Air Conditioning Appreciation Days
AC appreciation is celebrated every year from July 3 until August 15. Not only does AC cool residential homes, but it also filters allergens (with special HEPA filters) and regulates medical setting temperatures.
We are fortunate to live on a mountaintop, with a home situated to take advantage of mountain breezes and beautiful cross-ventilation. So even though we live in North Caroline, we can avoid the use of AC a majority of the time.
But, as summer heats up, individuals living in warmer climates appreciate the luxury of air conditioning (AC), making their lives more comfortable.
Air cooling methods have existed for thousands of years, beginning with the Persians, who utilized “quanats,” underground water tunnels for building cooling in 900 BC. Later in 312 BC, the Romans built aqueducts to transport water to their cities and pumped cooled water to public baths, fountains, and homes of the wealthy.
Both ancient Persians and Egypt also used another approach with architectural “windcatchers” to create natural ventilation.
In 1902, William Haviland Carrier of NYC invented the first working model of modern air conditioning after noticing that air cooled down when passed over water-filled coils. The device was intended for industrial applications but went on to residential use.
Interesting AC facts: The first home AC, in 1929, consisted of a split-system room cooler that looked like a radio cabinet. In 1939, the first auto AC was introduced. By 2009, AC was routine, with AC in 87% of US homes.
Air conditioners go on sale in late March. Mark your calendar to catch a good deal.
Remember to clean or change your AC filter to enhance efficiency, and schedule regular maintenance check-ups to extend the AC lifetime.
Is your home air-conditioned, or do you have one or more window AC units? Does the system run non-stop or do you selectively operate AC to conserve energy?
