Category: Glossary

HVAC Trivia

Here are fifteen great HVAC Trivia facts asked and answered.

Who developed gaseous means of air conditioning, refrigeration?

Michael Faraday in 1820 discovered that liquefied ammonia would cool air when compressed and evaporated- an early experiment which led to mechanical air conditioning.

Who Invented the modern day Air Conditioner?

Willis Carrier, printing plant engineer. It was originally designed to solve the humidity and heat problem in the printing plant where he worked in Brooklyn, NY.

In 1903, which firm was one of the first to install air conditioning?

The New York Stock Exchange was one of the first commercial air conditioning customers.

Which civilization was the first to use a crude warm air heating system?

The Ancient Romans created Hypocaust. A floor heating design by which a continuously run furnace in a room beneath the floor would continuously warm the floor. This would also help warm the room. It was first designed to warm bath houses.

Who is known as the Father of refrigeration?

Dr. John Gorrie, Florida. In 1842 he created a machine to make ice to help cool his patients. He received a patent for the machine in 1851, so he could build ice making machines for homes and businesses. He lost his financial backing before he could develop it.

What industry enabled a 60% population expansion of the American South and West in the mid 1900s?

The HVAC Industry, with the improvement and development of air conditioning systems, enabled workers to be productive in hot and harsh climates. This led to commercial and residential expansion in those southwest geographic areas.

What was the first automobile manufacturer to install air conditioning in cars?

Packard in 1939 first offered air conditioning as an added option to new cars. Many did not choose the option due to the high cost and the fact that the evaporator and blower took up half the trunk space.

What instrument measures indoor air humidity?

A Hygrometer measures the relative humidity or moisture, vapor content in air.

Who was the first President of the United States to enjoy Air Conditioning in the White House?

President Herbert Hoover was the first president to enjoy air conditioning in the white house. He had air conditioning installed in the oval office in 1930 at a cost of $30,000 during the Great Depression.

Air Conditioners cool the air, but what else do they do?

Air Conditioners also remove humidity from the air as well.

How often should you change your HVAC air filters?

Change HVAC air filters at least every three months, every month for high traffic homes or homes with pets.

What is BTU?

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and measures the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.

Do fans cool the air?

Fans can cool air by a small amount, they provide more comfort by creating a wind chill and helping to evaporate sweat.

Does Air Conditioning save lives?

Yes, excessive heat and humidity can claim lives of elderly people, people with health conditions and people exerting themselves in high temperatures. It has been determined by researchers that deaths experienced by these higher risk people has been reduced by 80%.

Do newer energy efficient HVAC system really save money?

YES! High energy efficient systems can save up to 30% or even more on your HVAC energy costs, which saves you on energy bills and helps the environment.

Air Doctor Heating and Air can provide you with a Free Estimate if you would like to consider a new, energy efficient system with a 10 year warranty on parts and labor. Many financing options are available.