One of the many luxuries of modern society is the convenience of tapping or programming your HVAC thermostat to make your home comfortable to your liking. Not long ago, maintaining a comfortable indoor environment wasn't so simple. Keep reading to take a look back at notable inventions in HVAC history and how they influence our modern world.
Mechanical Room Fan
The first known invention of the mechanical room fan was during the Han Dynasty in China's Golden Age. A network of large room fans could be controlled by one person operating large wheels to spin the fans. The wheels could be 10-foot in diameter, which surely created quite the wind-chill effect!
Radiant Heating
Modern radiant heating systems use a solution that is heated and circulated through pipes installed inside or beneath floors (and walls). Heat from the hot solution rises and radiates into the room and furnishings. Several ancient societies had their own style of radiant heating. The Greeks and Romans used pipes and channels installed beneath marble floors that transmitted heat from fires and furnaces into the rooms above.
Electric-Resistance Heating
Electric-resistance heating is widely used in many applications. Air-source heat pumps, electric radiant heating panels, electric water heaters, electric stoves, and more use the technology. William Siemens invented electric-resistance heating coils when he proved that metal coils produced heat by applying an electrical current.
Modern-Day Air Conditioner
The most important invention in HVAC history has to be the modern-day air conditioner. Willis Carrier, an American engineer, was actually trying to invent a dehumidifier that could remove moisture from large factory rooms. He did, and much more. Our modern economic, scientific, and technological world wouldn't be possible without cooled, climate-controlled environments.
Ductless Mini Split
Developed by Mitsubishi Electric during the 1970s, ductless mini splits provide exceptional cooling and heating solutions where space is limited or impractical for conventional air ducts. Ductless systems are ideal for conditioning guest rooms, bonus rooms, additions, and more.
We hope you enjoyed this look back through HVAC history. For modern HVAC services in your Broken Arrow home, contact the professionals at Air Assurance today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.