As the temperatures rise, we’ve all probably been reaching for our air conditioner remotes. An air conditioner is a must on a hot, humid day. But where did this invention come from?
At the beginning of the 20th century, humidity shut down the facilities of a printing company. The extreme heat and dampness in the air caused warped pages and blurry prints. An engineer, Willis Carrier, invented a cooling system utilizing an industrial fan, steam coils, and cold water to resolve this problem.
In 1922, Carrier refined his initial invention to create the Centrifugal Refrigeration Compressor. However, this machine was still too big to use in homes.
In the 1930s, engineers at General Motors developed a smaller air conditioner that could fit on a window ledge. However, the hefty price tag prohibited the general public from purchasing it. By 1947, a cheaper version of the window air conditioner became widely available, with around 43,000 units sold in the U.S.
By the 1960s, most new homes in the U.S. came with central air conditioning.
Sarah Kim For The Junior Times
1. What problem did the extreme heat and humidity cause for the printing company?
2. Who is the engineer credited with inventing a cooling system to resolve the printing company's problem?
3. Why was Carrier's initial invention not suitable for home use?
1. How do you think the invention of the air conditioner has impacted people's daily lives and comfort?
2. In your opinion, what are the main advantages and disadvantages of window air conditioners compared to central air conditioning systems?
3. Have you experienced any negative health effects or discomfort associated with air conditioning?
4. Are there any regions or countries where air conditioning is particularly essential due to extreme weather conditions?
As the temperatures rise, we’ve all probably been reaching for our air conditioner remotes. An air conditioner is a must on a hot, humid day. But where did this invention come from?
