At the VISION House Austin, every design decision supports a larger mission: to prove that healthy, net-zero living can be both practical and affordable. In this short but insightful video, architect Peter Pfeiffer and Chelsea Hudson, Variable and Multi-Speed Product Manager at Trane, walk through how one often-overlooked space—the garage—became a key piece in the home's high-performance design.
Unlike most homes that share ventilation between living areas and attached garages, this project took a smarter route. By separating the garage entirely and installing a dedicated Trane mini split, the team helped reduce pollutant infiltration and created a flexible workspace that’s only conditioned when needed. “We are greatly reducing this large source of pollution in the home,” Pfeiffer explains. It’s a simple shift with a big impact on indoor air quality and overall energy efficiency.
Trane’s all-electric HVAC setup plays a starring role here, working in tandem with solar panels to create a zero energy home with a negative utility bill. As Pfeiffer proudly shares, “Here is last month’s energy bill… it’s -$73.” That’s right, the homeowner earned a credit instead of paying, thanks to thoughtful system pairing and a modestly sized solar array.
Beyond performance, this video emphasizes balance: between innovation and simplicity, between high tech and home comfort. The mini split solution may seem like a small detail, but it reflects a much larger philosophy, one where smarter systems and design choices deliver measurable results.
Watch the whole video to learn more about the Trane mini split system at VISION House Austin.