Strange (But True) AC Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
Here in America, air conditioning is not only commonplace but in some places absolutely vital (nowhere more so than in the middle of a Florida summer). And yet, not many people know much about the history of AC technology or how it has shaped culture, not just in the U.S. but worldwide.
And since July is arguably the month that the cool blast of an AC is needed most, there’s no better time to learn a bit of this indispensable technology used in just about every home in America. Read on to discover three fascinating facts about air conditioning and its impact on society at large.
National AC Day Is July 17th
Most people don’t realize that there’s a whole day dedicated to celebrating the invention of the air conditioner - but it’s true. And naturally, it’s in the middle of July. People like to commemorate the day in various ways, from getting their air ducts cleaned or scheduling a professional tune-up, to performing a little basic maintenance and cleaning themselves. Some people take the opportunity to upgrade their old thermostat or aging unit. Some even like to turn their AC off for a few hours just to experience what life would be like without air conditioning - a surefire way to renew one’s appreciation for the technology!
Air Conditioning Was Born In the USA
In 1902, a young engineer in Buffalo, NY named Willis Carrier was hired by a Brooklyn publishing company to solve a humidity and air quality problem in their printing plant. Carrier devised a system that used special refrigerant-filled coils to convert water vapor into liquid condensation.
His electric “air conditioner” worked marvelously, but it also happened to cool the air at the same time as it dehumidified it, as the coils would capture heat from the air on top of capturing moisture. Carrier continued to develop his design, later securing a U.S. patent for it and eventually forming the Carrier Corporation, which went on to become one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of HVAC technology.
The First Summer Blockbuster Movies Have AC To Thank
As if his initial invention wasn’t enough, Carrier also played a role in transforming American culture in another realm - the cinema. In 1925, Carrier was asked to install an air conditioning system in The Rivoli Theater in Times Square. Ticket sales had always suffered in the summer months, as no one was thrilled at the prospect of trading a hot sidewalk for a hot and stuffy movie theater.
The air conditioner was a smash hit, and people flocked to the movies in droves just to stay cool on a hot and muggy day. Theaters all over the country followed suit, advertising their new “refrigerated” theaters in enormous banners hung from the marquee. Box office numbers went through the roof, and the cinemas began to see packed houses all summer - making it clear that the real star of the first-ever summer blockbuster was air conditioning.
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