Without the usefulness of a functional HVAC system, it would be difficult to complete many tasks every day we so easily take for granted. It’s easy to take for granted that our houses have cool air. Of course, until the air goes out, things are just fine, and then things get uncomfortable fast! If that’s the case, then you should contact Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning to have someone out to your home as quickly as possible! Okay, jokes aside, in all seriousness, we can attribute our present conveniences of the modern A/C unit to a lot of great inventors throughout history who put in the work. Let’s give credit to where credit is due. So come along with us as we discuss several milestones in the history of air conditioning.
Where Did the Concept Of the Modern A/C Begin?
The history of ancient Egypt is where the origins of the first cool air concept may be found. The Egyptians would hang damp clothing outside their homes, allowing the wind to touch them, so the moist clothes were slightly cooled as they passed by, causing cooler air to enter the house. In addition, around 180 AD, Ding Huan invented a hand-cranked rotary fan in China. The ancient Romans were no slackers when it came to the concept of cooling air. The Romans constructed sophisticated water and air delivery systems (called the aqueduct system) that included a series of subterranean tunnels to transport water and air to the homes of the wealthy. Each of these contributions, while minor, is an essential step in the development of modern A/C technology.
What A/C Advantages Were Made In the 1700s?
In 1758, Benjamin Franklin and John Hadley performed the first documented trial for air conditioning theory. They cooled an object by evaporating it quickly. By the end of the research, Franklin and Hadley had succeeded in lowering the thermometer’s temperature to 7 degrees Fahrenheit while the outside temperature was still 64 degrees Fahrenheit. “From this experiment one may see the possibility of freezing a man to death on a warm summer’s day,” Benjamin Franklin enthused in a letter following the trial experiment.
What A/C Advantages Were Made In the 1800s?
In 1820, Michael Faraday conducted a similar trial with ammonia. This was the first type of volatile liquid utilized in a modern A/C unit. Dr. John Gorrie of Florida developed and patented a tiny steam and ice machine to help his patients suffering from tropical diseases in 1830. But it was not patented until the year 1851.
What A/C Advantages Were Made In the 1900s?
Willis Carrier invented the first air conditioner in 1902. This arose from the need of the Sackett-Wilhelms Lithographing and Publishing Company, which found it necessary to keep paper cool while printing. So a machine was created where cold coils kept the printing surface cool. The machine dehumidified and cooled the air, which preserved the papers and ink. This equipment had the capacity to reduce humidity levels by up to 55%. Then in 1915, Willis Carrier collaborated with the Buffalo Forge Company, which resulted in the creation of the Carrier Air Conditioning Company of America. Today, this company is best recognized as Carrier.
Although air conditioning wasn’t initially a luxury for anyone, it was eventually embraced. It was originally used by manufacturers and industries to protect their items. In 1930, the White House and other large executive buildings began using air conditioning. Nickelodeon was a film business that offered low-cost entertainment to the public. So to keep high and middle-class attendees comfortable while watching the film, cooling systems were added to the theaters. This paved the way for home A/C units to become installed in homes. When central air became necessary in movie theaters, people realized that air conditioning might provide additional comfort in residential homes as well. By the 1950s, there were about 74,000 air conditioners put into use in American homes; A/C systems continued to rise in popularity.
Per the 2020 Energy Consumption survey, air conditioners are now utilized by 88 percent of American households. Today, thanks to those who came before us, we may enjoy regulated air in our homes. Every advancement and HVAC milestone was a stepping stone that led to today’s high-efficiency A/C systems. Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning is here to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so if you have any issues with your heating or cooling system. Call today at (513) 216-5664, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!