Summer is a wonderful time, filled with the sun, the beach and fun with friends. But with it comes the sweltering heat. If you live in a warm climate, chances are that you rely on air conditioning to keep you cool. If you have ever needed to sit through a meeting with a broken aircon, then you will have an idea of how much they can help—if you have one.
Air conditioners have been around for many years, but how much do you know about this fascinating invention? In today’s article, we are going to look at some surprising facts on this topic.
Surprising Facts about Air Conditioners
Ice Power
Have you ever heard of “Ice Power”? When AC systems were first invented the output settings were measured in Ice Power. The coldness level was measured according to how many blocks of ice it would take to produce the same amount of cooling power.
Problems Publishing News Papers
Did you know? The first air conditioner wasn’t invented to keep people cool. It was actually invented in 1902 for a publishing company in New York. They were having problems with ink control and paper expansion due to the high levels of humidity. The unit they designed cooled the air enough to combat this problem.
Summer Blockbuster
The term “Summer Blockbuster” was first coined by movie theatres. The movie theatre was the first business that used air conditioners to control the heat inside the building. Back in the 1930s people flocked to movie theaters to escape the summer heat. Marketers took advantage of this fact and saved the biggest movie releases for Summer. That’s how the term “Summer Blockbuster” came about.
Herbert Hoover
Herbert Hoover installed the first air conditioner in the oval office, just after the Great Depression. He spent over $30,000 to enjoy its benefits.
Removing Humidity
Did you know? Air conditioners don’t just cool down the air! They also remove the humidity, which makes the air more comfortable. When you set your unit, ensure that it’s set to auto. This will make it blow cool air and help manage humidity, creating a more comfortable environment.
The First Air Conditioner in a Vehicle
Imagine driving around on a hot day without an air conditioner in your vehicle! Luckily, the first car to feature an air conditioner was designed in 1939 by Packard. It wasn’t very popular due to its extremely high price.
Summer Holidays
Did you know that before air conditioners were invented, it was too hot for children to attend school in some areas around the globe? That’s why summer holidays were implemented.
Final Thoughts
So, which fact surprised you the most?
Next time you’re getting hot and turn on the AC unit, remember to take a moment and thank Willis Carrier and his paper publishing problems.
If you know of any other interesting facts, let us know in the comments.
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