As temperatures rise and we find ourselves seeking out the comfort of a cool breeze, take a moment to appreciate the history of the modern HVAC system. Here are 10 fun facts that you may not have known that might make you a little more grateful for the chilly breeze keeping you from melting in the summer.
- In 1902, Willis Carrier invented the first air conditioner to control humidity in a printing mill and allow ink to dry in hot temperatures. Home air conditioning did not exist until 1913 when Charles Gilbert Gates installed one in a Minneapolis, MN, mansion for residential usage.
- A window air conditioner used to cost around $350 in the 1940s. In today’s economy that’s around $3,500!
- Air conditioning created controlled temperature and humidity conditions, which allowed for the development and storage of many life-saving medications.
- The Romans were the first people to invent and use a central heating system called a “hypocaust”. It worked by sending heat from a furnace through pipes in the floors and walls of their homes.
- Closing air vents in lesser-used rooms to lower your power bill is an urban myth. Doing this decreases the efficiency of your HVAC system and increases the stress on the compressor and will raise your power bill.
- A properly maintained (and installed) HVAC system will last around 10 to 15 years, depending on the manufacturer.
- Summer blockbusters first came about due to air conditioning being installed in movie theaters beginning in 1925. Summer attendance was always low until patrons realized they could take a break from the summer heat and watch a movie. Attendance skyrocketed and thus the need for a big summer hit was born.
- According to studies, people’s natural tolerance for heat has decreased since the development of air conditioning. As a result, a hot summer day today feels much hotter than it would have decades ago.
- In the early 1900s, due to the heat, schools began summer vacations. Most schools didn’t have air conditioning, so they closed for the summer because there was nothing to cool sweltering classrooms. Many government buildings followed suit.
- In 1939, the Packard Motor Company developed the first air-conditioned car. The AC unit took up most of the truck space and drove the price up making it fairly unpopular.
HVAC has come a long way to be more convenient and make our lives more comfortable. Hopefully, this list reminded you of how hard your HVAC system works for you, all year round. And for all that work, your system deserves to be thanked. Show your appreciation and protect yourself from an expensive breakdown by scheduling regular maintenance service. Quigley offers three different levels of maintenance plans starting at $15 so there is an option to fit every home or business. Contact us today and let Quigley help keep you cool.
