Hydronics: The OG HVAC - Part 1

About this episode

The episode features an interview with Benjamin Jewell discussing hydronic systems and their potential impact on heating and cooling in the US.

An interview with Benjamin Jewell. In this episode we are once again diving into the world of hydronics systems and air-to-water heat pumps. These systems are poised to transform how we heat and cool homes and buildings in the US. In this Part 1 of a two part series, we’ll be tracing the historical "divergence" that pushed the US toward forced-air ducting while Europe stayed with the efficiency of water to move heat around inside buildings - remember that “moving heat” includes cooling. We discuss the basic components and function of hydronic systems in a guided component-level tour. We explain the potential to combine space heating and cooling with hot water production and the importance of simple components like buffer tanks that allow for load "decoupling"—the ability to store thermal energy and shift your home's energy loads to times when electricity is cheapest or the grid is less stressed. Benjamin Jewell Director of Carrier Hydronics NA (Climate Solutions Americas) As the Director of Carrier Hydronics North America within the Climate Solutions Americas division, Ben Jewell leads a multifaceted organization comprising Product, Engineering, and Technical Services teams. His…

People in this episode

Guest: Benjamin Jewell

Topics covered

• hydronics
• HVAC
• heat pumps
• energy efficiency
• thermal energy storage

Keywords

• hydronics
• heat pumps
• energy loads
• thermal energy
• buffer tanks

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Carrier Hydronics NA, Climate Solutions Americas

More episodes of The Building Science Podcast

• Perspectives on Hydronics in the Real World · April 25, 2026 · 1h 15m
• (Un)Healthy Homes · April 8, 2026 · 1h 16m
• Our Second PSA, The Humid Climate Conference in Austin May 4th & 5th! · March 23, 2026 · 17 min
• Our Hidden Roommates · February 12, 2026 · 1h 4m
• Hydronics: The OG HVAC - Part 2 · January 27, 2026 · 1h 22m
• Buildings as Habitat: Biodiversity-Informed Investments in Public Health · January 20, 2026 · 1h 17m