It can be very easy to take air conditioning for granted. After all, it was just a little over 100 years ago that there was no such thing as air conditioning, meaning people could do nothing but suffer when the temperature began to rise to uncomfortable levels. Fortunately, those days are long gone thanks to an American inventor named Willis Carrier. Here’s a brief history about how Carrier introduced air conditioning to the world.
Air Conditioning was Invented in 1902
Perhaps the idea of air conditioning should be attributed to American physician Dr. John Gorrie in the 1800s. Sadly Dr. Gorrie struggled to get his idea off the ground and it would be another 60 years until Willis Carrier invented the first bona fide air conditioning unit in 1902.
The Public Got Their First Taste in 1904
Carrier proudly introduced the world to his amazing invention at the World’s Fair in St. Louis in 1904. He cooled a 1,000-seat auditorium, leaving visitors both amazed and dumbfounded in the process. Over the next two decades, his creation was used to cool other major venues in locations such as New York and Los Angeles.
They Were Eventually Mass-Produced
The first units were actually available in 1929, but because they were so large and pricy, people held off on purchasing them. Meanwhile, the smaller ones you see hanging out of windows in places like New York actually went on sale in 1932.
By the time the 1940s swung around, growing consumerism meant homes were buying the units in mass. To this day, air conditioning units are still widely available all over the world.
Legislation and Law
In recent times, some countries – particularly the US – have introduced regulations surrounding air conditioning units. Some regulations insist that businesses must keep their offices cool, because staff can’t be made to work in excessively warm conditions anymore. There’s also been energy-related legislation pushed forward to prevent people overusing air conditioners.
Conclusion
Air conditioning units are now more readily available than ever before. They’re cheaper than ever, come in more styles and are easier to install, too. Paragon Temp stock a wide variety, meaning you should have no problem getting your hands on one that fits your needs.
For more information, contact us.
