinthepool.com/Subscribe to the Everybody in the Pool newsletter: https://www.mollywood.co/Become a member for the ad-free version of the show: https://everybodyinthepool.supercast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.