July 3, 2018
Without air-conditioning, life would be a lot harder. Not only would we be uncomfortable, we’d be fighting for our very survival.
According to the National Academy of Engineering, air conditioning and refrigeration is the 10th most important achievement of the 20th century. And as summers get hotter and hotter, air conditioning becomes increasingly important.
Due to the wonders of air-conditioning, July 3 – August 15 is considered Air Conditioning Appreciation Days. Additionally, some people celebrate Air Conditioning Appreciation Week during the third week of August. So, let’s take a look at some of the wonderful things air conditioning has given us.
In 1902, Willis Carrier invented air conditioning to solve an application problem for the Sackett-Wilhelms Lithographing and Publishing Company in Brooklyn, New York — the paper was warping and the ink wasn’t drying properly. It took another 60 years or so for residential air conditioners to become widely adopted by Americans.
In the 30s and 40s, some of the only places with working air conditioning were movie theaters, giving us the rise of “summer blockbusters.” Before air conditioning became affordable for more businesses, most industries would shut down during the summer. In the United States, students still get the summer off. In Europe, many workers continue to get a month off during summer.
The impact of air conditioning cannot be overstated. It has affected everything from poverty and profits to sleeping habits and public spaces.
According to a recent study, heat-related deaths have declined 80% since 1960. This can be attributed to widespread adoption of residential air-conditioning.
Air conditioning also allows hospitals and laboratories to control indoor environments to create and develop medicines, perform surgeries, and inhibit bacteria development.
Before 1960, only the very rich could afford residential air-conditioning. Today, about 90% of U.S. homes have central air-conditioning. This is mostly due to the increasing affordability of air-conditioning.
If you’re sitting in an air conditioned room right now, take the time to appreciate everything AC has given us—comfort, productivity, health, cities, and much more. Air conditioning makes us more productive and allows us to live longer, happier, cleaner and more comfortable lives. Learn how the air conditioner made modern America.
Don’t risk a breakdown during the hottest days of the year. Keep your artificial oasis going by remembering to schedule professional AC maintenance every spring and calling a professional technician as soon as you notice a problem.
Celebrate Air Conditioning Appreciation Days by taking care of the air conditioning system that takes care of you. Go over this DIY AC maintenance checklist and don’t forget to schedule professional AC maintenance every spring.
Service Champions is known for trustworthy, on-time heating and air conditioning service throughout the East Bay, South Bay, and Sacramento areas.
If you have any questions about your air conditioning system or need it tuned up, repaired, or replaced, contact the professionals at Service Champions. We’re glad to help!