We have come so far since the introduction of air conditioning!

The first modern air conditioner was designed and invented in 1902 by Willis Carrier. Since then the development and improvement of homes, public buildings, science, and more increased significantly. Still to this day, air conditioning is a luxury. Not everyone has an air conditioned living space, air conditioners range in pricing and affordability, and they have come so far since its beginning. Over the last century, air conditioning has transformed significantly. These interesting facts about the heating and cooling system may surprise you!

1. Studies have shown that since the invention of air conditioning, humans’ natural tolerance for heat has lowered - we’ve become spoiled with air conditioning

With a click of a button we’re able to cool an indoor environment at a set temperature that we and others feel comfortable with. In the last few decades, the number of U.S. homes using air conditioning has steadily increased. Now around 90% of homes rely on air conditioning to cool their homes, two-thirds of which have central HVAC systems installed. With the rise of A/C spreading throughout homes in the United States we have adapted to a much cooler environment. The heat of the sun is less tolerated because we can easily escape the hot weather by going inside to much cooler temperatures.

2. Movie theaters were some of the first establishments to have air conditioning

It’s kind of silly to think that the one of the first places air conditioning was introduced to was movie theaters, but then again they were much more popular back then compared to today. In the heat of the summer everyone has the same idea - stay cool. But in the early 1900’s, the movie theaters were too hot to handle in the summer months. So to combat the massive drop of business in the hot summer months, movie theaters had air conditioners installed. Suddenly, crowds of people were filling the movie theaters for both entertainment and cool comfort.

3. Closing air vents to lower your bill is an urban myth

Some people think that if they close certain air vents throughout their home it’ll help save energy. However, this is not exactly true. In fact, closing air vents doesn’t help save energy, but it does present some possible problematic outcomes. Closing the vents connected to your heating and cooling system will create a strain in air flow. When one or more vents are closed this can cause a difference in the exchange and passing of air. Over time, this will damage and diminish your entire HVAC system. So it’s best to keep air vents open.

4. If your home has lower humidity levels, it’ll feel colder than if it were more humid

We all know what high humidity feels like and it’s not great. It’s recommended that homeowners try to keep the humidity level of their homes between 30-50%. The higher the humidity the higher risk it poses to your health and it can be hazardous to your home. The good news is that the lower the humidity the cooler your home will feel! To help lower humidity, try adding a dehumidifier to a lower level of your home. With a continuously running dehumidifier, you will certainly notice a difference within a day or two.

5. Without the invention of air conditioning, many medications would never have been invented, which means some diseases would’ve never been cured

Possibly one the best results that has come from air conditioning is that it has progressed science and the growth of modern medicine tremendously. Without air conditioning and overall temperature control, we would be far behind where we are today. Many medications can only be created and sustained with cooler temperatures. It wasn’t until air conditioning that we were able to experiment and work with certain medicinal properties. In addition, operating rooms are set at a much cooler temperature to help keep the surgeons and operating team comfortable so they can successfully perform life saving procedures. The invention of air conditioning has contributed to life saving situations!

HVAC is a growing industry. More and more people are considering installing central heating and cooling systems into their homes because it’s overall the better option. Jeff’s HVAC offers services and installation of various types of units. Jeff’s HVAC will perform a free consultation to assess your home and the heating and cooling needs of you and your family. Call today to schedule an appointment and to learn more about Jeff’s HVAC!