We have basic needs we must meet to survive in our everyday life. One of those needs is shelter, especially because the Ohio weather is consistently beyond our control. As a parent, the ability to keep my children warm during the winter is vital. When I think back on the means available for parents to provide warmth for their families in the past, I am astonished and appreciative of the technological refinements in the heating and cooling world! At Lebanon Heating & Cooling, our experts want to inform you more about the history of the modern-day furnace and the steps taken to get us to where we are today. To gain perspective, jump back with me through time, and get a glimpse of how that may have looked.
How Did Early Humans Keep Warm?
Use and control of fire didn’t happen overnight, but there is vast scholarly support showing evidence of controlled fire through microscopic traces of wood ash dating back some 1,000,000 years ago. Wow! As much as I love a campfire, I can’t even begin to imagine this being my family’s primary heat source. Thankfully we live in the day and age where we can enjoy a cozy fire without it being our only source of heat.
When Was Cast Iron Radiator Patented?
Fast forward to 1841, we begin to see patents for cast iron radiators’ development and their mass production. Cast iron radiators convert water into steam, heating the atmosphere through radiation and convection (warm air rises while cold air sinks). Unfortunately, this is not a very quick process, making this not ideal for keeping ourselves warm during the frigid winter months.
Who Invented the Bunsen Burner?
Let’s move forward in time to 1855. The bunsen burner was invented by and named after Dr. Robert Bunsen. The bunsen burner is a gas burner that uses an open gas flame for heating, sterilization, and combustion. This invention developed gas, propane, and oil-fired heating systems. A gas heater nearing the end of its lifespan will not run efficiently, will not distribute heat evenly, and will consequently cost your family more money. Honestly, no one wants to pay more for less.
When Did We Start Using Electricity for Heat?
In 1883, Thomas Edison invented the electric heater, changing electrical energy into heat energy. Then in 1905, Albert Marsh discovered chromel, an alloy formed from nickel and chromium that was more robust than other heating components and allowed for stable high-resistance wires to generate a secure heating element. Many consider this to be the actual genesis of electrical heating. Now, I don’t want to get dark, but people still die today in fires caused by electrical heaters. For this, among other reasons, I will be leaving my heating and cooling needs to the professionals at Lebanon Heating & Cooling.
When Was Central Heating Established?
It was 1919 when Alice Parker patented the first central heating system, creating an easy means for people to regulate the temperature within their homes more efficiently. A central heating system delivers warmth to an entire home interior, beginning from one point extending to multiple rooms. When combined with other methods, we can control the climate indoors. What a significant step away from the utilization of fire alone!
What Makes the Modern Day Furnace Impressive?
The modern-day furnace utilizes refined heated air that distributes evenly throughout our homes. The latest models can be connected with our smartphones, giving us the ability to adjust our home’s environment with a touch of a button based on our pre-selected preferences and settings. If your heating unit is over 15 years old, has a long history of repairs, or the cost of repairs costs too much out of your pockets, do not fret. Lebanon Heating & Cooling can replace your outdated furnace with a more energy-efficient, customizable, modern option. Failing to have an expert install your furnace would result in a shorter lifespan for your furnace and, undoubtedly, a headache of problems.
We hope you’ve learned a little more about the history of the modern furnace and have found peace of mind in knowing we possess the capabilities to effectively meet you and your family’s heating & cooling needs! Why wait? Call Lebanon Heating & Cooling today at (513) 540-1773, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
