• Home
  • When the Air Conditioner was Invented & Its History

When the Air Conditioner was Invented & Its History

When the Air Conditioner was Invented & Its History

A necessity in modern life, air conditioning is running in homes, offices and commercial spaces worldwide. But the air conditioner was not invented for comfort – it solved an industrial problem. Its role grew over time, affecting how people live and work. In this article, we will discuss, the invention of air conditioning, its evolution and its impact on everyday life. Let’s get started.

The Invention of the Air Conditioner

Who Invented the Air Conditioner?

In 1902 Willis Haviland Carrier invented the first modern AC. Carrier was an engineer who designed the system for a Brooklyn, New York printing company to control humidity. High humidity was causing problems with printed materials. His system controlled temperature and humidity – this was before air conditioning was invented.

While claims of the first air conditioning system were made by Carrier, attempts to control indoor temperatures date back centuries. Ancient Egyptians and Romans used water-cooled walls and 19th-century inventors experimented with ice-based cooling. However, it was Carrier’s innovation upon which today’s air conditioning is based.

When Was AC Invented for Homes?

Air conditioning originated as an industrial solution but became popular in commercial buildings. The first air conditioning of public buildings was in 1920s movie theaters which drew large crowds in hot summers. Rich homeowners began installing AC systems in the 1930s, but high costs kept it from becoming common in residential settings until the 1950s.

When Did Air Conditioners Become Common?

By the 1970s, manufacturing advances caused air conditioning to be less expensive, and in many homes, offices, and public areas, it became a typical feature. When was the air conditioner first introduced? The invention dates back to 1902, but it wasn’t until decades later that it became widely accessible. In many warm climates, life without air conditioning is hard to imagine today.

When Did Air Conditioning Become Popular?

The popularity of air conditioning increased with electricity becoming more accessible and economies expanding. Mid-20th century refrigerants and compressor technology made air conditioning units more efficient and less expensive.

  • 1920s-1930s: Theatres and department stores added air conditioning.
  • 1950s-1960s: Residential air conditioning became more common – especially in the United States.
  • 1970s-1980s: Air conditioning demand increased worldwide and manufacturers developed energy-efficient models.
  • 2000s-Present: Smart air conditioning systems, green refrigerants and energy-efficient HVAC solutions are always evolving.

Air conditioning these days is a necessity in a great deal of the world for indoor air quality, heat-related illnesses and workplace productivity.

Common Issues and Solutions for Air Conditioning Systems

Air conditioning units still need to be maintained despite advancements. Common problems & solutions include:

What to Do When the Air Conditioner is Not Cooling?

When an air conditioner will not cool, the problem may be

  • Dirty filters: Blocked filters prevent airflow. Cleaning or replacing them may return cooling efficiency.
  • Low refrigerant levels: Leaks can cut cooling power. A professional HVAC technician should refill the refrigerant.
  • Blocked condenser coils: Dirt and debris prevent heat exchange. Regular maintenance keeps coils clean.
  • Thermostat issues: Bad thermostats or incorrect settings can cause cooling problems. Checking thermostat settings may fix minor problems.

What to Do When Your AC Unit Freezes Up Inside?

A frozen AC unit may have restricted airflow or refrigerant problems. Steps to fixing this include

  • Shut the unit off to avoid compressor damage.
  • Check/replace air filters (if dirty).
  • Examine vents and ducts for obstructions.
  • Let the ice melt completely then restart the unit.

Call a professional if the problem continues because refrigerant levels may need to be adjusted.

When to Get HVAC Serviced?

An air conditioning system that has regular maintenance will run efficiently. It is recommended to schedule HVAC servicing

  • At least once a year, preferably before summer.
  • Cooling performance drops unexpectedly.
  • When odd noises or odours come from the unit.
  • After long stretches of inactivity – like winter months.

Routine service may involve cleaning filters and checking refrigerant levels and electrical components to avoid a costly breakdown.

When Do Air Conditioners Go on Clearance?

An air conditioner purchased at the right time may save you money. Clearance sales are best at these times

  • End of summer (August-October): Old stock gets removed by retailers before winter.
  • During major sales events: Black Friday & Cyber Monday & holiday discounts.
  • Early spring (March-April): New models get pre-season sales.

Checking with HVAC retailers and online platforms at such times can help homeowners and businesses score great deals on air conditioning units.

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Air Conditioning

The air conditioner grew to become an everyday essential since it was invented in 1902 as an industrial necessity. Beyond comfort, it affects workplace productivity, world economic growth and even architectural design. Air conditioning will always be more energy-efficient and green because of modern advancements.

Hamilton air conditioning installs, maintains and repairs Air Conditioning systems in London. We take great pride in offering quality service to commercial and residential clients.  For professional advice regarding maintenance or upgrading your air conditioning system, contact Hamilton Air Conditioning for the best year-round performance.

Matthew Connery
By: Matthew Connery

Matthew Connery is the Director of Hamilton Air Conditioning in London. He is a skilled Business Strategist who delivers energy-efficient and cost-saving solutions to commercial and domestic clients from leading air conditioning brands. 

Jan 06 2025