The History of Cool: Who Invented the Air Conditioning Unit?

For many people, knowing the basic history of certain vital components around their homes or buildings can be both practical and interesting. The air conditioner unit is a great example – who invented the air conditioning unit, and which phases has air conditioning itself gone through over the decades since?

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we’re proud to offer a huge range of air conditioning services for clients around Sandy, Midvale, Draper, Riverton, Cottonwood Heights and more, from AC repair to air conditioning installation and more. Here’s a brief history of the inventor of the air conditioning unit and how this invention came to be, plus some of the major developments leading up to today.

Willis Carrier, the Inventor of Air Conditioning

The invention of the air conditioner can be attributed to a man named Willis Carrier, who was a junior engineer at Buffalo Forge Company in New York. In 1902, Carrier created the first modern air conditioning unit while solving an issue for a printing company that faced humidity problems affecting their paper quality. This led him to develop a system that not only cooled the air but also reduced humidity levels – and the modern air conditioner was born.

As the story goes, Carrier was standing on a foggy Pittsburgh train platform and was staring at the mist when a realization hit: He realized that air could actually be dried by passing it through water to create fog. This discovery allowed him to invent the first functional and practical air conditioning system.

The Evolution of Air Conditioning Units

In the years following its invention, there were significant developments in air conditioning technology. Here are some of the major phases and milestones that have shaped modern air conditioning systems:

Early Years (1902-1920s)

Carrier’s invention sparked interest and further research into cooling systems. By the 1920s, these systems had spread to many public areas – movie theaters were some of the first to install air conditioning units, making them popular summer destinations.

Now, these early systems were far from perfect. They often utilized existing heating systems modified with refrigeration equipment, but these often left muggy conditions at higher building levels – and extremely cold conditions at floor level.

Over time, though, these issues improved. In 1922, Carrier Engineering installed a system at the Metropolitan Theater in Los Angeles that used higher vents for pumping in air, allowing for humidity control and comfort improvements. Later that year, the company debuted a centrifugal chiller format at a different theater, increasing system reliability and decreasing costs.

Entering the Home (1929 and on)

In the initial early days of these systems, they were too expensive and large to bring into homes. However, in 1929, Frigidaire pioneered the invention of the first split-system room cooler – and this was small enough to fit into homes, though still quite heavy and expensive.

But over the next few years, General Electric and General Motors both entered the market with smaller, lighter and more affordable air conditioning units for homes. As demand grew, they became more widely available and eventually became a household staple in many areas of the country.

This included the advent of window AC units in 1932, though it took these units some time to catch on due to their higher costs. But by 1974, over 40,000 of these systems would be sold. And by the 1960s, most new homes were built with central air conditioning units as standard.

Efficiency Improvements (1970s and on)

In the 1970s, the energy crisis led to the invention of more efficient air conditioning systems. The government began placing restrictions on energy usage, leading HVAC companies to innovate in order to meet these new standards.

The result was smaller and lighter AC units that were much more energy-efficient. This allowed for significant cost savings for homeowners while also helping reduce environmental impact.

This theme has continued in the decades since. Since 1992, for instance, the US Department of Energy has maintained conservation standards for AC manufacturers; these standards were updated in 2006. This has allowed for a continuous push in the industry toward more eco-friendly and efficient systems.

Future of Air Conditioning

While the basic principles of air conditioning remain the same, technology and innovation continue to improve. Today, AC units are more energy-efficient than ever before – and that trend is expected to continue.

In addition to efficiency improvements, smart home technology has also entered the realm of air conditioning. Many systems now offer remote control and scheduling options through smartphone apps, allowing homeowners to easily manage their cooling needs and save on energy costs.

As we move forward, it’s likely that we’ll see even more advancements in air conditioning technology, making this essential component of our homes even more efficient and convenient. At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we’re excited to be a part of this evolution as we continue to provide top-quality air conditioning to clients around Sandy, Midvale, Draper, Riverton, Cottonwood Heights and nearby areas. Contact us today for help!