We all take for granted the great comfort that air conditioning provides in our homes, yet without access to an operational HVAC system, we would find it difficult to complete a variety of daily activities. We can thank a lot of skilled individuals throughout history for allowing us to enjoy the current level of comfort in our homes. Today we are taking a little trip back in time to look over several significant turning points in the history of the modern A/C. Join your Chillicothe Heating & Cooling service professionals as we guide you through it.
How Exactly Did the Air Conditioner Begin?
There are many people who contributed to the development of the A/C. The concept of cool air may have begun in ancient Egypt. Egyptians would hang wet clothes in front of their doors so the wind would touch them, which would, in return, create a cooling effect and allow cooler air to enter their homes, if even for a brief period. In 180 AD, Ding Huan created a hand-cranked rotary fan in China that became an essential component in A/C development. In addition, the Romans built the Aqueduct System to distribute water and air through subterranean passageways in the homes of the wealthy. This was a sophisticated invention that is still well-known today.
What Contributions To the A/C Were Made In the 1700s?
In 1758, Benjamin Franklin and John Hadley performed the first confirmed study on air conditioning theory. By the end of their research, Franklin and Hadley had lowered the temperature of a particular item to 7°F while the ambient temperature stayed at 64°F. This was a monumental development for the A/C.
What Contributions To the A/C Were Made In the 1800s?
In 1820, Michael Faraday conducted a study with ammonia, using the first volatile liquid to be used in an A/C unit. Dr. John Gorrie of Florida built a tiny steam and ice machine for use on patients suffering from tropical maladies in 1830. It wasn’t until 1851 that it was patented. His invention, however, unfortunately, was not made available to anyone due to funding issues. But it did remain a well-utilized tool in hospitals and medical facilities.
What Contributions To the A/C Were Made In the 1900s?
The first air conditioner comparable to today’s current models was developed by Willis Carrier for the Sackett-Wilhelms Lithographing and Publishing Company in 1902. This was made to combat the heat issue the printing press was experiencing. Dehumidification and cooling of the air on the printing surface were achieved using this invention, preventing damage to the papers and ink. In 1915, he formed Carrier Air Conditioning Company of America as a joint venture with Buffalo Forge Company. Today, this brand is infamously known as Carrier.
The first air conditioners were created for industry and manufacturing to keep items from spoiling. Air conditioning was first utilized in the White House and other significant executive buildings in 1930. Later on, Nickelodeons, a 5-cent theater that provided low-cost entertainment to the public, found that consumers were uncomfortable amid the overflowing, stuffy atmosphere. So the need for circulated air came about. Air conditioners were installed in order to provide a comfortable atmosphere to the wealthy and middle-class customers. This laid the groundwork for A/C’s in residential homes, as customers realized how much comfort A/C’s could bring to a household. And so, the market for residential HVAC systems was formed. In the 1950s, records show that 74,000 American homes embraced the A/C system.
To illustrate how far things have come over time, air conditioners are now used by 88% of American homes. These milestones in HVAC history are true stepping stones that show how today’s high-efficiency A/C systems have evolved over the past two centuries. If a need with your HVAC system arises, Chillicothe Heating & Cooling is a reliable and trustworthy company that can help you with all your A/C needs! Call us at (740) 281-2186, or click here to schedule an appointment now!