5 Things You Didn't Know About Air Conditioning
Posted on: 26 September 2014
Air conditioners are one of the greatest inventions in the past century. Below you'll find several fun facts and some common misconceptions about this invention--and the first item on the list may end up saving you money.
#1 – Closing your vents can harm your air conditioning unit
Most people think that closing vents redirects air but it doesn't. Instead it causes the air conditioner unit to work harder as it meets resistance. Air conditioning units are complicated systems that need all parts to function together properly. Closing vents can and cause costly repair bills or result in an air conditioning replacement.
Not only can closed vents lead to damage of the air conditioning unit, it can cause your electric bills to increase. Your air conditioner will use more energy from the stress placed on it.
#2 – Air conditioners remove heat from the air
Air conditioners do not work by chilling the air. Instead, they work by pulling heat out of the air and then blowing it out the exterior of your home. In comparison, heating units work by directly heating the air and circulating it back through your home.
How air conditioning units work: The air passes through an evaporator cooler that contains refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs the heat in the air. A compressor forces the air to an exhaust vent which forces the heat outside of your home.
#3 – Summer school breaks and a lack of air conditioning are related
Summer school breaks were created to relieve students of the soaring temperatures in schoolhouses. Prior to the development of air conditioning, the government would also shut down during the summer.
#4 – The first air conditioners costed as much as much as a home today
The first air conditioner meant for homes were developed in 1931. The design was similar to the window units that are still in used today. Adjusting for inflation, the cost of a single unit was equivalent to the cost of a home today and ranged from $120,000 to $600,000.
#5 – The term "summer blockbuster" is a result of air conditioning
During the depression era people couldn't afford much. Many businesses suffered as a result, including movie theaters. With people being cash strapped, luxuries such as watching a movie were the first expense to be cut.
Movie theaters eventually made a risky move and invested in air conditioning to drive traffic to their business. Their bet paid off and people flocked to the theaters to escape the heat. Thus, the birth of the term "summer blockbuster" was born.
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