Fun Facts About Air Conditioning

image of a dad hosing off a girl for cooling

Air conditioning is often taken for granted because it has become such an integral part of the way we live nowadays. We’ve become so used to needing it that when it has a problem, we call in the experts. The history of air conditioning is long, and its start is proof of how we creatively achieved the comfort that we enjoy today. There are many interesting methods and facts about air conditioning that have developed along the way.

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Fun Facts About Air Conditioning

In this article, we discuss some air conditioning fun facts that would perk anyone’s interest.

Ice Was Used To Keep People Cool

blocks of ice for keeping cool

Before the modern air conditioning system was even an idea, people used ice to keep cool. In Egypt, people used to fill shallow trays with water, and then they were placed on straw beds overnight. The water froze through the night due to cold temperatures, and solid ice was ready to use in the morning.

Wealthy Romans and Greeks also imported ice. There were snow and ice shops that sold the cold slivers and blocks. Ice was used to enjoy cool showers in hot weather and to cool the homes. In ancient Iran, people collected ice during the cold winter from nearby mountains and stored it in underground containers. A system of windcatchers was built and integrated with underground containers. It moved chilly air inside when the wind blew.

The Ancient Egyptians Knew How To Keep Cool

Egypt has a very hot climate. Ancient Egyptians soaked reeds in water, then hung them to cover their windows to keep cool. The movement of the wind blowing the air helped water evaporate off the reeds and cool down the rooms. This was one of the first kinds of evaporative cooling.

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The Roman Aqueducts Did More Than Just Bring Water To The Cities

image of a roman aqueduct for air conditioning

The Roman aqueducts are an engineering feat, especially for when they were built. Some parts of the complex and extensive structures still remain in Spain, Greece, France, Turkey, and North Africa today. The aqueducts brought fresh water from a spring or lake to be used in cities. Other than for drinking, bathing, and irrigation, water from the aqueducts was used for cooling indoor spaces.

The Founder Of Carrier Is The Inventor Of The Modern Air Conditioning System

In 1902, Willis Haviland Carrier invented the first air conditioner. It ran on electricity and was initially designed as a cooling solution for a printing company. Hot weather and high caused the paper to warp, which made applying ink a problem. Carrier invented this air conditioning system that cleansed the air and also provided control over temperature, ventilation, humidity, and air circulation. The New York Stock Exchange Building was one of the first structures that received air conditioning in 1903.

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The “Summer Blockbuster” Came About Because Of Air Conditioning

movie projector depicting AC units and summer blockbuster

During the early 1900s, people did not like going to movie theaters in the summer because it was so hot. Because of this, movie theatres would experience a slump in ticket sales during the summer. Theater owners started installing air conditioning units so people could watch movies while staying comfortable. Not only was it a big hit, but people would go to the theaters to watch movies to keep cool since most people did not have air conditioning in their homes. Film production companies began to show their most important films during the summer to maximize their profits.

Mandatory Summer Vacations For Workers Stopped Because Of Air Conditioning

Schools, offices, and places of business were forced to close during summer because of the extreme heat. Because of this, people took summer vacations to rest and left work and school for around a month. Today, summer vacations are optional. However, there are still places in Europe without air conditioning where workers take time off during summer.

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The First Residential Air Conditioning System Cost As Much As A House

image of money depicting cost of new air conditionerWhile the first air conditioner was invented in 1902, it was really only used in industrial applications. Residential use air conditioners were not installed until 12 years later. They were massive, bulky (measuring 20′ x 6′ x 7′), and cost a lot of money. Only wealthy people could afford the $10,000 to $50,000 price. With inflation, this price today would be around $120,000 to $600,000 per unit.

Without ACs, There Would Be Places In The U.S. That Would Have Very Low Populations

If air conditioning was not invented, states with high temperatures like Texas, Florida, and Arizona would likely have fewer residents.

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We Are Not As Heat-Tolerant As We Used To Be

Our bodies have become used to cooler environments. Some scientists think that this is because air conditioning has reduced our natural tolerance to high temperatures.

 

Call McAllister Energy For Your Air Conditioning Requirements

McAllister Energy
Looking for heating and cooling services in Camden County, New Jersey? McAllister Energy will provide you with excellent HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Each of our NATE certified technicians has the knowledge and experience to service your HVAC system correctly.

McAllister Energy has the most competitive heating and cooling service costs in this area. We guarantee that our maintenance services will improve your home’s comfort, increase your energy efficiency, and reduce your cooling costs. If you happen to need an HVAC repair or replacement system, We can recommend HVAC repairs and replacement systems that are best for your home and budget. To ensure your satisfaction, all our work is back with a guarantee. Schedule an air conditioner tune-up or service appointment today by calling McAllister Energy. We offer free, in-home estimates.

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