You probably know that the USA is not only a land of great opportunities but also of great discoveries. Researchers work hard on projects that improve people’s lives, making them as comfortable as possible. One such invention is the cooling system.
Americans have always been concerned with bringing a bit of coolness into their lives, mainly because a large part of the country experiences a hot climate. Therefore, the invention of the refrigerator and air conditioner by Americans can rightfully be called a revolutionary breakthrough. Are you curious about the journey that modern refrigerators and air conditioners have taken to reach the present day? You can easily find out by reading this article.
Electricity and refrigeration have changed our world more than most of us realize.David Bodanis
The History of the First Refrigerator
Have you ever wondered where people used to store food? How did they escape the heat? Where and when was the refrigerator, freezer, and air conditioner invented?
As it turns out, the history of these inventions dates back to ancient times. To answer these questions, we can turn to historical facts: in ancient times, people didn’t store food but consumed what they had just obtained through hunting, fishing, and gathering. With a settled lifestyle came methods of food preservation, such as canning, smoking, and cooling in cellars or water. However, like many other inventions, refrigerators underwent significant changes before becoming the devices we use today.
Evolution and Invention
In the 19th century, the idea of inventing a refrigeration unit materialized into the creation of special boxes filled with blocks of ice. The inconvenience of this invention was that the ice melted and had to be replaced regularly. The only beneficiaries were ice suppliers, as this business was quite profitable.
In 1805, American inventor Oliver Evans designed a vapor-compression refrigerator. Although his idea was not realized during his lifetime, it laid the foundation for future developments. The first practical refrigerator was created by Jacob Perkins in 1834 in England, but it was in the USA that the technology gained widespread adoption.
It wasn't until the early 20th century that refrigerators appeared in America. By 1913, the company Frigidaire introduced the first electric household refrigerator. This invention marked a breakthrough in food storage, changing the approach to cooking and storing perishable goods. Before this, people relied on iceboxes and other less efficient methods. This change happened with the advent of electricity, with the USA becoming a pioneer in this field.
The Introduction of Refrigerators into American Homes
Initially, only wealthy Americans could afford to buy a refrigerator, but gradually, as refrigeration systems improved, refrigerators became accessible to many.
- In 1930, 850,000 Americans owned refrigeration equipment.
- By 1940, the number of refrigerator owners had reached 4 million.
Today, we know that refrigerators operate using freon, whereas the first equipment ran on ammonia. In the event of a gas leak, the owners of the refrigeration unit could face fatal consequences, so the new invention was not popular. The use of freon in 1928 was a key moment in the development of refrigerators. Thanks to freon, refrigerators became more reliable and safer, contributing to their widespread use.
The Impact of Refrigerators on Society
The introduction of refrigerators had a significant impact on American society.
- 01.Changed Methods of Food Storage and Preparation
Refrigerators allowed people to buy food in bulk and cook more diverse dishes. This also contributed to the development of retail trade and supermarket chains, offering a wider variety of products. - 02.Influenced Public Health
The risk of food poisoning and infections decreased with refrigerators, as products could be stored longer and in safer conditions. Refrigerators also prompted changes in culinary habits, encouraging creativity in cooking and providing opportunities to experiment with new recipes.
The History of the First Air Conditioners
The emergence of air conditioners in America was not accidental. Most of the USA experiences a hot climate, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius. Therefore, air conditioners were a necessary and relevant innovation for the country.
The first electric fan was invented in 1886 by Schuyler Wheeler, a resident of the southern USA. For over 50 years, people used this convenient invention until 1928 when engineer Willis Carrier invented the household air conditioner. Although this device was invented much earlier, like the refrigerator, it ran on ammonia, making it a potentially deadly weapon.
Changing Lifestyles
The introduction of refrigerators and air conditioners into the daily lives of Americans marked a true revolution in the technological industry. It not only made life more convenient but also completely changed the daily routine. They began to be installed in theaters, offices, and stores, making these places more comfortable in hot weather. Before this, in the southern USA, the workday depended on temperature, as working indoors in summer was very difficult. It was only with the availability of air conditioning that business life gradually moved indoors.
Air conditioners not only provided comfort during hot summer months but also changed building design and architecture. With air conditioners, homes and offices could be built without considering natural ventilation, allowing for buildings with large glass facades and denser construction.
Air conditioners also influenced demographic changes in the USA. People began to move more frequently to southern states like Florida and Texas, where the climate is hotter. This led to population growth in these regions and changes in the economic situation.
Modern Cooling Technologies
Today, refrigerators and air conditioners continue to play a vital role in people’s lives. Modern models are becoming more energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and technologically advanced. Innovations in cooling agents and materials reduce their environmental impact, becoming increasingly important in the context of global climate change.
With the development of smart home technologies, refrigerators and air conditioners are becoming part of integrated management systems, allowing users to control their operation via mobile apps and save energy. In the future, these devices are expected to become even smarter, capable of adapting to users' individual preferences and environmental conditions.
Important Dates in History
Today, we can hardly imagine our lives without technological comforts, including air conditioners and refrigerators. Thanks to these, our lives are filled with convenience and comfort. Therefore, it's worth knowing a few important dates in the history of America’s refrigeration industry:
- 1902: The first air conditioner by Willis Carrier is installed in the forge shops of an American company.
- 1906: Willis Carrier designs and installs air conditioners at a textile factory in South Carolina.
- 1911: The first "Audiffren" refrigerator is produced by General Electric.
- 1916: Dr. Fred Wolf creates a cooling device that produces ice cubes, inspiring subsequent scientists to create ice cube trays in modern refrigerators.
- 1923: The Seeger Refrigerator Company, later to become well-known, produces its first refrigeration device.
- Until 1940: Only wooden refrigerators are produced.
- 1924: Air conditioners become popular and are installed in commercial and public places.
- 1928: Air conditioners are sold for residential homes and apartments.
- 1928: The invention of freon provides a boost to refrigeration production.
- 1935: Crosley releases a refrigerator with shelves for sale.
Interesting Facts
- Energy Efficiency: Modern refrigerators use about 75% less energy than models from the 1970s. This is due to technological advancements and the use of more efficient coolants and materials.
- Size and Capacity: The first household refrigerator by General Electric weighed around 180 kg and held only about 0.3 cubic meters of products. Today’s models have significantly larger capacities and weigh less.
- Design Evolution: In the 1950s, refrigerators began being produced in various colors, such as pastel pink and mint green, to match the fashion of the time. Before this, they were exclusively white.
- Smart Home Features: Modern refrigerators can connect to the internet and have features such as built-in cameras that allow owners to see what’s inside without opening the door. This helps reduce energy consumption and prevent food spoilage.
- Air Conditioning in Theaters: The first air conditioners in the USA were installed in theaters, making them popular places to visit in the summer. This not only increased attendance but also shifted movie release schedules to the summer months.
- Impact on Energy Consumption: Today, air conditioners account for about 12% of total energy consumption in US homes. This stimulates the development of more energy-efficient models and technologies to reduce the load on power systems.
By the way, not everyone knows that refrigerators with two compartments, cooling and freezing, are called American-type refrigerators. Such technological inventions and comfortable conditions are closely associated with the American way of life. Experiencing this lifestyle firsthand, getting to know the history of this amazing country, and embracing the idea of the “American Dream” is only possible by traveling across America.
Let us, American Butler, a travel and leisure agency, make your vacation pleasant and comfortable.
Share
