1. The First AC Was Built in 1902
Willis Carrier built the first air conditioner to control humidity in a printing plant and allow ink to dry in hot conditions. However, air conditioning didn’t appear in a home until 1913, when Charles Gilbert Gates built one for residential use in a Minneapolis, MN, mansion. But the Romans had the first heating system; the Hypocaust directed heat from a furnace through the floor and pipes in walls (starting at about 350 B.C.).
2. The First Automotive AC Was Introduced in 1940
The Packard Motor Company introduced the first air conditioned car, the 1939 Packard, which was expensive and unpopular at the time. The AC unit took up most of the vehicle’s trunk space (while the first commercially available residential AC in 1931 measured 6 feet tall x 6 feet wide x 20 feet long).
3. Schools Started Summer Breaks Due to the Heat
Most schools didn’t have AC in the 1900s. Since there was nothing to cool hot classrooms, schools closed for the summer. Many government buildings did too.
4. You Don’t Need Your Heater All Day
Even at the lowest setting, running the heater when you don’t need it wastes a lot of energy. Turn the unit off when not at home, or install a programmable thermostat. A heating schedule can make it easier to select times to save energy; plus, if you’re constantly heating your home, much of it will escape through hidden cracks.
5. Air Conditioners Took Awhile to Catch On
The first fully air conditioned office building was the Milam Building in San Antonio, TX. This was in the late 1920s. In 1965, just 10% of U.S. homes had AC (even before then, in the 1930s, people would go to movie theaters to stay cool); by 2017, 93% of households were air conditioned.
6. HVAC Systems Help Clean Indoor Air
In addition to heating, cooling, and humidity control, a well-ventilated HVAC system helps keep allergens, mold, and bacteria out of your home. Removing pollutants can contribute to improved health, and a healthier indoor environment is much more pleasant to live in.
7. A Dirty Air Filter Can Disable Your HVAC System
Changing filters regularly is the best, and easiest, thing you can do for your air conditioner. Accumulated dirt can clog the filter, trap harmful contaminants, and reduce performance and efficiency by restricting air flow. Your HVAC system will work harder, energy bills will go up, and expensive repairs and replacements may be needed, which can readily be avoided.
8. Alice H. Parker Invented the Central Heating Furnace
The African-American inventor filed a patent for a heating system in 1919. It provided central heating and allowed control of how much heat reached different parts of a building. This invention led to the forced air furnace and thermostat used in homes today.
9. Closing Air Vents Can Cause Damage
Shutting a vent only cuts air flow to the room it serves. The same amount of air is still circulating in the system. Therefore, closing vents can put pressure on ductwork and critical HVAC components. This can result in damage and repair bills that are a good deal more than any energy savings you tried to achieve.
10. HVAC Repairs Often Involve Electrical Issues
This is one of the more important HVAC facts to know, because blown fuses, blown capacitors, tripped breakers, damaged electrical wiring and connections, and other electrical elements are often the reason for an AC breakdown. Tampering with the system can result in fire, shock, or electrocution. That’s why you should always contact a professional to address the situation.
Contact Ideal Temp Heating & Cooling
We hope these HVAC facts helps you better understand your heating and cooling system. If you have any questions, or need a technician for repairs, a new installation, system replacement, or air quality solutions in the Kansas City, MO, area, book your appointment online or call us directly at 816-720-7803.
Ahhh, the summer months. Trips to the seaside, picnics in the park, and… brutally hot weather! Whenever the temperature starts to ramp up across the UK people start searching for air coolers and air conditioners online. As the mercury tops 25 degrees it can become stiflingly hot indoors and sleeping becomes difficult for adults and children alike. Investing in an air conditioner or air cooler can really help to ease the heat and make your home’s temperature much more pleasant.
However, during those online searches, it becomes increasingly important to know the differences between air coolers and air conditioners. While they will both keep you cool, there are some key differences between the two. This article explains all you need to know about making this important consumer decision.
How do air coolers and air conditioners work?
While many people confuse air coolers with air conditioners, they are completely different types of appliances. Air coolers are not equipped with complex components or gas and as a result, they are smaller and cheaper than air conditioning units. They work by sucking in warm ambient air that passes over a damp honeycomb filter in the unit. A cold-water tank in the unit keeps the honeycomb filter wet and as the water evaporates the air is cooled and then spread throughout the space by an internal fan.
In many ways, air conditioners are like a refrigerator, but instead of securing the cold air inside they blow the air around the room. Air conditioners utilise refrigerant gas to cool down the warm air in a room and then blow the now-cooled air around the space with internal fans. They must vent the hot air outside (usually via a window, ventilation shaft, or dedicated passage) with an exhaust hose.
While evaporative cooling is cost effective and easy to use, it is not always the most effective solution. If you live in an extremely hot or humid climate, you might find more relief from the heat with an air conditioning unit. Air coolers work best in areas with a hot, dry climate.
In contrast to air conditioning units, air coolers are at their most efficient when placed in a room with an open door or window. This allows fresh air to circulate throughout the space. If you cannot leave a door or window open due to noise, insects or security concerns, an air cooler might not be best for you.
Before you place an order for an air cooler you need to assess your space and decide what size unit will work best for you. If you buy an evaporative water cooler that is not big enough for your space, it will work extra hard all in vain and therefore wasting energy and failing to keep you cool. You need to consider an air cooler’s CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) rating. This refers to the amount of fresh air that will cycle through your room each minute. Calculate your CFM by multiplying the square footage you need to cool by the ceiling height. Divide this number by two, and that is your CFM.
What should you consider when purchasing an air conditioner?
In order to determine the best air conditioner for your space, you first need to know a little bit about BTU. A BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a rating used to determine the heating (or in the case of an air conditioner, the cooling capacity) of an appliance. As a general rule, we advise you to buy an air conditioner with a minimum 7000 BTUs, as this is the minimum required to cool even a small room (18sq/m) on a hot day. Medium rooms (24sq/m) need around 9000 BTUs, and larger spaces (36sq/m) require around 15000 BTUs. A 9000 BTU air conditioner is a solid choice for most residential homes, as it packs a big enough punch to cool lounges, bedrooms and common areas without draining your bank account.
Speaking of running costs, your next cause for concern should be the model’s energy efficiency rating. The higher the rating, the lower the running costs. A++ is the most economical and G the least economical. While a higher-end model might cost a little bit more money at the outset, it will save you heaps of money in the long run.
Whilst you may dream of a home fully fitted with a complex air conditioning system, you need to assess your budget before you make any decisions. Air conditioners cost more to purchase than air coolers and use more electricity over time.
When you make the decision about which air conditioner to purchase, you should consider its key features and functions. Is a timer important to you? Do you want remote access so that you can control your air conditioner from afar? Consider how important these special features are to you before you make a decision.
Finally, you also need to consider where you plan to place your unit. The ventilation will likely dictate the location of your air conditioner unit, as it needs to be near a vent or window.
Conclusion
Whether you choose an air cooler or an air conditioner, this investment can make your home a more pleasant, livable, and healthy environment in the heat of summer. With temperatures only increasing year on year, use this guide to choose a cooling unit that will keep your family cool and happy for years to come.