U.S. startup debuts low-cost, plug-and-play indoor heat pump for residential use

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">San Francisco-based Merino Energy has launched the Merino Mono, a plug-and-play indoor heat pump that can be installed in under an hour and is priced at a flat $3,800 including installation.</span></p><p>San Francisco-based climate hardware company has launched an indoor plug-and-play heat pump system for residential applications.</p>
<p><span>&#8220;Taking a page from the ease of appliance delivery and installation, the company's flagship system, the </span>Merino Mono, is the first room heat pump that installs in under an hour, requires no outdoor unit, and comes at a single transparent flat rate &#8211; $3,800, including hardware and professional installation,&#8221; the company's CEO <span>Mary-Ann Rau told <strong>pv magazine</strong>.</span></p>
<p>&#8220;The plug-and-play system is designed to remove the friction that has kept efficient heating and cooling out of reach for the tens of millions of households in condos, apartments, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), older homes, and in urban areas that traditional systems have never been able to serve,&#8221; she went on to say.</p>
<p>The product, branded Merino Mono, can be installed in less than one hour, using a “drill, plug, and play” approach that requires only standard tools and a conventional household outlet, the manufacturer said.</p>
<p>The wall-mounted unit integrates all heating and cooling components into a single indoor device, eliminating the need for a separate outdoor condenser. Unlike traditional split systems, which often require refrigerant lines, electrical upgrades, and outdoor units, the Mono operates on a standard 120 V connection and uses a through-wall air exchange system, which reportedly avoids invasive retrofits and enables deployment in buildings with limited outdoor space or restrictive homeowner association (HOA) rules.</p>
<p>The Merino Mono delivers 7,500 BTU/h of heating and cooling capacity and is designed for spaces of up to approximately 32.5 m².</p>
<p>From a performance perspective, the system delivers a seasonal energy efficiency ratio 2 (SEER2) of 15.2 for cooling and a heating seasonal performance factor 2 (HSPF2) of 7.2 for heating. While these values are lower than those of some high-end split systems, they represent a deliberate trade-off in favor of simplified installation and broader accessibility. The unit operates within a temperature range of approximately −9 C to 46 C, making it well suited to moderate climates.</p>
<p>The new product comes with a 1-year warranty for the hardware and up to 3-years for labor.</p>
<p>&#8220;The unit is designed to fit seamlessly into existing homes with minimal visual impact,&#8221; said Rau. &#8220;Its paintable exterior vents can be matched to the building façade, while automated louvers regulate airflow without requiring manual input. Maintenance is simplified with a dishwasher-safe air filter, and the system operates quietly in both heating and cooling modes.&#8221;</p>
<p>In terms of controls, options range from a basic remote control to the dedicated Merino app and even voice-based, natural language commands. It also supports built-in integration with Apple HomeKit and Google Home. &#8220;A sleep optimization feature currently under development is expected to link the system with wearable devices such as the Oura Ring,&#8221; Rau added.</p>
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