History of Air Conditioner: How AC Changed Mankind Forever

Introduction

Air conditioning has literally changed the world in which we live. It allows us to stay cool and comfortable in temperatures that would otherwise be unbearable. However, air conditioning didn't always exist, and it hasn't always been as advanced as it is today. This article will explore the history of air conditioning so you can learn how this technology came about and how it has evolved over time.

Ancient methods of cooling
The use of fans and ventilation systems is one of the earliest methods used to cool down a room. The ancient Greeks were the first to invent fans, which were used for cooling purposes. They also developed a system that involved blowing air through water, creating a mist that would cool down the room.

The frigidarium, a large pool in Roman baths, was used as a cooling-off place after a soak in the steaming hot water of the caldarium. Imported snow and ice from the Alps were used to keep the water in the frigidarium chilly, making it a popular destination for the wealthy during summertime.

In India, ancient buildings often had an outer wall called a "jaali" that was decorated with intricate cut-out designs and acted as a buffer zone to protect against the heat. Sunken houses were also used by many of our ancestors, including the ancient Japanese, Vikings, and Native Americans, to naturally regulate the temperature of their dwellings by taking advantage of the cooler soil below the surface.

Houses on stilts have also been used for thousands of years in tropical areas and throughout much of India to provide a breezy space below the structure where the family can gather and enjoy the shade.

Read more: 7 Tips To Use Air Conditioning Efficiently and lower you energy bills

Early attempts at air conditioning

Dr. John Gorrie, a doctor from Apalachicola Florida, attempted to build an air conditioner in the 1830s to cool down hospital rooms for patients suffering from yellow fever and malaria. He used a fan to blow air over a bucket of ice to accomplish this.

In 1881, naval engineers constructed a wooden box containing cloths dipped in ice water, with a fan blowing over them to help ease the suffering of President James Garfield. This contraption was able to lower the room temperature by 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but at a very high cost, as they used over five hundred thousand pounds of ice in just two months.

The invention of the modern air conditioner

When we think of the modern air conditioner, we often think of Willis Carrier. He was a prolific inventor who created many things that would be used in our homes today, including the modern-day air conditioner. He is known as "The Father of Air Conditioning" and has been credited with creating one of the first systems ever built for this purpose.

On July 17, 1902, Willis Haviland Carrier designed the first modern air-conditioning system, launching an industry that would fundamentally improve the way we live, work, and play.

Air conditioning has continued to grow since its inception; however, it wasn't until 1940 when commercial applications were introduced that we saw widespread use of this technology. Early uses included movie theaters and department stores where customers could escape from hot summer temperatures into cool comfort zones where they could shop comfortably without sweating profusely or feeling faint due to heat exhaustion.

Read more: 10 Most Interesting & Important Facts About Air Conditioning

Growth of air conditioning

The early days of air conditioning saw the spread of commercial applications. Since Willis Haviland Carrier invented the first air conditioning system, air conditioning units were used in movie theaters and other public spaces like libraries. The next step was to bring this technology into homes and cars.

Initially, cooling technologies were too large and expensive for home use, but they advanced over time. Frigidaire introduced a split-system room cooler in 1929 that was small enough for homes and shaped like a radio cabinet. However, this system was costly, heavy, and required a separate condensing unit. General Electric improved on this design, developing a self-contained room cooler, and created 32 prototypes from 1930 to 1931.

Home cooling systems became more compact when H.H. Schultz and J.Q. Sherman patented an air conditioning unit that could be placed on a window ledge in 1932. However, these units were not widely purchased due to their high cost.

Engineer Henry Galson developed a more affordable and compact version of the window air conditioner, and production lines were established for several manufacturers. This made air conditioning accessible to homeowners without the need for expensive upgrades, and by 1947, 43,000 of these systems were sold.

In the late 1960s, most new homes had central air conditioning, and window air conditioners were more affordable than ever, leading to population growth in hot-weather states such as Arizona and Florida. According to the Energy Information Administration, nearly 100 million American homes now have air conditioning, which accounts for 87 percent of all households.

Also read: Different Modes in Air Conditioner: Cool, Dry, Fan, Turbo, Sleep, Eco

Impact of air conditioning on society

Air conditioning has had a significant impact on society. As an example, consider the improvement in public health that air conditioning has brought about.
In the past, people were more likely to suffer from heat stroke or other illnesses when temperatures reached high levels. Air conditioning has helped prevent this by keeping homes and offices cool during hot weather conditions. 

As well as improving our physical well-being, air conditioning also has economic benefits for society as a whole. For example:

• It allows businesses to function effectively throughout the year. This means that they can produce goods at all times of the year instead of having to shut down operations during winter months due to freezing temperatures outside;
• People are able to work longer hours if they're comfortable enough inside their workplace;
• Companies save money by not having to pay extra salaries when employees take sick leave due to their poor health caused by excessive heat exposure

Air conditioning has also made it possible to enjoy indoor activities like watching TV, cooking, and sleeping in comfort.

Air conditioners also have a great impact on the environment. Air conditioning consumes a significant amount of energy, which contributes to climate change. The increased use of air conditioning has resulted in higher energy consumption, leading to a rise in greenhouse gas emissions.

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TCL's air conditioner evolution

TCL has been at the forefront of technological advancements in the AC field, introducing new features such as smart ACs and energy-efficient systems that make it easier for consumers to control their environments. TCL's technological advancements in air conditioning have also revolutionized how we live, work, and play indoors by improving energy efficiency and comfort levels.

In recent years, TCL has introduced smart ACs that can learn about your habits and adjust accordingly to save energy while providing you with optimal comfort levels at all times. This is done through sensors that monitor temperature variations within your home or office premises so that they can automatically adjust the settings on their own accord based on pre-determined conditions set by you (e.g., when you leave home). Another key feature offered by these systems is voice control--this allows users to operate their devices via spoken commands instead of manually fiddling around with buttons every time they need something done!

Fresh air systems are another area where TCL leads its competitors because they provide fresh air to your home. An all-around fresh air system on TCL air conditioners enables you to receive more personalized, professional service, resulting in a smarter, healthier way of living.

For more information on TCL's products and services please visit: https://www.tcl.com/sa/en

Future of air conditioning

The future of air conditioning is bright. There are many technological advancements that will continue to improve our lives and make them more comfortable, such as smart homes, voice-controlled devices, and wearables. We also have environmental concerns that are pressing us to use energy efficiency as a way to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet.

So the future of air conditioning is likely to involve the development of more energy-efficient and sustainable technologies that reduce the environmental impact of cooling systems while still providing effective cooling. Here are some trends that may shape the future of air conditioning:

1. Smart and Connected ACs: Air conditioners that are connected to the internet of things (IoT) can be controlled remotely and can learn user behavior and preferences to optimize cooling while reducing energy consumption.
2. Renewable Energy-Powered ACs: The use of renewable energy sources such as solar power to power air conditioning systems can reduce the carbon footprint of cooling systems.
3. Evaporative Cooling: Evaporative cooling technology uses water to cool air, making it a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning systems.
4. Natural Cooling: Natural cooling solutions such as passive cooling, green roofs, and shading devices can reduce the need for mechanical cooling, making buildings more energy-efficient and sustainable.

Unite the power of the air conditioner and heater in one single unit. Enjoy the comfort of a cooling and dehumidifying air conditioner that can be remotely controlled from your smartphone with the TCL AC UNITARY Series. It also has a multi-directional airflow as well as strong air cooling, heating, and dehumidifying abilities. Check out more TCL air conditioners!

Conclusion

Air conditioning is one of the most important inventions of all time. It has changed the way we live, work, and play. Air conditioners have enabled us to build cities that are more comfortable than ever before and they continue to improve our quality of life every day. The future looks bright as well as new technologies like smart air conditioning systems that can control your home's temperature automatically based on what you want!

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