While everyone appreciates an air conditioner, there is a lot many people
do not know about these ubiquitous machines. The history of the air conditioner
is surprisingly interesting, and HVAC has played a major role in shaping
American culture. In this blog, we take a look at five things you probably
didn’t know about your cooling system.
1. AC Systems Work By Dehumidifying The Air
Many people do not realize that air conditioners will draw moisture out
of the air in their home. While not as effective as a designated dehumidifier,
air conditioners can still help prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and
even dust mites.
2. Air Conditioners Were A Selling Point For Movie Theaters
Movie theaters were some of the first businesses to adopt the air conditioner,
as it was a great way to get people in the door on a hot summer day. One
of the first systems was installed in the Rivoli Theater in Times Square
back in 1925 – due to the massive success, more than 300 other theaters
would get AC systems over the next five years.
3. Herbert Hoover Brought AC To The White House
As the nation was slipping into the Great Depression, President Herbert
Hoover had a $30,000 air conditioner installed in the White House back
in 1929. While the AC would be upgraded 6 years later for Franklin Delano
Roosevelt, FDR disliked air conditioning, and even refused to use a fan!
4. The First Car Air Conditioner Came In 1939
In 1930, General Motors was experimenting with blocks of ice to cool down
drivers, as an alternative to the classic “windows down, speed up”
method for cooling. Within the decade, Packard Motor Car Co. developed
a precursor to the modern car AC system, complete with a compressor and
refrigerating coils.
5. The Air Conditioner Has Saved Many Lives
When properly maintained, air conditioning can have a number of health
benefits. Besides reducing allergens and improving air quality, however,
air conditioning has played a critical role in the development of many
medications by creating a temperature controlled environment. Air conditioners
began to show up in neonatal intensive-care units as early as 1926, as
they helped control the environment for premature infants – this
principle would eventually lead to the development of temperature-controlled
incubators.
If you need air conditioner repair, replacement, or new AC installation
in Murrieta or the surrounding areas, call Correy Baker Heating &
Air today.