For Houston resident Sam Thompson, hurricane season isn’t just heavy rain and high winds—it’s weeks of uncertainty and near-guaranteed power outages. So when he built a 12×12 quilting studio for his wife, it couldn’t just be a hobby space. It needed to double as a livable retreat when the main house went dark.

A Global Perspective on Cooling

Sam wasn’t new to efficient cooling. As a travel specialist, he had seen mini-split systems in action across Europe and South America, keeping boutique hotels and family homes comfortable without bulky ductwork.

“They’re everywhere over there,” he recalls. “Clean, quiet, efficient—and they’ve been using them for years.”

Armed with that insight, Sam knew a traditional window unit or a costly central air extension wouldn’t work. He needed something sleek, reliable, and generator-friendly. Something that could handle Texas heat just as well as it could a storm-related blackout.

The Houston Hurricane Challenge

Sam's needs went beyond everyday comfort. In Houston, power outages from hurricanes can last two to three weeks. That meant the shed had to be more than cool—it had to be livable.

His requirements were clear:

• Standalone Functionality: Efficiently cool and heat a 144 sq. ft. space without tapping into the home’s HVAC
• All-Season Climate Control: Handle extreme heat and damp winter nights
• Generator Compatibility: Operate on 120V to run on a small backup generator
• Low-Noise Operation: Quiet enough for focused quilting sessions
• Clean Installation: No bulky window unit or visible eyesores

“I didn't want to hang some noisy box in the window,” Sam explains. “I wanted something that would be a clean install—and quiet. That’s the biggest thing.”

Choosing Della: A DIYer’s Decision-Making Process

Sam took a methodical, research-driven approach to finding the right system.

“I’m kind of a cheap person,” he laughs. “I do everything around the house myself.”

He compared specs, read countless Amazon reviews, checked voltages, calculated Btu requirements, and weighed each brand’s reputation.

“I didn’t want the cheapest, but I didn’t want the most expensive either,” he says. “I wanted something where, if there was a problem, somebody would stand behind it.”

Why Sam Chose Della:

• Clear Specs: Straightforward, professional product listings
• Responsive Support: Customer reviews showed prompt service and follow-through
• Confidence in Warranty: “No company plans to go out of business. If they’re offering a lifetime warranty, they’re confident enough to back it up.”

Installing the System: Tight Space, Tight Tolerances

The installation wasn’t overly technical, but the space made it tricky.

"The biggest challenge was the space I was putting it in," Sam says. "It was a little too tight. I didn’t want to put a big access panel, so I had to connect it all and then squeeze it up to the wall."

He carefully pre-connected all lines and wires, then maneuvered the indoor unit into place with patience and precision.

“The manual is great,” he notes, which says a lot coming from someone who’s handled poor documentation from other brands.

Living with the Della: Quiet, Reliable, and Ready

Now that the system is up and running, Sam couldn’t be happier.

“It’s fantastic.”

Here’s what stood out:

• Whisper-Quiet Operation: Perfect for his wife’s quilting sessions
• All-Weather Performance: Keeps the space cool in Houston summers and warm on chilly nights
• Hurricane-Ready: Works with a small generator, ensuring comfort when the power’s out
• Modern Look: The sleek indoor unit displays the temperature through the case, blending form and function

A Practical Mind for Improvement

As a lifelong DIYer, Sam even has ideas to improve Della’s already strong customer service.

“I know keeping a network of certified techs is expensive,” he explains. His suggestion? “Ship the part with maybe a $50 allowance to hire someone to install it. That would be ideal.”

It’s the kind of real-world thinking that comes from decades of hands-on home maintenance.

Planning for the Future: Whole-Home Mini Split

After this experience, Sam is already planning to install a Della multi-zone system when his central air needs replacing.

“It makes so much more sense,” he says. “Less expensive to run, more efficient—I mean, I knew that’s what I wanted.”

Systems on His Radar:

• Multi-Zone Vario Series: SEER2 19 to 20, reliable performance in 2 to 5-zone setups
• Multi-Zone Optima Series: SEER2 22 to 24, for maximum energy savings
• Multi-Zone Serena Series: SEER2 22, ultra-quiet for peaceful living
• Multi-Zone Ultra Heat Cassette: Built for extreme cold, discreet ceiling installation
• Energy Star Qualifying Units: Eligible for rebates and long-term savings

His neighbor—an AC technician—could help with the install, but Sam plans to handle most of it himself. That’s just his style.

The Bottom Line for Fellow DIYers

Would Sam recommend Della? He already has.

“When you find something that works this well—something that turns a shed into a retreat that can handle any storm—you tell people.”

Della delivered on every promise: efficient cooling, reliable heating, quiet operation, and the backing of a company that stands behind its product.

In Houston’s unpredictable climate, that’s more than comfort—it’s peace of mind.

Ready to Build Your Own Comfort Zone?

Whether you’re outfitting a backyard studio, a garage workspace, or a full home, Della mini splits offer dependable climate control when it matters most.

Explore Della’s full line of mini split systems and discover the right solution for your space.