The invention of air conditioning ranks as one of the most important in modern history, allowing for climate control of homes and businesses. With the heat and humidity of summer at it’s peak right now, it’s hard to imagine our world without it.
Utilizing a process that forces specialized chemical compounds to evaporate and condense over and over again in a closed system of coils, modern air conditioners use refrigeration to cool and dehumidify indoor air,. The compounds involved used are refrigerants whose chemical properties allow them to change at relatively low temperatures. Air conditioners feature fans that move warm interior air over these cold, refrigerant-filled coils. Central air conditioning systems are built with a system of ducts designed to funnel air to and from these serpentine, air-chilling coils and throughout homes and other structures.
In 1902, the first modern electrical air conditioner was invented by a New York-area engineer trying to control humidity levels at a publishing company. The device cooled air and controlled humidity levels via air circulated through rudimentary versions of the afore-mentioned cooling coils. The invention prompted engineers and businesses to experiment with air conditioning technology, which was unveiled to the American public at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis.
Breakthroughs in comfort cooling technology came in the 1920s, when movie theaters were outfitted with air conditioning systems. Americans flocked to the climate-controlled, big screen establishments to watch the golden age of Hollywood. Despite the technological advancements, however, air conditioning units were too large and expensive for public consumption. By the 1930s, smaller residential units were developed but were still too costly to the public. By the late 1940s, inexpensive versions of residential air conditioners became available, and by the mid-to-late 1960s, most new homes had central air conditioning. Also, window air conditioners were more affordable than ever, and these two developments fueled population growth in hot-weather states like Arizona and Florida. According to the Energy Information Administration, in 2015 air conditioning was used in nearly 100 million American homes, representing 87% of all households.
Climate Control Company is proud to be a part of more than 100 years of the home comfort industry. Call us today for all your air conditioning needs.
