The modern-day furnace is an amenity we sometimes too easily take for granted. An HVAC system is a basic need in almost every home across America. Having a furnace in a home enables families to survive the harshness of winter while staying safe, warm, and cozy. Have you ever wondered who created the furnace and who we can direct our gratitude toward? Unfortunately, the history of the modern-day furnace cannot be attributed to one individual alone. Through a series of events dating centuries back, several influential individuals that helped set the foundation, laying brick after brick contributed to the modern-day furnace as we currently know it. Take a walk back in time with your Five Star Heating & Cooling Dayton experts as we glance over each pivotal moment:
How Did It All Start?
Let’s start in the late 1700s. This was when James Watt designed the first steam-based heating system. His design consisted of a complex system of pipes that used high-pressure steam and a boiler. This furnace milestone launched a series of consecutive developments that continued into the 1800s.
When Was the Warm-air Furnace Invented?
In 1805, William Strutt created the warm-air furnace. This was constructed out of cast iron and brick. It had separate lower and upper compartments that allowed for different places for the heated and cooled air.
When Was the Radiator Created?
Fifty years later, Franz San Galli invented a coal-burning cast iron radiator. He perfected it between the years 1855 and 1857. He appropriately dubbed it “the hot box.” Galli’s contribution was a massive progression to the furnace’s development.
When Was the Electric Heater Established?
Thomas Edison invented the electric heater in 1883. His discovery of the lightbulb led him to create the electric heater later. His electric-based heater was pivotal because it changed the energy source with which people used to fuel their furnaces.
When Was The Coal Furnace Developed?
Where inventions were concerned, the 18th century finished just as strongly as it started. In 1895, Dave Lennox created a furnace the first steel coal furnace. Fast forward to 2022, Dave Lennox’s name is still widely known in the HVAC industry.
When Was the First Central Heating System Patented?
In 1919, Alice Parker patented the first natural gas central heating system. Although she did receive the patent for her design that year, her design was never implemented. However, her patent laid the groundwork for coal-fueled, electric fan and ductwork forced-air furnaced to be created later on. Without Parker’s patented design, furnace progression would not be where it is today.
What About the Modern Furnace Today?
The modern-day furnace and its components are the sums of all the ingenious people who contributed to its design. Without the hard work of the people who have come before us, there is no doubt we would not be where we are today without them. Though technology has changed drastically in the 20th century, and we live in a time where “smart” technology is prominent, it is only appropriate to give credit where it is due.
Have any questions concerning your furnace? Perhaps you have an older furnace, and it is time to look into replacement options. We can help you with that! Let us show you what the Five-star experience means! Call Five Star Heating & Cooling Dayton today at (937) 708-8278, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
