HVAC Georgia: Fascinating Facts On the Origin of Heating and Cooling
Statistics and new tidbits of information help show us just how essential and advanced modern technology is. Today, the HVAC Georgia experts of AComfort share ten captivating facts about the history of HVAC systems, heating, and cooling.
We know, we know, HVAC is not the most exciting topic. Yet, it’s always important to learn new things, especially about systems in your home that are considered investments. Let’s explore ten facts about the origin of HVAC systems, heating, and air conditioning.
Facts on the Origin of HVAC
- The origin of school summer breaks comes from the heat and humidity.
Did you know that most schools across the country (and most government buildings) did not have air conditioning in the 1900s? Research shows that heat undoubtedly affects a student’s ability to learn and academic performance (1). Schools started closing for the summer due to a lack of supplies to cool hot classrooms. Most government buildings soon followed this lead.
- The first air conditioner was built in 1902.
Thank Willis Carrier, the man who built the first air conditioner in 1902 to control the humidity and heat in a paper printing plant (2).
- Air conditioning was not installed in a home until 1914.
Charles Gilbert Gates was the owner of the first residential AC unit (3). He was a very wealthy man and had the luxury of owning the first home air conditioning.
- Thomas Edison invented the electric heater in 1863.
Before he invented the electric heater, Thomas Edison first invented the lightbulb. Thus, the electric heater was made from elongated light bulbs to conduct heat (4).
- The heating system was invented in 1919.
Alice H. Parker invented a patent for the central heating furnace in 1919 using natural gas (5). Unfortunately, her patent was not used, but is known as a huge advancement for the heating industry.
- After WWII, air conditioning became a status symbol in homes.
In 1953, over one million air conditioning units were sold (6). After the war was over, people’s priorities shifted and homeowners invested in more luxurious amenities.
Not Well-Known Heating Facts
- In colonial times, mortar was a huge advancement in heating technology.
The earliest known mortar in the U.S. was made by finely grounding seashells to a powder and then roasting them (7). This “concrete” was used to make chimneys because it was found to be heat and moisture-resistant.
- The fireplace acted as the primary heat, light, and cooking source in early colonial times.
The first fireplaces required an enormous amount of fuel and attention. Fireplaces and their chimneys were built from stones, then formed and sealed with clay, sand, and grass (7). Up to the 1800s, fireplaces were the main source of heat for the entire home.
- Coal became the primary source of residential and commercial heating in the 1800s.
It was found that coal burned longer than wood and therefore, wood did not have to constantly be collected (8).
- Chromel was discovered in 1905 by Albert Marsh, who studied metallic elements.
This newly discovered alloy was found to be 300 times more powerful than other heating elements such as oil and coal (9). Many people believe that the true birth of electrical heating was the discovery of chromel (4).
HVAC Georgia Experts: Count on AComfort Every Time
Our expert technicians are known for their timely quality service and great communication. Contact AComfort today for any HVAC Georgia repairs or bi-annual maintenance.
Resources:
- https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/joshuagoodman/files/w24639.pdf
- https://www.williscarrier.com/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Gilbert_Gates
- https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/blog/history-of-electrical-heating/
- https://energynews.us/2022/02/28/what-we-know-about-alice-parker-a-hidden-figure-in-modern-heating/
- https://www.npr.org/2011/08/03/138924245/the-long-hot-road-to-modern-air-conditioning
- Brown, David Whipple. Keeping warm in New England: a history of residential heating from colonial times. Diss. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1976.
- https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/Elem_Coal_Studyguide.pdf
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_L._Marsh