Who Invented Air Conditioning?

air conditioner

Whether it has been through construction techniques, clothing, or innovative devices, humans have found ways to deal with hot climates. The Romans used aqueducts to allow for freshwater to circulate through indoor water channels. The Ancient Egyptians used a system of hanging wet clothes at the windows and doorways for cooling. As more technological advances were made, more effective forms of cooling systems were introduced.

It was in the early 20th century when a young engineer from America invented the modern air conditioner in the process of finding an engineering solution for a client. Before that time, several engineers and scientists had developed different cooling systems, but none of those systems were as successful as the invention of the air conditioner. What led to the invention of the modern air conditioner? Who was the man behind this incredible invention? Read on to find out.

The Invention of the Air Conditioner

In 1902, the Sackett & Wilhelms Lithography and Printing Company in New York was struggling with the changes in temperature and humidity which caused the paper to expand and contract. This change in the size of the paper meant the alignment of the printing was misaligned. Sackett & Wilhelms Lithography and Printing Company hired a local engineering firm to find a solution to this issue. The engineering firm, Buffalo Forge, gave this assignment to a young engineer named Willis H. Carrier.

Carrier was a graduate of the engineering school at Cornell University and had gained some valuable experience working for Buffalo Forge. The solution proposed by Carrier was to use a system of metal coils filled with cold water to cool the air that flows around the coils. There would be an indoor unit and outdoor unit of this solution. The water that cools in the indoor air would circulate to the outdoor unit, where it would release the absorbed heat. This cycle would continue until the interior had reached the desired temperature.

This system was installed at Sackett & Wilhelms Lithography and Printing Company, where it was extremely successful in lowering the temperature of the interior. As this system was used to lower the temperature of the air, the humidity of the interior was also reduced due to condensation. With a steady temperature and humidity, the paper used for printing did not expand or contract, allowing for accurate printing. Carrier had invented the modern air conditioner.

The Success of the Air Conditioner

The success of the air conditioner at Sackett & Wilhelms Lithography and Printing Company made way for the air conditioner to be successfully used at several other types of factories. Buffalo Forge was so impressed with the sales of the air conditioner that it formed an entire subsidiary just to focus on air conditioning products. This subsidiary was called the Carrier Air Conditioning Company.

Over the next few years, the Carrier Air Conditioning Company sold many air conditioning units for different industries and geographies. The company even sold units in the international market. By 1915, WW1 had caused the world economy to stagnate, causing Buffalo Forge to close down Carrier Air Conditioning Company. However, Carrier had bigger plans for his invention and decided to start his own air conditioning company. It was named Willis Carrier Corporation. The sales of the air conditioner continued to rise as it made its way into all types of industries. Air conditioners were also bought by people for their homes. Other innovative products such as the chiller were developed by the Willis Carrier Corporation as well.

The invention by Carrier gave rise to several types of manufacturing plants, laboratories, construction companies, and other types of commercial and residential industries, which might not have existed without the invention of the air conditioner. People were able to live a more comfortable life and move into places that were previously thought to be too hot or humid for comfortable living. The impact of the air conditioner was so huge that Time magazine named Carrier in the 100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century.

Schedule an Air Conditioner Service by Certified Technicians

At Alps Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., we offer a full range of heating and air conditioning (HVAC) services. Our location allows us to serve all areas of Orange County, and nearby locations. For the air conditioner, we offer repair, installation, and cleaning services. We also offer services for the furnace, boiler, indoor air quality solutions, attic insulation, maintenance agreements, and more. To schedule a service appointment, we can be reached through our website or you can give us a call.