Hydronics: The OG HVAC - Part 1

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 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.