Strange but True Facts You Didn’t Know About Heating and AC in Fort Worth, TX
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Homes with indoor heating and AC in Fort Worth, TX are extremely common, but did you ever wonder about the time when these were considered luxury amenities? Or did you know how the Romans or Chinese heated or cooled their homes as needed?
It’s no surprise that heating and AC systems have been a necessary comfort for everyone. It’s also said that the modern-day systems have definitely undergone many evolutionary phases. Not surprisingly, this is a system which is still evolving, giving rise to green, energy-efficient options.
If you’re curious to find out more about this, we’ve made a list of strange but true facts that you probably didn’t know about heating and AC in Fort Worth, TX and all across the world.
Fact One: The Romans Figured Out Indoor Heating
The Romans were responsible for developing the first indoor heating system in 80 BC although it is speculated that it was introduced in 350 BC. Their heating system was called the hypocaust and sent heat through the walls and stones of the homes. It worked by heating air and passing it in spaces under the flooring and sometimes, the walls too.
Needless to say, this was a very expensive system which only the nobility could afford to have in their homes. However, hypocausts were popularly used for heating public buildings including the hot baths. It is believed that the introduction of the hypocaust improved the hygiene and quality of life of the people.
Fact Two: The Modern AC was Thought of in the 19thCentury
While the heating system had been developed, there wasn’t much evidence that a similar indoor cooling system was available. It was until the sweltering summers in 1902 that Willis Carrier first thought of designing an air conditioner. However, this machine was not meant to cool homes.
In fact, Carrier was an engineer who wanted it to provide an optimal indoor environment for the publishing house he was working for. The high heat in the summers was not only troublesome but was also causing issues in printing quality. The heat frequently caused the ink to run and the paper to expand or contract. With Carrier’s cooling system, air quality, temperature and humidity levels could be monitored and adjusted as needed.
Fact Three: They Were Rare in Residential Homes
Once indoor air conditioning was introduced, it wasn’t introduced for residential homes. It was largely limited for use for special buildings and corporate offices. In fact, one of the very first buildings to become fully air-conditioned was the New York Stock Exchange in 1903.
However, it wasn’t until 1914 that a homeowner named Charles Gilbert Gates introduced the concept of air conditioning in a home. A philanthropist and the son of an industrialist billionaire, Gates could easily shoulder the expenses. Unfortunately, Gates passed away in 1913 and was unable to see the finished home. He’s remembered in history for being the first man to have an air-conditioned home.
Fact Four: Summer Blockbusters Were Designed with AC’s in Mind
By the 20thcentury, heating and ac in Fort Worth, TX and across the US had become more common thanks to Carrier’s ingenuity. Carrier updated his original design, allowing it to work more effectively. He introduced his new design in 1925 in the Rivoli Theater in Time Square New York, on Memorial Day.
The sales for movie tickets were so favorable that more theatres started using AC’s because people would flock to them in droves to get an enjoyable respite from the hot summer days. The success that the movies saw during these days was evident. Eventually, film and movie studios started creating “summer blockbuster” movies, giving people a bigger incentive to head to the theaters.
Fact Five: Heating and AC Also Affects Our Tolerance for Temperatures
Did you know that if you spend too much time in indoor heating and air conditioning, it can also begin to start affecting our tolerance for temperatures outdoors? If people are more used to air conditioning, they are less likely to tolerate heat outdoors, even if the temperature isn’t sweltering.
Similarly, someone who spends a lot of time in indoor heating will not be able to tolerate a lot of cold temperatures. It should also be noted that the overall productivity of a person drops by 45% when the temperature is below 95oF or 35oC. That’s why many corporate buildings were the first ones to install heating and cooling systems.
Fact Six: Energy Costs for Heating and AC in Fort Worth, TX Are Rising
Despite the fact that systems for heating and AC in Fort Worth, TX are developed to support different energy sources, they can still cost a lot. Data shows that around 60% of homes in the U.S. are reliant on natural gas. 25% of homes use electricity for their heating and AC systems whereas 15% use alternative fuel sources such as wood, kerosene, oil or even propane gas.
However, this doesn’t account for the fact that the energy cost for heating and AC has slowly grown. On average, more than half of the energy bill of a house is caused by their HVAC system. Additionally, during certain seasons such as summer or winter, it is possible to get an energy bill which is double or triple the cost. This cost happens because of increased usage, wastage of energy or using a faulty air conditioner.
These facts show that systems for heating and AC in Fort Worth, TX have been a vital part of our history and are also constantly evolving with each passing year.
Work with Us!
If you’re looking to get your heating and AC system repaired or updated, get in touch with One Hour Heating and AC. They specialize in HVAC systems and whether it’s a new model or an old one, they can have it working efficiently and effectively in your home.