What Is the History of the Modern Furnace?

Mar 11, 2022 | Air Conditioning

Warmth has always been a basic need essential to humanity’s survival. Centuries ago, in a time when furnaces weren’t even a fathomable concept, people stayed warm by building a primary campsite fire. Fast forward to civilization in 2022, we can now control the furnace’s temperature settings without even getting off our couch. Technology has brought us a long way where the heating system is concerned. But this wasn’t always the case. Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling knows it’s important to look back and acknowledge the historical landmarks in the modern furnace’s history and give credit to those who have contributed to our modern-day comforts. 

Where Does The Furnace’s Origins Begin?

To start, we have to bring it back to the very beginning. In 15 AD, the Romans used their innovative resources and ingeniously created the hypocaust system. This system consisted of a complex structure of channeled tunnels underneath their floors. In the lower levels, many people worked endlessly in a large room. They burned massive amounts of wood to create hot steam. This steam would travel upwards through these tunnels and heat the floors in the higher-level rooms.

When Was the Radiator Invented?

1855 was when Franz San Galli first established the idea of the radiator. But it wasn’t until 1885 that Dave Lennox helped further this progression by creating the coal-burning cast iron radiator. As a bonus, this was a cost-effective development that made optimal home comfort accessible to many homeowners.

When Was Central Heating Established?

Thanks to Alice Parker, we now enjoy centralized heating. She patented the first centralized heating system in 1919. With her discovery, warm air could now be regulated. This was a huge leap in furnace history!

When Was the Convection Heater & Heat Pump Developed?

The convection heater, a type of space heater, was developed in the 1920s. This was made possible shortly after electricity had been introduced. Heat pumps were created around the 1940s; however, they were not widely embraced until the 1980s when the oil crisis hit hard. At this time, many people were looking for alternative energy that did not require fossil fuels.

What Are the Benefits of the Modern Furnace?

Time has gifted us the progression of technology. We now can enjoy the luxury of high-efficiency furnaces and the advantages of smart thermostats. Gone are the problems revolving around gravity-fed furnaces, unsustainable ductwork, and unevenly distributed air. Now, with the click of a few buttons on the thermostat or several taps on our phone screens, we can reside in the warmth and safety of our homes, knowing that our household is wrapped in the warmth provided by our HVAC systems.

Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling is just a phone call away if any furnace issues arise with your heating system. We are happy to say that we provide service 365 days a year, 24/7. We feel it is a privilege to provide five-star service to you. So take a chance and give us a call at (513) 540-1716, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!

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