As you feel the cool breeze of your AC or the warmth of your furnace, have you ever wondered how they came to be? Who invented these wonderful devices, and how have they evolved over the years? Here’s a brief history of HVAC to satisfy your curiosity.
History of AC
In 1902, a publishing company was suffering terrible humidity, and the moisture was causing magazine pages to wrinkle. An engineer named Willis Carrier invented a coil system that would remove moisture from the air, cool it, and circulate it throughout a given area. With that, the first modern AC was born, contributing significantly to the history of HVAC.
The first residential AC came in 1914, but it took up a whole room and was expensive and impractical. Then in 1947, a more compact and affordable version was created. Within a few years, home ACs were selling by the thousands. By the 1960s, most new homes were built with central air.
Today’s AC advancements focus on having an environmental impact. In January 2020, R-22 refrigerant was officially banned in the United States and replaced by the less harmful R-410a. New units are constantly being developed to reduce environmental impact and to save energy.
History of Furnaces
Alice H. Parker invented the first modern gas furnace in 1919. In fact, she was one of the first African American women to receive a patent, playing an instrumental role in the history of HVAC. Wood-burning fireplaces and coal-powered radiators were replaced by a natural-gas-powered central heating source that distributed air throughout the home using ductwork and adjustable vents.
Today, much like the AC, furnaces are becoming more efficient and eco-friendly. Variable-speed air handlers allow better temperature control on milder days. Dual fuel heat pumps transfer heat from the outdoors into your home to save energy. Solar, geothermal, and wind-powered HVAC systems use renewable energy to provide heat. These and other innovations will lower your energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and keep you warm and comfortable all year.
The history of HVAC is fascinating, but its future is even more so. To learn about the latest HVAC trends, contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company. We serve Yuma’s home-comfort needs now and in the future.
