Scott Systems Inc.

870-536-9449

Nothing feels better than coming in from the heat and being able to instantly cool off in your home. If you find this isn’t the case, get in touch with Scott Systems!

This cool air relief can be credited to Willis Carrier, an American engineer, who invented the first air conditioning unit. HVACs are designed to remove or add heat within a specified space, cooling or heating the average temperature.  

Here’s a timeline of how today’s HVAC units came to fruition. 

Ancient Systems of Cooling 

The ancient Egyptians created the first known systems using water to cool their indoor spaces. By hanging wet mats over their doorways, they lowered temperatures in their homes. The evaporated water from the wet mats reduced indoor temperatures and added refreshing moisture to the dry air.  

Soon after, the Romans devised a new plan. They used their aqueduct system to circulate fresh water through indoor pipes. This technique resulted in a more comfortable environment in their villas.  

19th Century Methods 

In 1820, British inventor Michael Faraday experimented with the refrigeration properties of gases. This was when he discovered that by compressing and liquidizing ammonia and allowing it to evaporate, he could cool the air in his laboratory.  

Several years after Faraday made his discovery with ammonia, John Gorrie developed a machine that allowed him to keep yellow fever patients cool. Gorrie’s invention was unique since it compressed air and water to create an open cooling system. In 1851, Gorrie’s “cold air machine” was the first patented invention that facilitated mechanical refrigeration.  

Printing Plant Experiment  

It wasn’t until 1902 that air conditioning really took a turn towards the modern era. Carrier was tasked to stop the excessive humidity at a printing plant. It was wreaking havoc on the color register that was used for finer, multi-color printing. 

By 1903, Carrier had already designed a system comprised of chilled coils. This machine was a great success for the printing company because it maintained a constant, comfortable humidity of 55%. This was the birth of the modern air conditioner.  

HVAC Systems Today 

Only 10% of American homes had air conditioning units in 1965. Today, air conditioning is a common home feature in the United States. About 88 percent of new, single-family homes constructed in 2011 have it.  

Even though a majority of the South, Midwest, and West use central air systems, the type of AC equipment varies across regions. In the Northeast, single-room air conditioning is the norm, whereas, in the South, major, whole-house AC units are typically installed. 

If your home is not as cool as it should be, or the unit is blowing warm air, it’s time to call the professionals. Scott Systems / 870-536-9449