What Is the History of the Modern Furnace?

Mar 11, 2022 | Blog, Furnace, Heating, HVAC, OH, Ohio, Springfield, Winter

Folks have continuously sought ways to protect themselves from harsh weather conditions and cold temperatures throughout the past, especially during the winter season. Luckily for us, there have been some significant advancements with residential heating technology that make it safer for the household to stay warm and provide optimal comfort. In this article, our heating experts at Springfield Heating & Cooling take us through the history of how we came to the home heating technology we have now have today. 

What Year Was the Radiator Invented? 

The first concept of a radiator originated by the Romans and was created by forming hollow spaces on the floor where warm air passed through some heated regions. However, the modern-day radiator was officially created in 1855 by Franz San Galli. This invention was further progressed with the help of Dave Lenox, making a coal cast iron radiator. 

What Year Was Electric Heat Discovered?

1905 was a tremendous breakthrough period for home heating because Albert Marsh discovered metal contained chrome. This element led to the construction of a much more powerful heating system than any equipment sold during that time. Finding this essential element for modernizing residential heating equipment led to Marsh’s famous nickname, “The Father of the Electrical Industry.”

What Year Was the Central Heating System Created? 

With other heating elements making their way into the HVAC market, Alice Parker developed the first patented centralized heating system in 1919. This new piece of equipment allowed warm air to move and regulate through the entire home, transforming the path of residential heating for the better.

What Year Was Distributed Forced Air Established? 

Although Alice Parker’s creation had a significant impact on residential heating at the time, there were still some negative impacts that the equipment had on homes. Because of gravity, when heated air flowed through the ductwork, it would fall back down to the furnace, causing it to restart the entire process of heating the home. Which resulted in wasted time, energy, and most importantly, money. 

What Advantages Do Today’s Furnaces Have?

From the equipment used before to keep homes warm, modern-day furnaces have come a long way over the years. Because technology is such a great benefit, gravity-fed furnaces no longer have insufficient heating cycles. The solution to this problem was the creation of motor-driven fans, which allowed forced warm air to pass through smaller ducts, leading to warmth finally reaching farther areas of the home. Nowadays, heated air is filtered through registers and vents, which means now, we can enjoy warm air that is evenly distributed throughout the entire house. 

As technology continues to advance, the history of the present-day furnace can still be boiled down to its original concepts and origin. Today, residential heating systems are way more efficient and safer for homes. Furthermore, with more advancements in the HVAC industry, the use of smart thermostats and smartphone apps have made it a lot easier for individuals to control and operate their residential furnaces. At Springfield Heating & Cooling, we are your one-stop shop for all of your heating, cooling, and air care needs any time of the year, including weekends and holidays. So if any problems arise with your heating equipment, do not hesitate to give us a call at (937) 350-1881, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!

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