---
title: "Inside AAON Season 2 Episode 05: All About Heat Pumps with Eric Newberg & Ryan Merritt"
description: Discover how AAON uses storytelling, humor, and real people to build a stronger HVAC brand and create content that truly connects.
---

[News & Latest Updates | AAON ](https://www.aaon.com/news)

# [Inside AAON Season 2 Episode 05: All About Heat Pumps with Eric Newberg & Ryan Merritt](https://www.aaon.com/news/inside-aaon-season-2-episode-5-all-about-heat-pumps-with-ryan-merritt-eric-newberg)

 Written by [Jeremy Cavness](https://www.aaon.com/news/author/jeremy-cavness) | Jun 18, 2026 1:33:53 PM

 

[We just celebrated one year of Alpha Class Next Generation,](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aaon_one-year-ago-we-launched-aaon-alpha-class-activity-7469750942351966208-eh4l?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABKetI0BIEeaUM0R9KCk_6rNjWdksxS_DKY) a milestone that revolutionized heat pump technology, and we’re just getting started.

We’re always looking into the future, and that means staying ahead of trends and technology. AAON was the first in market to successfully transition and [adopt A2L refrigerant R-454B,](https://www.aaon.com/news/aaon-leads-the-industry-with-early-adoption-of-a2l-refrigerant-r-454b) while continuing to push the boundaries of heat pump technology with [Alpha Class Next Generation.](https://www.aaon.com/news/aaon-pushes-boundaries-with-next-generation-alpha-class-heat-pump-technology-powered-by-copeland-innovation) AAON also achieved the [industry's first commercially available, AHRI-certified, packaged rooftop unit](https://www.aaon.com/news/aaon-passes-doe-commercial-building-hvac-technology-challenge-with-simultaneous-dual-fuel-technology) with a simultaneous dual fuel heat pump that can operate down to -20°F.

In this episode of Inside AAON, special guests Eric Newberg, AAON Director of Product Management, and Ryan Merritt, AAON Product Manager, dissect the ever-changing industry landscape, the people, and the technology that keep AAON ahead of the curve.

Tune in to hear it straight from the people building it.

**  
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE1:32 — Skip Intro 

**1:50 — Decision Making  

14:20 — Challenges  

18:40 — Impact of Feedback  

26:00 — Future 

30:14 — Why Should I Care?** **

 

**ABOUT INSIDE AAON**   
Inside AAON brings you behind the scenes of premium HVAC manufacturing. Hear from engineers, innovators, and industry experts as they break down the technical details, sustainable solutions, and breakthrough thinking that set the standard in our industry.

**JOIN THE CONVERSATION**   
Have ideas or topics you're interested in learning about? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at [marketing@aaon.com](mailto:marketing@aaon.com). Access new episodes of Inside AAON on our website at [www.aaon.com/news/tag/podcast](https://www.aaon.com/news/tag/podcast) or find us on your favorite podcast platforms.

| <https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVJHRJI0NPIhvRgR9y8ppbo4LnUDiUaKe> <https://open.spotify.com/show/1jOpIYFnYJ9X8a1RXIp4rE> <https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-aaon/id1734838550> |
| --- |

 

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