9 Really Cool Air Conditioning Facts

You live in Southwest Florida, so let’s be honest—your air conditioner is a super important part of your life. But how much do you REALLY know about the system keeping you cool all summer long? You might find it hard to be believe, but your air conditioning system may be a little more interesting than you would think. Don’t believe us? Check out these chillingly cool facts!

First Home With AC In 1913

The first fully air-conditioned home was built in Minneapolis in 1913 by Charles Gilbert Gates. The mansion took up three city lots,
had gold plumbing and a full ballroom. Sadly, he died before his home was completed and he never had a chance to enjoy the cool air. 

Summer School Break? – Thanks To The Heat

It’s too hot in the summers in most of the country, especially here in Charlotte County Florida to learn during the summer months—and thus summer vacation was born. Fortunately for all the kids, the idea stuck, and kids today get to enjoy the summertime, even though school is cool.

Ice Powered? The Original Air Conditioner

Did you know before air conditioners were there to keep things nice and comfortable, people would use big blocks of ice to keep cool. In fact you could buy your ice at well, the Ice House (Formally known as the Punta Gorda Ice Plant) in downtown Punta Gorda. The first air conditioners were measured based on how much ice would’ve been needed to achieve the same cooling power! How are you liking these cool air conditioning facts?

Without Air Conditioning, Would You Live In Southwest Florida?

Can you imagine living in Florida, Texas, or other hot climates if you didn’t have an air conditioner? You’re not alone—when home air conditioning became popular, the populations in these warmer states increased noticeably! For some it may feel impossible to live here with out air conditioning. It’s important to have your air conditioning serviced regularly to make sure you can avoid as many problems as possible. See our AC Service Plans for how you can be protected.

Do You Remember When Theaters Were The Coolest?

No we are not talking about the latest special effects box office hits. You see, when air conditioning technology became more prevalent in the early 1900s, movie theater owners invested in AC systems in order to fill seats during the stickiest and hottest days summer days of the year. It didn’t hurt the kids were out of school as well. It worked—most people didn’t have home air conditioning, so the movie theater was the coolest escape.

The First Air Conditioner Was Out of Necessity

In 1902, Willis Carrier, who worked for a publishing company, decided enough was enough. His paper kept expanding and the ink was thin and running during the summertime heat outside, and the heat generated inside his factory. So he came up with the ideas for the first widely known factory-scale cooler!

Modern Medicine From Air Conditioning?

Did you know many of the medications we use today were developed in laboratories with temperature-sensitive tools and equipment? We may not have medications that fight everything from the common cold, cancer treatments to COVID if it weren’t for our cooling systems. Now that’s a scary thought!

Let’s Get The Smell Outta Here!

In 1899, a ventilation system was installed in the dissecting room at Cornell University, where Willis Carrier was a student. This helped the students dissect cadavers without the smell. Literally getting the smell out of there!

Less Allergies With Air Conditioners

Air conditioners have proven to have a positive effect on people who suffer from asthma. Why? Air conditioners are able to remove allergens and other smaller particles from indoor air—that means less sneezing and more relaxing. The key here is to make sure you change your ac filters on a regular schedule. If you don’t know how or would rather we take care of that for you, schedule an appointment today!