How was the AC invented?

How was the AC invented?

We all have an AC unit, and we often take it for granted. Yet, this system is one of the most important systems in our homes and businesses, keeping our family, people, and assets safe, cool and comfortable.

But how was the AC invented?

The first primitive cooling system was invented in 1922 by then 25-year old Willis Carrier, an experimental engineer. But it wasn’t created for comfort. The first AC system was invented to reduce humidity around a printer.

Carrier created a unit that utilized steam coils filled with cold water, over which he positioned an industrial fan to continually blow air. This effort resulted in excess humidity condensing over the coils to produce cooler air.

It wasn’t long after that a ‘light bulb moment’ happened, and Carrier realized that this system could be used to improve comfort indoors during the hot summer months. Before 1922 ended, the esteemed engineer and now budding entrepreneur created a smaller, safer, and more powerful system that would form the foundation of the modern air conditioning (AC) unit.