On a sweltering day, you may feel like your very shape is changing as you’re seemingly melting, but it was the changing dimensions of paper that gave the history of air conditioning its surprising start.

It was 1902, and workers in a printing plant were having problems with magazine paper warping. Because the paper’s dimensions wouldn’t stay consistent, they couldn’t align the multiple-colored inks with it. Fluctuations in the heat and humidity levels in the plant were the cause, and a young engineer went to work on the solution.

The history of air conditioning begins.

Building on the existing concepts of mechanical refrigeration, Willis Haviland Carrier began experimenting to solve the lithographer’s problem. His new machine — patented as the “Apparatus for Treating Air” — created a stable environment in the plant that allowed for the consistent alignment between paper and inks. It moved air through coils filled with cold water, which cooled the air and removed moisture from it.

The formula at the heart of Carrier’s invention and its fundamental science still stand as the basis for the calculations used in the HVAC industry almost a century later. His “Rational Psychometric Formulae,” considered the most important document ever written on air conditioning, united the concepts of dew-point temperature, absolute humidity and relative humidity. With that formula, engineers were able to design AC systems specifically for the environments in which they would be used.

How air got “conditioned.”

Another type of industrial plant was the setting where the term “air conditioner” was coined. In 1906, textile mill engineer Stuart Cramer made a ventilating device which added water vapor to the air. This made the air in textile plants better for spinning yarn. It “conditioned” the yarn for use in the mills, and Cramer was the first to use phrase “air conditioning.” If not for this application, we might be saying “it’s time to turn on the air treater” when summer comes.

A big start for residential AC systems.

Minnesota is probably not the first place you’d think of if you were asked to guess where residential air conditioning got its start. The first air conditioned private home belonged to Charles Gates, whose 1914 Minneapolis mansion had a system that was about the size of a pontoon boat: seven feet high, six feet wide and 20 feet long.

Just a few years later, air conditioning systems became smaller and a bit more affordable, but were still out of reach for most homeowners. It was movie theaters, in fact, that were among the first to employ the widespread use of air conditioning. People went to the movies just to escape the heat, making air conditioning a smart investment for theaters.

A side trip: AC hits the road.

In 1939, Packard became the first auto manufacturer to build AC into its cars. The air conditioner’s ability to keep automobile occupants cool was the only good thing about it, however — the option to include it cost, in today’s dollars, about $4,000, and it took up about half of the space in the trunk. It also had no thermostat or even an independent shut-off mechanism, so drivers had to stop the engine and open the hood to disconnect the belt that ran the AC compressor. With this level of inconvenience, it’s no wonder that these systems were discontinued after only two years. Ultimately, it was Cadillac and General Motors who developed easier-to-use and more efficient (and affordable) units, but it would still be another couple of decades before air-conditioned cars really took off among the masses.

Air conditioning changed more than our indoor comfort.

In the economic boom after World War II, air conditioning finally became popular among the masses as the demand for smaller units grew. In 1928, Willis Carrier made the first air conditioner specifically for use in private homes. In the decades since, AC use has, of course, grown around the world, and in hindsight, we can see the impact it has had on more than just our day-to-day comfort in America. Prior to the use of air conditioning, houses were designed to make the most of airflow, with high ceilings, porches and more windows. With an AC unit, these features weren’t necessary, and house designs (and even neighborhoods, where people once wandered just to cool off) changed in response.

Air conditioning also allowed more people to settle in areas of the country with hotter climates, contributing to the population explosion in the 1950s in Sunbelt states from Florida to Southern California.

In its “How The States Got Their Shapes” series, The History Channel explains how the invention of air conditioning opened up America’s hotter regions to settlers.

What’s next in air conditioning?

Scientists and engineers are busily writing the next chapter in the history of air conditioning. Advancements in everything from sensors to the materials used to manufacture HVAC equipment continue to change and improve the operation of AC systems, and the current best systems use up to 50 percent less energy than they did in the 1970s.

The focus now is on increasing the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) in compliance with the U.S. Department of Energy’s efficiency standards. Sophisticated microprocessor technology further automates the operation of AC systems and lets homeowners remotely adjust settings with their computers and smartphones. In development are technologies that will interface with the national electric grid, allowing air conditioning units to be regulated according to geography and changing weather conditions. Already available are greener systems, such as solar-ready heat pumps and air conditioners that reduce heating and cooling costs by nearly half.

Today’s air conditioning may run on the same basic concepts of Willis Carrier’s 1902 invention, but even he would have a hard time recognizing his “air treater” in modern systems. When a future engineer finally perfects a time machine, perhaps we can go back and show Carrier a digital wall thermostat to let him see just how far his invention has come. In any case, it’s a sure bet that the time machine will be air conditioned for the trip.

HVAC history at a glance.

Here’s a fun infographic from Easy AC that shows the journey air conditioning technology has taken to keep us cool.

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Overshadowed by the larger issues around the legislation to avoid the fiscal cliff earlier this year was the reinstatement of the federal tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements. If you’ve made one or more of the qualifying improvements, don’t miss your chance to lower your tax burden by claiming your home improvement tax credits.

• High-efficiency central air conditioning units, including air-source heat pumps
• High-efficiency fans for heating and cooling systems
• High-efficiency water heaters, including heat pump water heaters
• Biomass stoves
• Ground-source or geothermal heat pumps
• High-efficiency oil, propane and gas boilers and furnaces

Improvements must be made to your principal residence and be in use by the end of this year.

The amounts of the credits vary. Some are based on a percentage of costs while others are flat dollar amounts. Equipment and products that qualify for the credits must meet very specific criteria, so be sure to check the IRS website (www.irs.gov) and sites such as The Tax Incentives Assistance Project (www.energytaxincentives.org) and The Alliance to Save Energy (www.ase.org/taxcredits) for more detailed information.

These are some of the residential energy tax credits available:

• High-efficiency central air conditioner: $300
• High-efficiency electric heat pump: $300
• Insulation materials and systems: 10% of the cost
• Qualifying windows, skylights and doors: 10% of the cost, capped at $200
• Asphalt and metal roofs designed to keep buildings cooler: 10% of the cost

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Imagine sitting on the couch for six months straight, then trying to get up and run a marathon without even stretching. Wouldn’t go so well, would it? Well when you turn on your air conditioner for the summer without having it inspected, that’s basically what you’re telling your AC to do.

Think about it – your air conditioner has been sitting outside all winter, getting battered by wind, rain, and snow. There may even be some animals that decided to take shelter in there. An air conditioner that hasn’t been inspected could be prone to sudden breakdowns, leaks, drips or other potential problems that could leave you sweating – and at the bottom of an HVAC contractor’s waiting list.

Having an air conditioner inspection at the beginning of the cooling season will allow a professional HVAC contractor to make sure nothing happened to your unit over the winter that could cause it to break down or run inefficiently during the summer. Overall, annual air conditioner inspections may:

• Improve your AC efficiency
• Reduce your risk of AC breakdowns
• Extend the life of your air conditioner
• Improve your indoor air quality
• Keep you cool all summer long

Air Conditioner Inspection Checklist

Many air conditioner inspections include the following steps:

• Clean the outdoor condenser coil and remove any debris from inside the unit
• Inspect the condenser fan motor operation, lubricating it if necessary
• Check the amperage of the compressor for proper operation
• Test the operation and condition of the compressor contactor
• Inspect and tighten electrical connections
• Inspect and test start/run capacitors and relays
• Visually inspect the unit for refrigerant leaks
• Inspect the indoor evaporator coil, if accessible
• Flush and clear the condensate drain to protect against overflow
• Inspect the blower assembly operation and cleanliness, and lubricate and adjust as necessary
• Evaluate the condition of air filters and other indoor air quality accessories
• Test and adjust all safeties and controls for proper operation
• Calibrate the thermostat and confirm proper operation
• Evaluate the overall efficiency of the system and inform the customer of the equipment condition and needed repairs

Other AC Maintenance Tips

In addition to professional air conditioner inspections, there are a few things you can do to help keep your unit running in tip-top shape. You should:

• Clean off your AC’s blower fan fins to ensure they run smoothly. Turn the unit off before you do this, and be very careful not to bend or damage the fins.
• Make sure your AC compressor (the outdoor unit) is free of leaves and other debris that could reduce its efficiency. Hose any potential obstructions out of the way and make sure to prune any nearby bushes and shrubs so nothing blocks your air conditioning unit – you want to keep about three feet of space between your unit and any plants.
• Check the drain when the weather gets humid to make sure that moisture is being carried away from the system.
• Make sure you replace your filter once a month while running your AC. Never run your air conditioner without a filter—doing so can seriously damage your unit.

This is the perfect time of year to have your AC inspected, so don’t wait. Call your local HVAC contractor today.

This post was supplied by Magnolia Heating & Air Conditioning, an HVAC company in Maryland that wants to remind you to keep on top of your AC maintenance this year.

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Air conditioning systems can be one of the largest energy consumers in your home, causing costs to skyrocket when summer temperatures are at their highest. You can greatly reduce your total energy costs by making sure your AC unit is running at peak efficiency.

The experts at McGowan’s Heating and Air Conditioning have this advice for saving money this summer:

1. Programmable thermostats. Installing a smart or programmable thermostat can help reduce the burden on your AC unit and lower your utility bills. A programmable thermostat lets you enter your schedule, then automatically adjusts the temperature accordingly. For example, you can program the thermostat to keep your home warmer during the day and then cool it back down before returning from work in the evening. This adjustment in temperature keeps you from cooling unused space and lessens the burden on your system. Smart thermostats go a step further, using a local WiFi connection to allow you to adjust your thermostat at any time. This feature is especially good for those who don’t follow a set schedule but still want to save on their energy costs.

2. Ventilation. Make sure your AC units have proper ventilation. Without it, your system will have to work harder to cool your home and will be less efficient. Units that lack good ventilation are also more likely to break down because of their increased workloads. Overgrown bushes or enclosures around the unit are the most common ventilation inhibitors.

3. HVAC system size. A system that’s too large may not run long enough at a stretch to sufficiently reduce humidity levels, increasing the likelihood of mold growth. A great number of factors are used to determine the proper AC unit, from how many windows you have to the quality of your attic insulation. Another factor is having the right type of equipment for your local climate — in the Southeastern U.S., heat pumps are the norm, but in other regions where wintry conditions are more extreme, equipment needs may be very different. HVAC companies in the Midwest, for example, will use a different set of criteria for determining which system size and type are needed. In the Chicago area, HVAC experts such as  Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning can recommend the system that will perform best in that region’s climate. Wherever your property is, you should consult a professional heating and air conditioning technician.

4. Sealing. Seal all of the cracks around windows or doors. Gaps can cause cool air to escape and warm air to seep in. These gaps are easy to fix, and can save you significantly on your cooling costs. They will also help ease the burden on your air conditioning system.

5. Air filters. Change your air filters regularly, at least every other month and more often if there are large quantities of dust or other particles in the air in your home. Clogged filters can compromise the efficiency of your AC unit by forcing it to work harder to move cool air.

6. Attic fans. Attics trap hot air and act like an oven sitting on top of the house. Attic fans draw hot air out of the attic space, making it easier to cool your living spaces below.

7. Ceiling fans. Make sure your ceiling fans are spinning in the right direction. Fans moving in the wrong direction will push warm air down from the ceiling during the summer.

8. Window coverings. Keep your blinds closed during the day. Blinds and drapes will block the sun’s passive heat that come through windows and doors, helping to keep your home cooler during the day.

9. Preventative maintenance. HVAC equipment that’s not properly maintained can run longer than necessary, while small problems can grow to become major (and expensive) repairs. Having regularly scheduled inspections of your AC system is one of the best ways to keep it running at peak efficiency and keep your energy costs lower.

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Whether you’re planning on a new installation or replacing an existing system, it should be properly sized to your specific needs. Having the right system offers a number of important benefits, including: 

• Lower energy costs
• Greater comfort
• Proper moisture control

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Dedication to excellent customer service, NATE technician training and team effort earns recognition for 2012 performance.

McGowan’s Heating and Air Conditioning has received the 2012 President’s Award from Carrier Corporation, the world’s leader in high-tech heating, air conditioning and refrigeration. McGowan’s professionalism and high level of customer service exemplify the qualities of an outstanding HVAC contractor, according to company President Tom Regula. “Without having a dedicated team of professionals, we couldn’t achieve such a high satisfaction rate with our customers,” he says. “This award is a tribute to the dedication and hard work of everyone at McGowan’s. It was truly a team effort.”

McGowan’s Vice President Phyllis Regula cites listening as another key to the success of the company, which starts its relationship with customers with free home ventilation evaluations to gain a thorough understanding of the customers’ individual environments. “We take time with homeowners to identify the issues they have with comfort and the air quality needed in their homes,” she says. “These might include temperature irregularities, children’s allergies or air filtration concerns due to the presence of pets or dust and allergens. This approach sets us apart from our competition.” said company Vice President Phyllis Regula.

Carrier’s President’s Award, started in 2007, is its highest honor for dealers. President’s Award recipients are businesses that far exceed expectations, not only as Carrier dealers, but also as Carrier Factory Authorized Dealers, which are held to an even more exacting set of standards. A President’s Award winner is a company that Carrier Corporation recognizes and holds up to other dealers as an example of true excellence and an enterprise whose leadership, integrity and performance Carrier hopes all dealers will aspire to emulate. The award takes into account a variety of measures of business acumen, including leadership and management, expertise, business growth, operational excellence, professionalism and customer satisfaction.

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McGowan’s Heating and Air Conditioning and WEJZ Lite 96.1 teamed up this summer by giving away a brand new Carrier Air Conditioner Heat Pump to one lucky Jacksonville winner! For over five weeks, Lite 96.1 promoted the opportunity for listeners who owned their own homes to register for their chance to win an energy efficient unit.

Bobbi Griswold of Jacksonville, Florida 32218 was the winner and stated “I can’t believe it. I was crying…I couldn’t stop crying. I didn’t even know why they were calling me at first. I filled out the contest and…left it in God’s hands. I went about my life and she called and said I won and I couldn’t believe it. It was awesome.”

Also, Kaye Jewell, Senior Account Manager with Renda Broadcasting expressed “We were thrilled to be a part of this exciting promotion,” In today’s economic times, it’s important we share opportunities with the community that can help keep costs down. Giving away an energy efficient unit to a household that needed it is extremely rewarding.”

McGowan’s Heating and Air Conditioning is pleased not only to service but to “give back” to the community in these difficult economic times. Bobbi’s old system was installed 23 years ago and extremely inefficient. She will experience a substantial drop in her electric bill as a result of having her new system installed, so she is a winner on two fronts. Congratulations Bobbi !

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