Heating a home wasn’t always as simple as clicking a button. Once upon a time, humans had to keep warm by sparking a fire and keeping it well-stocked. Fast forward to 2022, we can now control our heating system from the convenience of our smartphones. So, where exactly did it all begin? And what was the history and progression of the modern furnace we experience today? Join your Clayton-Englewood Heating & Cooling experts as we take a look at the breakthroughs and discoveries that serve as landmarks in the history of the modern furnace:
How Far Back Does the Radiator Go?
Aside from the primitive campfire and the rudimentary fireplace, the furnace concept had to start somewhere. In this case, it begins in Rome. Around 15 AD, the Romans created a system of complex tunnels channeled underneath their flooring to keep their rooms heated. This system was known as the hypocaust. While the idea behind the hypocaust started in Rome, the first modern radiator was created by Franz San Galli in 1855. Thirty years later, in 1885, Dave Lennox improved this milestone by creating cost-efficient, coal-fueled cast iron radiators.
Who Created the Bunsen Burner?
1855 was also the year of the Bunsen Burner. Dr. Robert Bunsen, a German scientist, came up with this idea for his laboratory. It was the first heating element that operated with an open flame, and to this day, you can see Dr. Bunsen’s original concept in the use of our modern-day furnaces with the pilot light.
When Did Electric Heat Come Into Play?
Not long after the invention of the Bunsen Burner, electric heat swept the nation. In 1905, Albert Marsh discovered metal chrome, which was 300 times stronger than the metal used in heating elements at the time. This discovery dubbed him the “father of the electrical heating industry.” His discovery is still used in heating units today.
When Was Centralized Heating Established?
Alice Paker invented the first central heating system in 1919. This was a remarkable improvement in furnace history! From then on, her invention changed the home heating experience for the better. Thanks to Parker’s ingenious, people could not enjoy the comfort of regulated and evenly distributed air throughout their homes.
What Are the Advantages of the Modern Furnace?
Parker’s invention still had a few kinks to work out. Gravity-led furnaces were not as efficient as they needed to be. With time, technology developed further, and gravity-led furnaces were no longer an issue. Motor-driven fans were introduced. Ductwork was improved, and thermostats were enhanced to control the HVAC system. Overall, we can now enjoy the benefits of the modern-day furnace. Regulated air and even distribution are a comfort that wasn’t always available to everyone in the past. Smartphones offer another extra layer of comfort due to the ease of controlling our heating systems with just a tap on our phones. Thanks to the relentless research and innovative inventions of those who came before us, we can currently live in the comfort of our efficiently heated homes.
Perhaps you have an older furnace in your home, and you are curious about your replacement options? We would love to be of assistance to you! Maybe your furnace has been acting up and does not seem to function as it should be. If so, please don’t ignore those signals! Your furnace may just be trying to communicate that something is off and needs a little extra attention. We got your back no matter what HVAC concerns you have or what furnace issue arises. Give Clayton-Englewood Heating & Cooling a chance to show you our excellent service. Call (937) 412-2911, or schedule an appointment online by clicking here!
