Merino Energy's $3,800 Heat Pump Could Be America's Electrification Catalyst

Merino Energy addresses two critical barriers to heat pump adoption—cost and installation complexity—that have severely limited progress toward California's 6 million-unit electrification goal. The startup's simplified design that plugs into standard 120-volt outlets and installs in one hour could accelerate adoption across millions of American homes. Founded by a former Apple engineer who personally experienced the affordability crisis, the company is tackling an equity issue that extends far beyond California's borders.