Today, your Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning professionals are taking a plunge back into the history of the modern furnace. Staying warm has always been necessary to humankind’s survival. So let’s get right into it as we dive into the origins of the heating system.
Who Invented the Radiator?
Though the radiator concept started with the Romans, the modern-day radiator came about by a man named Franz San Galli in 1855. However, it was not until thirty years later, in 1885, that Dave Lennox furthered Galli’s discovery by creating coal-burning cast iron radiators. These were typically placed in the basement of homes to provide heat to the rooms above.
Who Discovered Electric Heat?
Albert Marsh is the “father of the electrical heating industry” because he developed electric heat. Marsh was a metallurgist who discovered that certain metals contained in chrome in 1905.
This discovery paved the way for Marsh to create a heating element significantly stronger. His invention allowed the electrical current to pass through the heating element, which converted the electricity to heat. Although technology has progressed over the years, Albert Marsh’s original concept has not changed all that much.
Who Developed the Central Heating System?
In 1919, Alice Parker established the first central heating system. The advantage of this central heat was a game-changer in furnace history. Because of Alice Parker’s invention, warm air could now be regulated and evenly distributed throughout homes.
When Was Distributed Forced Air Created?
Parker’s invention set the groundwork for the first distributed forced air wall furnace. In 1935, the distributed forced air furnace was invented. The way this functioned was the heat from the furnace was distributed through the ductwork. As a result, heat from the furnace could travel to rooms throughout the house and enter these rooms through the air registers. However, the negative side to this invention was that gravity brought the warm air back down to the furnace. Which then started the whole heating process all over again. Thus, making it an inefficient way to heat a home.
What Are Modern-Day Furnace Like?
Today, gravity-fed furnaces are no longer an issue. The problem was fixed by using motor-driven fans. The motor-driven fan allowed warm air to pass through smaller ductwork and travel farther. As a result, heated air is now evenly distributed and circulated throughout homes.
It’s pretty intriguing to see where the modern furnace’s history started compared to what the modern furnace is capable of today! Technology has indeed brought us a long way. Thank goodness we can all reside in the comfort and safety of our well-heated homes. If you need a furnace upgrade or have any questions concerning your furnace, please give Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning a chance. We would count it a privilege to be able to provide you with five-star customer service! Our technicians are NATE-certified, and we aim to serve you! Call us today (513) 216-5664, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!