Fun Facts About Air Conditioning
Air conditioning systems are a vital component to ensure your everyday comfort at home. However, we’ve become so used to it being there that we take it for granted until it breaks down and you need to call an HVAC company for repairs. Air conditioning has come a long way from its humble roots. It is proof that we have achieved so much when it comes to the home comfort we have today.
Fun Facts About Air Conditioning
Table of Contents
- 1 Fun Facts About Air Conditioning
- 1.1 People Used Ice To Keep Cool
- 1.2 Ancient Egyptians Used Soaked Reeds To Keep Cool
- 1.3 The Roman Aqueducts Brought Water To The Cities For Drinking, Bathing, & More
- 1.4 The “Summer Blockbuster” Happened Because Of Air Conditioning
- 1.5 Carrier’s Founder Is The Inventor Of The Modern Air Conditioning System
- 1.6 The First Residential AC’s Cost Equaled That Of A House
- 1.7 Before Air Conditioning, Summer Vacations For Workers Were Mandatory
- 1.8 Some U.S. States Would Have Very Low Populations Without Air Conditioning
- 1.9 We Do Not Tolerate Heat As We Used To
- 2 Call Hart Home Comfort For Your A/C Requirements
For some air conditioning fun facts of the past, here are a few below:
People Used Ice To Keep Cool
Before air conditioning was even invented, ice was what kept people cool. Ancient Egyptians would leave shallow trays of water on straw beds so that they freeze overnight and they have ice to use when morning comes. Rich Romans and Greeks also imported ice. They had ice or snow shops where the wealthy could buy blocks or slivers of it. They would use the ice to cool their homes or take ice baths. People from ancient Iran would also collect ice from mountains and store them in underground containers. They had built a windcatcher system with these containers that allow chilly air to blow inside their homes and other structures.
Ancient Egyptians Used Soaked Reeds To Keep Cool
Egypt has a warm climate. Therefore, its people had found ways to keep cool. For instance, they used to dip reeds in water and hang them over their windows. The wind blowing will cause the water on the reeds to evaporate, cooling the rooms in the process. This was known as one of the earliest evaporative cooling forms.
The Roman Aqueducts Brought Water To The Cities For Drinking, Bathing, & More
The Roman aqueducts are considered an ancient engineering marvel for their time. It is a complex and extensive channel, with some parts remaining in Greece, France, Spain, and North Africa to this day. The aqueducts transported fresh water from a nearby water source to the cities. They used the water for bathing, drinking, and irrigation. It was also used for home cooling, wherein they let the water flow through the walls of houses and other buildings to keep the indoor spaces cool.
The “Summer Blockbuster” Happened Because Of Air Conditioning
The early 1900s saw a slump in movie ticket sales every summer. People just didn’t like to go out to watch a movie because it was too hot. As a solution, movie owners installed air conditioners in the theaters so that people will remain cool and comfortable while inside. It became a hit, and people began going to movies to watch and stay cool as they didn’t have any ACs at home. Film production companies seized the opportunity and showed their most essential films during summertime to entice more people to go to the movies.
Carrier’s Founder Is The Inventor Of The Modern Air Conditioning System
The inventor of the first electricity-powered air conditioner is Engineer Willis Haviland Carrier. It was invented in 1902 and was designed to cool a printing company. The hot weather causes high humidity levels. Humidity resulted in warped papers that made printing on them a problem. Carrier invented air conditioner equipment that allowed them to control the humidity, temperature, air circulation, and ventilation in an area. A year after its invention, air conditioning was installed in the New York Stock Exchange Building, making it one of the first buildings to have it.
The First Residential AC’s Cost Equaled That Of A House
The first air conditioner invented in 1902 was primarily for industrial use. It was only in 1914 that an AC for residential application was released and installed. Unfortunately, they were large bulky machines that cost an arm and a leg. They measured at 20′ x 6′ x 7′ and were priced somewhere from $10,000 to $50,000. When adjusted for inflation, it costs $120,000 to $600,000 per AC today, meaning only the rich could afford this hefty price tag.
Before Air Conditioning, Summer Vacations For Workers Were Mandatory
Schools, offices, shops, and other businesses were forced to close every summer because of the scorching heat. People had to go for summer vacations to get relief from this heat, and they were typically gone for around a month. Today, going on a summer vacation is non-compulsory, although some places in Europe still have mandatory summertime offs. This is because they still do not have air conditioning in their workplaces.
Some U.S. States Would Have Very Low Populations Without Air Conditioning
Several US states, such as Florida, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas, have hot climates. Without air conditioning, these places would probably have low populations.
We Do Not Tolerate Heat As We Used To
Some scientists state that air conditioners have reduced our heat tolerance. Therefore, we cannot stand being under high temperatures because we have acclimated to cooler environments because of our air conditioning.
Call Hart Home Comfort For Your A/C Requirements
When you need excellent HVAC services in Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Queens, New York, do not hesitate to contact Hart Home Comfort. We have highly trained and professionally certified technicians for all your heating and cooling needs, such as boiler repairs, AC tune-ups, furnace installations, and ductless replacements. Each of our skilled techs is highly knowledgeable and experienced to service any HVAC make and model correctly.
Hart Home Comfort offers the most competitive cooling and heating service rates in the area. Our maintenance services are guaranteed to help improve your comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. We can also recommend the best HVAC repair or HVAC replacement options while remaining on budget. Our work comes with a guarantee because your satisfaction is essential to us. Book your next air conditioner maintenance or service appointment with Hart Home Comfort today. We provide free, in-home estimates.
For any questions about what Hart Home Comfort can do for you, give us a call today. Click here to contact us now or call us at (631) 667-3200 to find out more!