Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are crucial to our daily comfort, but they do more than just keep us cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Here are some interesting and surprising facts regarding HVAC systems that you may not have known!
- Ancient Air Conditioning: While air conditioning may appear to be a modern luxury, it actually dates back to ancient Egypt. Egyptians put wet reeds in windows, and the evaporating water cooled the air that flowed through.
- Furnaces Have a History That Is 2,000 Years Old: The ancient Romans invented an early form of central heating known as the “hypocaust,” in which hot air and smoke from a wood-burning furnace were routed through spaces beneath floors and behind walls to warm rooms. It was the forerunner to modern radiant heating systems.
- The Origin of Modern AC: Willis Carrier built the first modern air conditioner in 1902, but it wasn’t to cool his home. Instead, he wanted to protect a printing company’s paper from humidity. Carrier’s invention did not become a household item until decades later.
- Air Conditioning and the Movies: Air conditioning has had a significant impact on the movie industry. Theatres were among the first to install air conditioning in the early twentieth century, making them a cool place to hang out during hot summers. This inspired the concept of the summer blockbuster, as people went to theatres to enjoy both movies and cooler air.
- HVAC Systems and Air Quality: HVAC systems do more than just regulate temperature; they also play an important role in maintaining air quality. Proper ventilation reduces allergens and airborne infections, making your house healthier and safer, particularly during the flu season.