Just like our grandparents, air conditioners also have interesting stories to tell. While some of them may sound trivial, others are really cool and intriguing. Keep reading because we’ll share seven (7) air conditioning fun facts that will leave you open-mouthed.
Fun fact #1: AC Was Made to Protect Paper and Ink
You wouldn’t believe this, but the first inventor of the air conditioner in 1902, Willis H. Carrier, invented the system not for air conditioning but for controlling the humidity in a publishing company. The idea behind his invention was to protect the paper from contracting or expanding and keep the ink aligned. It was in 1906 when the term “air conditioning” was coined by Stuart Cramer.
Fun fact #2: Ventilation for Corpses
Unbelievable! Did you know that the two earliest ventilation systems were used to preserve cadavers? The first one was in 1899 at the Cornell University’s dissecting rooms and in 1903 at the New York Stock Exchange.
Fun fact #3: Summer Blockbuster
This isn’t a movie or a TV series. Back in the old days, “summer blockbuster” was the term used to describe people who come to cinemas to enjoy the cool air while watching films. Because of this trend, the industry released its blockbuster movies in late spring, which gave birth to this word. What a great marketing strategy!
Fun fact #4: Air Conditioner For Just $350
Here’s another trivia for you: back in the 1940s, you just need to pay $350 for a basic window air conditioning unit. At present, the ballpark figure is around $3,500 to $4,000. Look at the price tag now! How we wish we could turn back time.
Fun fact #5: It’s Summer – Time to Shut Down!
You read it right! Before the first air conditioner was invented, schools weren’t the only offices that stop working during the summer. Because of the warm, uncomfortable weather, government offices shut down too. Thanks to air conditioners that made it possible for lawmakers to stay longer in their seats now.
Fun fact #6: Ice Machine For Disease Outbreak
Preventing malaria outbreak and yellow fever are Dr. Gorrie’s purposes for inventing the ice-making machine. He believed that the extreme heat and humidity are the main causes of the disease outbreak. He placed an ice machine on every patient’s room to reduce the humidity level and hot temperature.
Fun fact #7: Oh! That Was Tall!
History says that the first modern AC unit is 7 feet high, 6 feet wide and 20 feet long! Pretty gigantic to install in your home, isn’t it? Can you just imagine the size and the cost? It’s the reason why most homes didn’t have AC until the 1970s. See? Air conditioning got its funny sides too. Believe it or not, most homeowners do not know about these facts. For more interesting facts and helpful tips about your unit, Air Anytime is the place to go. Call us today!
