10 Facts About Air Conditioners You May Not Know

Trained hvac technician holding a voltage meter, performing preventative maintenance on a air conditioning condenser unit.

10 Facts About Air Conditioners You May Not Know

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) are essential services for every home or business. Just like heating in areas with cold temperatures, air-conditioning is vital for areas that experience hot temperatures. A professional HVAC technician, such as our technicians at Upland Servicing, can install a new air-conditioner or fix the one you currently have so that you can enjoy cool and comfortable summers. Here are 10 facts about air conditioners you may not know.

1. The First Air Conditioner Wasn’t Meant for Cooling Off

Willis Carrier invented the air conditioner in 1902. However, it wasn’t built to cool people off. It was made for a New York publishing company with problems with ink control, paper expansion, and contraction due to humidity levels.

2. Herbert Hoover Was the First President With an AC

Herbert Hoover was the United States President from March 4, 1929, to March 4, 1933. He was the first President to have an air conditioner. It had a price tag of $30,000.

3. In the 1900s, People Went to Movie Theaters to Cool Off

In the early 1900s, owners of movie theaters invested in AC systems to lure in customers during hot seasons. Most people in the 1900s didn’t have air conditioning. So, they flocked to the movie theaters.

4. The First Air Conditioners Were Expensive

In the early 20th century, people paid $10,000 to $50,000 for an air conditioner. In today’s U.S. dollars, that is over $100,000.

5. An Air Conditioning Unit in the 1940s Was Less Than $1000.

In the 1940s, an air conditioning unit cost about $350. Today, the average cost to install a new AC unit is between $3,000 and $7,000.

6. The First Air-Conditioned Car Appeared in the 1930s

The first car with an air conditioning option appeared in 1939. Packard manufactured the vehicle. Now, virtually every car has an air conditioner.

7. Early Architecture Was Built to Focus on Being Comfortable in the Heat

Ever wonder why early homes had such high ceilings, breezeways, etc.? They were built that way to achieve cooler air in the homes. You could say that architecture was one of the earliest air conditioners.

8. Americans Use a Lot of AC

Americans use a lot of AC. They use so much that the usage is equivalent to the amount of power used in the entire continent of Africa.

9. Summer Vacation Was Meant to Keep You Cool!

Before air conditioning, schools and businesses would take summer vacations to relax and avoid working in the sun.

10. AC Systems Help Save Lives

Air conditioning improves human life expectancy. Many medicines we use today were possible because of temperature-controlled rooms.

Schedule Service for Your Air Conditioning Today

As you can see, air conditioning is an essential component of our society, especially in an area like Joplin, Missouri where it is relatively warm year-round. Our qualified technicians proudly serve Joplin and surrounding areas. Contact our team at Upland Servicing for all your air conditioning needs.