Brief History Of Air Conditioner

Brief History Of Air Conditioner

Here is everything you need to know about AC history :

When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.
By Gunjan Mehta | Updated 14/08/22

During hot humid and sultry weather conditions, the air conditioner is one of the most important domestic gadgets. It gives a comfortable and cozy coolness and freshness in such uncomfortable weather conditions.

It provides a very comfortable and effective cooling during such weather.

The history of the invention of air conditioners dates back to the 1800s. It was only in 1902 when a 25-year-old named Willis Haviland Carrier created this Apparatus for cooling air in Brooklyn New York.

Let’s Look At Point In Detail :

Brief History Of Air Conditioner

1851 – Beginning of mechanical refrigeration

In 1851, Dr. John Gorrie, an American scientist designed a ice-making machine using a compressor powered by horse, water, wind driven sail or steam. He was granted US patent for ice making machine.


1902 First modern cooling unit design

In 1902, Willis carrier. a 26 year old American engineer invented first commercial air conditioning unit. Interestingly and surprisingly this AC system was developed for paper, not for people. He was indeed the father of modern air conditioning.


1904 Public enjoyed comfortable cooling

In 1904, the American public was exposed to the concept of comfort cooling first at the St. Louis World’s Fair.


1906 “Air conditioning” word came in use

In 1906, the term “air conditioning” was firstly used in a patent claim describing the technique of controlling the humidity and changing the air of textile factories by Stuart W. Cramer, a textile mill owner from North Carolina.


1922 Invention of centrifugal chiller

Career developed the centrifugal chiller for improved performance and reduced cost of air conditioners. This led to large scale use of air conditioners throughout the country.


1928 Development of chlorofluorocarbon

The introduction of chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants greatly improved the safety of air conditioners. Later, the emission of chlorofluorocarbons was considered responsible for ozone depletion .


1929 Room cooling systems got popularity

In 1929, Frigidaire introduced a new split system room cooler in the market. The company produced 32 similar prototypes from 1930 to 1931.


1931 Invention of window air conditioners

In 1931, window air conditioner came into existence but was not widely purchased due to its high price.


1939 Ac were Introduce First Time

These acs worked well due to their extraordinarily high price; they were not so popular.


1947 Low priced air conditioners were extensively available

Engineer Henry Galson created compact and cheap window air conditioners and established production lines for various manufacturers In the US, 43000 units of these types were sold by 1947.


1975-1978 Improved air conditioning Technology

More energy efficient and cost effective air conditioners technologies was developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory.


1990 Phasing out of chlorofluorocarbons

Clean Air Act was revised to include new steps for phasing out chlorofluorocarbons and thus making air conditioners and other cooling techniques more environment friendly.


1991 Shifting away from chlorofluorocarbons

R-134a refrigerant, a hydrofluorocarbon gained popularity due to less ozone damaging effect. Hydrofluorcarbon are strong greenhouse gases.


1992 First efficiency standards implemented

From 1993 to 2023 as a result of improved air conditioning technologies, Energy Department saved worth $29 billion in energy saving sector.


1998-2000 Advanced refrigerants introduced

With R-410a a leading refrigerant replacement in air conditioners also significantly improved energy efficiency.


2006 Novel efficiency standards set in

Novel efficiency standards expected to avoid more than 369 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions which is equal to the annual gas emissions of about 72.4 million automobiles.


2015 Support for next generation of air conditioning technologies

With new projects advancing non-vapour compression technologies not requiring refrigerants brought in a seismic shift for the industries.


2020 Phasing out of Hfcs

Now it is a non fact that hydrofluorocarbon contributes significantly to global warming and carbon emissions. Some US states have banned production and use of cfs.