Hydronics: The OG HVAC - Part 1

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 leadership spans the entire product lifecycle, from initial development and long-term strategic planning to the integration of digital tools and portfolio management. Ben is dedicated to stewarding residential and light commercial hydronic products across a diverse range of differentiated brands, driving his team to win every day through innovation and operational excellence. Before joining Carrier, Ben spent over four years as a Senior Product Line Manager for Viessmann Climate Solutions. During this time, he managed extensive portfolios in the residential and light commercial sectors, specializing in heat pumps, chillers, domestic water heating, ventilation, indoor air quality, and air distribution. This deep technical foundation informs his current approach to solving complex climate challenges and delivering high-performance solutions to the market. Beyond his executive responsibilities, Ben is a passionate advocate for mentorship and industry education. He frequently invests his time in sharing resources and supporting those looking to solve tough problems that make the world a better place, including contributing to industry knowledge through podcasting. Driven by the goal of being a proactive force in the world, Ben aims to look back on his career with the confidence that he "happened to the world" by making a tangible, positive impact on the industry and the environment. On a personal level, Ben is a devoted husband and a father to three daughters, a dog owner, and a "food rescue" enthusiast. While he describes himself as an average fly fisherman and perhaps a naturalist in another life, he spends the bulk of his days enjoying what he considers his dream career. His journey has taken him from Iowa City to Milford, Connecticut, and Stony Brook, New York, eventually leading him to his forever home base in Fort Collins, Colorado. Despite his many moves, he remains a loyal Iowa Hawkeye at heart—Go Hawks! Team Hosted by Kristof Irwin Edited by Nico Mignardi Produced by M. Walker

You can listen to Hydronics: The OG HVAC - Part 1 online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Hydronics: The OG HVAC - Part 1 is an episode from The Building Science Podcast by Miguel Walker.

This episode is 1:24:14 long.

This episode was published on Dec 23, 2025.

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