Scott Systems Heating & Air Home » Energy Efficiency »

Consider yourself lucky if you get through any season without any hiccups. Whether that be sweating through summer or getting a cold in the wintertime, our heating and cooling system helps us avoid the extreme temperatures outside. Heating and cooling units might not be very interesting, but if you’re curious, we figured that it might interest you to find out a few fun HVAC facts. Let’s imagine this is a fun HVAC trivia game.

 #1 The First Modern AC

The first modern air conditioner was built by Willis Carrier in the year 1902. The invention, however, was not created for comfort, but instead to control the humidity in the printing plant where he worked. Charles Gilbert Gates was the first man to build a fully air-conditioned home in Minneapolis, MN in 1913. It was a mansion that had gold plumbing and a full ballroom. Sadly, he passed on before his house was completed.

 #2 “The Summer Blockbuster”

The first business to use air conditioners in the 20th century was the Rivoli Theater in Time Square. Air conditioning was a major contributing factor in making movie theaters a successful business venture. In the 1930s, people gathered in the theater not just to see movies but also to cool down in the summer heat. This was how the phrase “summer blockbuster” was coined and marketers took capitalized on it by releasing more movies during the warmer season.

 #3 Energy Consumption

The total amount of energy used to power our air conditioners in the U.S. is equal to the entire energy consumption of the African continent. Almost every home has some sort of air conditioning or heating system in the United States. That’s why there has always been such a high demand for HVAC system technicians.

 #4 The First Heating System

The Romans created the first-ever recorded central heating system in the world called the Hypocaust. They were the first culture to have heating systems in their respective houses to keep them warm dating back to as early as 350 BC. The hypocaust sends heat from a furnace through the floor and pipes placed within the walls to heat the area. The heat created was regulated through the amount of wood that was fed to the fire in the furnace. Although it was not very efficient compared to our systems now, it sure was a marvelous invention for the time.

 #5 The First Air-Conditioned Car

The very first car to have an air conditioner was introduced in the year 1940 by the Packard Motor company. Although air-conditioning systems in vehicles seem like a hot commodity, this one wasn’t very popular. With a steep price tag and an AC unit that took up a lot of trunk space, this vehicle’s popularity was doomed.

 #6 Size Differences

In 1931, air conditioners were too big and expensive for the public. The size of the first air conditioner invented for residential use was about 6 ft tall, 6ft wide, and 20ft long. It took the hard work of two innovators J.Q. Sherman and H.H. Schultz to create the smaller air conditioners you enjoy now.

 #7 Wasted Energy and Money

Leaving your heater running all day is a huge waste of energy and money. That includes leaving it on with the lowest setting. It’s a better idea to turn off the heater/ air conditioner when it is not being used and turn it back on when you need it. Or better still, use a programmable thermostat to set a schedule for the heating system. Not turning off your heating system throughout the winter period means that you are pumping out heat continuously. Some of this heat escapes through cracks in the home resulting in wasted energy and higher energy bills.

 #8 The Dirty Side

Air pollution is one of the most harmful threats to our health and the environment. Proper ventilation is the best way to improve the quality of your indoor air. Poor ventilation allows for air pollutants to stay in the home. This creates a breeding ground for mold and harmful bacteria. Poor ventilation can also trigger allergies for people with sensitive respiratory systems. Opening the windows is a great way to allow fresh air to enter your home.

 #9 The Difference Air Filters Make

One of the most common causes of HVAC malfunction is the accumulation of dirt in the air filter. A clogged air filter results in a number of negative effects. Its main use, however, is to trap all those harmful airborne contaminants that put your health at risk. When it gets clogged with dirt and debris, an air filter can’t function properly and you could begin breathing dirty air. Dirty filters also result in an inefficient HVAC unit due to restricted airflow. Replacing your air filters regularly is essential for clean air and HVAC system efficiency. If you want to read more about the importance of air filters, read our blog – Everything You Need To Know About Air Filters.

 #10 How Important Is Air Conditioning Really?

Millions of Americans use air conditioners in their place of work. Without air conditioning, buildings can get too hot and the heat may become unbearable. Children are commonly sent home from school in the summertime because of the unavailability of AC in schools. Some businesses even shut down for at least 2 months.
Sometimes an AC isn’t just for comfort. For example, the medical field utilizes it to promote a sterile environment. Places like this depend on air conditioners to keep the area cool.

I bet you didn’t know at least one of these interesting facts right? The fact of the matter is that people need AC for the best comfort and to have a better work environment as shown in hospitals. If you’re looking for the best home comfort, HVAC Alliance Expert knows how to deliver it. We continue the legacy of Willis Carrier every day with our expert service. Contact us today if you need any heating and cooling services. Scott Systems Inc. / 870-536-9449