1. The First AC Was Built in 1902
Willis Carrier built the first air conditioner to control humidity in a printing plant and allow ink to dry in hot conditions. However, air conditioning didn't appear in a home until 1913, when Charles Gilbert Gates built one for residential use in a Minneapolis, MN, mansion. But the Romans had the first heating system; the Hypocaust directed heat from a furnace through the floor and pipes in walls (starting at about 350 B.C.).
2. The First Automotive AC Was Introduced in 1940
The Packard Motor Company introduced the first air conditioned car, the 1939 Packard, which was expensive and unpopular at the time. The AC unit took up most of the vehicle's trunk space (while the first commercially available residential AC in 1931 measured 6 feet tall x 6 feet wide x 20 feet long).
3. Schools Started Summer Breaks Due to the Heat
Most schools didn't have AC in the 1900s. Since there was nothing to cool hot classrooms, schools closed for the summer. Many government buildings did too.
4. You Don't Need Your Heater All Day
Even at the lowest setting, running the heater when you don't need it wastes a lot of energy. Turn the unit off when not at home, or install a programmable thermostat. A heating schedule can make it easier to select times to save energy; plus, if you're constantly heating your home, much of it will escape through hidden cracks.
5. Air Conditioners Took Awhile to Catch On
The first fully air conditioned office building was the Milam Building in San Antonio, TX. This was in the late 1920s. In 1965, just 10% of U.S. homes had AC (even before then, in the 1930s, people would go to movie theaters to stay cool); by 2017, 93% of households were air conditioned.
6. HVAC Systems Help Clean Indoor Air
In addition to heating, cooling, and humidity control, a well-ventilated HVAC system helps keep allergens, mold, and bacteria out of your home. Removing pollutants can contribute to improved health, and a healthier indoor environment is much more pleasant to live in.
7. A Dirty Air Filter Can Disable Your HVAC System
Changing filters regularly is the best, and easiest, thing you can do for your air conditioner. Accumulated dirt can clog the filter, trap harmful contaminants, and reduce performance and efficiency by restricting air flow. Your HVAC system will work harder, energy bills will go up, and expensive repairs and replacements may be needed, which can readily be avoided.
8. Alice H. Parker Invented the Central Heating Furnace
The African-American inventor filed a patent for a heating system in 1919. It provided central heating and allowed control of how much heat reached different parts of a building. This invention led to the forced air furnace and thermostat used in homes today.
9. Closing Air Vents Can Cause Damage
Shutting a vent only cuts air flow to the room it serves. The same amount of air is still circulating in the system. Therefore, closing vents can put pressure on ductwork and critical HVAC components. This can result in damage and repair bills that are a good deal more than any energy savings you tried to achieve.
10. HVAC Repairs Often Involve Electrical Issues
This is one of the more important HVAC facts to know, because blown fuses, blown capacitors, tripped breakers, damaged electrical wiring and connections, and other electrical elements are often the reason for an AC breakdown. Tampering with the system can result in fire, shock, or electrocution. That's why you should always contact a professional to address the situation.
Contact The Air Company of Georgia
We hope these HVAC facts helps you better understand your heating and cooling system. If you have any questions, or need a technician for repairs, a new installation, system replacement, or air quality solutions in the Atlanta, GA, area, book your appointment online or call us directly at 404-583-7788. WWW.TheAirCompanyGA.com
