10 Quirky Air Conditioning Facts That Will Blow Your Mind
Your home’s air conditioner has a lot more history than you may think. It’s a modern luxury that we often forget we are privileged to have until it goes out on us in the peak heat of summer.
Air conditioning has changed a lot over the course of history. Here are 10 trivia facts about AC that will definitely spark great dinner conversation.
1. The First Places to Use AC?: Movie Theaters
Surprised? Us too. Movie theaters were among the first public places to have air conditioning, as a ploy to try to get everyone to come to the movies.
Theaters would release big pictures in the summer, hence the term “summer blockbuster.”
2. What Relies on Air Conditioning to Survive?: Medications
Air conditioners allow many of the medications you take each day to be studied and developed. Researchers require cool and less-humid air in their labs to accurately study these groundbreaking necessities.
3. The U.S. Uses the Same Amount of Energy to Power AC Systems as Which Continent?: Africa
The U.S. is one of the biggest consumers of air conditioning in the world. We use so much of it, that our energy consumption for them is equal to the amount of energy Africa uses every year to power the entire continent.
4. Before BTU’s, How Were Air Conditioner Output Ratings Judged?: Ice
Prior to the invention of the air conditioner, people used to keep cool with large blocks of ice. So, when air conditioners were first introduced in 1902, their output ratings were judged based on how much ice you would need to get the same cooling power.
5. What Was the Driving Factor Behind the Invention of the Air Conditioner?: Newspapers
In 1902, Willis Carrier came up with the idea when working at a publishing company. He needed a way to keep his paper from expanding and the ink from running. Viola!
6. Air Conditioners Are Responsible for Changing What in Humans?: Our Heat Tolerance
Scientific studies have shown that the introduction of air conditioning has actually lowered the natural human tolerance for heat. Meaning a hot summer’s day seems much more amplified than it did to people generations ago.
7. Who Created The First Pseudo Air Conditioner?: The Chinese
In 180 AD, a Chinese artisan invented a 10-foot wide rotary fan that had seven connected wheels. It could cool an entire hall of people just by turning a crank.
8. Who Is Considered the Father of Air Conditioning & Refrigeration?: John Gorrie
Gorrie was a Floridian doctor, and in 1842 he developed a machine that made ice in order to cool the air for his patients. He was granted a patent to create a similar machine for homes and buildings, but died before he could create it.
9. What U.S. Landmark Building was Among the First Ever to Use Air Conditioning?: The New York Stock Exchange
The New York Stock Exchange Building was one of the first buildings to use air conditioning in 1903.
10. The Invention of the Air Conditioner Changed What Other Industry? Architecture
Before air conditioners, architects used to design homes and buildings with high ceilings, porches, breezeways, and landscaping that provided shade in order to keep occupants cool.
Heating and Cooling Myths You Probably Believe
In the spirit of sharing things you didn’t know, we thought we’d share these heating and cooling myths you probably were taught to believe.
Whether it’s common sense that doesn’t actually make sense, or because of technological updates, there are tricks you probably use each day that are actually costing you money instead of saving it.
Read on to see if you’re guilty of believing these common misconceptions.
Ceiling Fans Cool Your Home
Fans move air, and moving air feels cooler on the skin. So, if a room is feeling warm, fans are a great way to cool it down – as long as someone is in the room. While fans create wind, they don’t change the temperature.
When fans are left on in an empty room, they’re not dropping the temperature, but they can help keep the air from feeling or smelling stagnant when you get there.
Related Read: The Ultimate Guide to Summer Energy Savings
Close the Register if You Don’t Use the Room
While it makes sense on the surface, this myth is actually outdated. Sure, in the past, heating systems benefited when they only had to heat a small space. When modern systems are installed, each room is considered and factored into the system and closing rooms off displaces pressure for your heater.
Today, closing the register creates an imbalance for your heating system and closing too many can even cause a breakdown.
Fireplaces Mean Less Work for Your Heating System
There’s something about a fireplace – that soft crackling sound and flickering light is totally unique. But if you’re using your fireplace to lessen the work for your heating system, you’re fooling yourself.
The fact of the matter is that a fireplace is a great big hole in your ceiling, and since heat rises, it escapes through that hole. Add in the fact that most people purchase firewood, and you’re spending far more than you’re saving.
Looking to keep your home more comfortable? Consider a humidifier – for a myriad of different reasons.
Duct Tape Is Great for Sealing Ducts
Not so much. Duct tape is good at a lot of things, but sealing ducts is definitely not one of them. When duct tape is used to patch up ductwork, it consistently fails, usually within the year. If you’re looking to seal up your ducts, you’ll be far better served by mastic or foil tape.
We hope this information helps you make better heating and cooling decisions regarding your home as well as helps to save you money on your heating and cooling bills.
If you’d like more information on making your home more efficient with a new furnace, air conditioner, or geothermal system, We have plenty of options available for new Lennox systems and rebates are usually available.