Stay Cool With These Strange But True AC Facts!
Virtually every home in America has an air conditioner of some sort - whether it’s a heat pump, a ductless mini-split, or even a window-mounted box unit. But how many people know the history behind their AC systems? Unfortunately, not very many. But it’s a history worth learning, especially for those who rely on their air conditioner nearly every day.
A little perspective can go a long way in boosting appreciation for such a fantastic technology that’s so easy to take for granted. And since air conditioning is an American invention, there’s no better time to start than July 4th!
America Celebrates National AC Day on July 17th
National AC Day is America’s way of commemorating the invention of the modern air conditioner by Willis Carrier in 1902. Most people may not have heard of it, but it’s a big day in the HVAC community. It’s also just a good excuse for homeowners to take even better care of their AC systems as a show of appreciation.
Many people like to use National AC Day to clean their intake vent screen or clear debris away from their outdoor units. Others want to have their entire duct system professionally cleaned or their units tuned up and inspected. Some folks celebrate by upgrading to a smart thermostat or by replacing their old, beat-up unit. And some simply sit back and savor the cool, refreshing breeze coming from their AC.
The First Air Conditioner Was Made In the USA
Back in 1902, when Willis Carrier made his breakthrough, he was working to solve a problem for a publishing company based in Brooklyn, NY. The company was experiencing issues due to excess humidity in their printing plant, so Carrier (a Cornell-educated engineer) was trying to devise a machine that would reduce humidity.
His machine, which used metal coils filled with cold water to convert water vapor into condensation, was a success. The coils captured the air’s humidity by converting it into condensation, but they also captured some of the air’s heat, cooling the air in the process - and thus marked the birth of AC and the beginning of a new era.
Without AC, There Would Be No Summer Blockbusters
It took a few years for the era of air conditioning to get off the ground, of course. Twenty years after devising his original air conditioner machine, Carrier and his team created the “centrifugal chiller” - a massive machine designed to provide a steady supply of cold air. Some of the first buildings to have a Carrier chiller installed were, of all places, movie theaters.
Theater owners, noticing that ticket sales plummeted during the summer, were eager to get people in the seats - and chilling their theaters was the perfect solution. And sure enough, people started lining up to get out of the heat and into a nice, cool movie theater. It became widely known that the cinema was the place to be in the summertime - an American tradition that’s still going strong today.
About Boutwell’s Air Masters
Boutwell’s Air Masters have been serving the Pensacola, FL community with pride since 1973. Their licensed expert technicians always arrive on time and provide transparent, no-surprise pricing and tailored solutions. They also offer financing and beneficial membership plans. Call now for AC service!
