Who Invented Air Conditioning?
From the time that humans first enjoyed refreshing breezes drifting through rudimentary caves, staying cool in warm climates has been a subject of innovation and invention. But how did we evolve from those early days to what is now modern air conditioning? Believe it or not, modern air conditioning wasn’t developed until 1902, and the story is one of our favorites to share with our customers at C & C Heating & Air Conditioning.
Apparatus for Treating Air
The story of modern air conditioning has humble beginnings. In 1902, a fellow who worked in a print shop in Brooklyn noticed that the ink wasn’t sticking to the paper. When he investigated the problem, he found that the indoor space was too hot and humid in the summertime. The problem was more than inconvenient. The print shop had to shut down in the warmer months. This bright, young fellow had a bit of knowledge about commercial refrigeration, so he went about finding a way to cool down the interior space, hoping to save the business from losing revenue. His first invention involved sending cold water through coils and using fans to blow air across the coils. Not only did this reduce the temperature, but it also lowered the humidity.
First AC Company
Thirty-one years later, this same gentleman started a company and refined his invention. The condensing unit of the new design was powered by electricity and a single belt. He also improved the mechanics, coil, and blower. The ingenuity of the new cooling system is the foundation for modern commercial, residential, and automobile air conditioning systems.
Biggest Name in the Business
So, who was this clever, brilliant chap? His name was Willis Haviland Carrier, and his company continues to be one of the biggest names in the HVAC business. C & C Heating & Air Conditioning carries many models of Carrier systems, and we provide the necessary installation, repair, and maintenance services to keep them running efficiently. All modern AC systems, regardless of size and use, are based on five important aspects that Carrier included in his original design, namely temperature, humidity, circulation, ventilation, and cleansing.
Temperature Control
Temperature control may seem to be the only aspect of air conditioning, but there is actually much more science behind the equipment that keeps you comfortable in the summer. Temperature control refers to the system’s ability to cool down a space and maintain that temperature. In modern AC units, the thermostat is the primary mechanism for achieving this.
Humidity Control
Have you ever been in a very humid climate, such as the tropics or the southeastern part of the US? If you have, you know how terribly uncomfortable too much humidity can be during the warm summer months. Arid climates with low humidity levels are just as uncomfortable because there is very little moisture in the air. These locations demonstrate the importance of humidity levels for keeping cool. AC systems keep the humidity in your home at the right level for proper cooling. If you lived in a dry part of the country, you would need to run a humidifier to help the AC system. In the more humid areas, dehumidifiers are commonplace to remove excess moisture from the air.
Circulation
Imagine if the blower on your AC system had only enough power to blow air across the cool coils and no further. It wouldn’t do much good because the cold air would never reach the rooms in your house. Circulation is a key part of any AC system. If your HVAC equipment does not have the capacity to circulate air throughout your home, you feel warm during the summer. Too high capacity and you waste money on excessively high utility bills. If you’re replacing your AC system, speak with the experts at C & C Heating & Air Conditioning to ensure that the new unit is the right size.
Ventilation
In order to cool your home in the summer, your AC system needs to remove or replace heat. This is where the ventilation phase comes into play. During the process of heat exchange, the unit releases excess heat into the outdoor air, typically at the point of the exterior unit. This is why you may notice that the air around your AC unit feels warm. Without ventilation, temperature control would be next to impossible.
Cleaning
Did you know that your AC system also helps with indoor air quality? The filters trap particles, and the ventilation process also eliminates odors, dust, bacteria, mold spores, moisture, and more. The unfortunate part, though, is that your AC system may not be enough to keep indoor air quality at healthy levels. The good news is that C & C Heating & Air Conditioning offers products specifically for indoor air quality. Our UV lights mount in your existing system to damage airborne pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. We also have air purification systems and high-quality filters that trap airborne particles. If you notice dust buildup on your furniture or suffer allergy-like symptoms year-round, you should look into indoor air quality products to keep your family safe and healthy.
How to Improve AC Performance
Now that you know a little bit about the history of air conditioning, you can take steps to improve the performance of your entire HVAC system. We recommend routine maintenance in the spring and fall. Our technicians inspect the unit, refill lubricants, replace filters, and more. We may also find that your system needs upgrades, such as a ventilator or humidifier, to improve cooling during the summer. One of the easiest ways to boost AC performance is to check your filters regularly, even before the manufacturer’s recommendations. Weather patterns can affect the density of particles in the air, so your filter may get clogged sooner than expected.
Note About Thermostats
At the core, thermostats are fairly simple devices, and you may not consider replacing a unit that seems to work well. There are many benefits, though, to updating your thermostat. Digital thermostats make it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. The next level up is a programmable thermostat. These devices let you set specific temperatures for certain times of day, such as when you go to bed, leave for work, and come home in the afternoon. You can also set up the thermostat for different temperatures for when you are away on vacation or a business trip. The models that offer the most convenience are smart thermostats. You control temperatures from your phone or other smart devices. Smart thermostats can be installed in any home and tied into any existing smart technologies.
Have Questions About Your AC System?
C & C Heating & Air Conditioning is a top-rated heating and cooling company that serves Macomb County and the surrounding areas. If you have questions about your AC or would like information about a new cooling system, give us a call! We can also help with all your heating needs. Our expert technicians specialize in cooling installations, repairs, and maintenance. Be sure to ask about our water heater services and 24/7 emergency repairs!
