The ability to produce heat and stay warm has always been crucial for humankind’s survival. So, where does the origin story of the modern furnace begin? Somewhere in between the idea of the primal fireside flame and the rise of the Roman empire, furnace history was birthed into existence. Explore this piece of history with your Chillicothe Heating & Cooling professionals as we soak in the exciting furnace milestones that led us to our modern HVAC systems today.
When Did the Furnace Begin?
As many other things are traced back to Rome, it is certainly no surprise that the furnace’s origin story also dates back to this period. The Romans used the complex aqueduct system. This system enabled them to enjoy their infamous hot water baths. In addition, this same system allowed them to create the hypocaust. The hot water steam made through the burning of coals was used to channel the hot steam through the tunnels constructed underneath their floors. Thus, the Romans enjoyed heated floors and stayed warm with this method. As innovative as this system was, it required many people to continually burn massive amounts of wood to produce enough steam from the heated water.
When Did the Fireplace & Grate Begin?
The use of the aqueduct system fell along with the Roman Empire. At this point, its use was no longer in effect. Then, in 1624, the birth of the fireplace and grate occurred. The fireplace allowed for the heat to be focused in one area, while the grate helped with the proper circulation of warm air throughout the room. This was a significant step in the right direction, but keeping the fire going and heated proved challenging.
When Did the Radiator Begin?
In the 1880s, many people started to use coal-burning boilers in their homes. Dave Lennox then made his mark in history by creating the coal-burning cast iron radiator. This was a massive milestone in furnace history! However, this method still had its disadvantages because the coal needed to be constantly stoked.
When Did Central Heating Begin?
Alice Parker made her contribution to furnace history in the year 1919. She came up with the first concept of the central heating system. People could now regulate the temperature in their homes. Of course, this new system came with its own set of challenges, but it was a game-changer for homeowners everywhere.
When Did the Convection Heater & Heat Pump Begin?
The 1920s marked the year of the convection heater. At this time, the acceptance of electricity in homes set the foundation for the convection heater to be invented. In the 1940s, the heat pump surfaced. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that it embraced dye to the oil crisis. People were moving away from fossil fuels and looking for a more efficient electrical-based heating system.
Today we enjoy the comfort of the modern furnace. We can thank the Romans, Alice Parker, Dave Lennox, and many others for their contributions to the progression of the current furnace. Though we may currently enjoy the luxury of smart thermostats and the convenience of controlling our HVAC systems through apps on our phones, one look at the overall function of today’s furnace can be traced and credited back to the Romans’ original concept. Perhaps you have an older furnace and are looking into replacement options? Maybe your furnace has not been running at its best capacity? If you have any questions or concerns, give Chillicothe Heating & Cooling a call today. Our NATE-certified technicians are friendly and knowledgeable! We would love to provide you with five-star service! Call (740) 281-2186, or click here to schedule an appointment now!