Tampa’s sweltering summers and year-round humidity have made air conditioning necessary in Florida. Before the advent of AC, Tampa residents relied on old-fashioned methods to keep cool, such as using fans or windows for a breeze.
Today, AC provides the ultimate in-home comfort on a hot day. Tampa homeowners can stay cool year-round because AC has become more accessible and efficient for home use. 68% of households had AC in 1998, whereas 89% currently have AC. That’s more than 100 million American homes.
With its widespread adoption in Florida, you may wonder how air conditioning has made its transformation. Exploring the evolution of air conditioning in Tampa will provide an exciting glimpse into how the need for AC drove innovation. You can learn more about AC’s history with the help of Fairway Heating and Cooling in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Old-Fashioned Cooling Methods
Before air conditioning became available, Tampa residents relied on simpler cooling methods. In the 1800s in Florida, hand fans were essential tools for combating the heat. Initially, their hand fans consisted of improvised materials, like newspapers or imported silk. Eventually, they became more available due to the mass production of paddle fans.
Then, Floridians started using mechanical fans and natural ventilation (breeze). In the 1830s, a doctor in Florida was the first to use mechanical blades to fan air from ice blocks. This fan helped to cool sick patients. In 1882, Schuyler Skaats Wheeler used electricity to operate a fan instead of a human or horsepower. The fan consisted of only two blades without a protective cage.
20th-century Florida homes were architecturally also designed to maximize airflow and indoor comfort. Residential homes and commercial buildings had long breezeways, thin walls, and high ceilings. Homes often had wrap-around porches because they provided more airflow through living spaces.
However, these methods were largely ineffective. Many residents struggled to remain cool during the peak of Tampa’s humid summers besides flocking to the water. They had few options for relief when temperatures soared. As a result, heat-related illnesses became a significant concern. The need to use AC to prevent health concerns was a key factor that inspired some of the first AC innovations.
The Origins of Air Mechanical Conditioning
In the 1840s, Dr. John Gorrie of Florida became the father of mechanical air conditioning. Gorries initially developed this system to cure Yellow Fever during an outbreak in Apalachicola in 1841.
Along with helping patients, Gorrie proposed cooling cities. He wanted to relieve residents of the ‘evils of high temperatures.” Gorrie believed that cooling was essential for avoiding diseases. His primary goals were to prevent heat-related illnesses and make patients more comfortable.
By 1842, Gorrie’s hard work paid off. His air-cooling apparatus was the first of its kind to offer cooling to patients. The apparatus compressed gas and cooled it through radiating coils before expanding it to decrease the temperature. His rudimentary cooling system required ice shipped via boat from the U.S.’s northern lakes.
So, he sought to improve the challenges that shipping ice caused. Gorrie began experimenting with artificial cooling as a potential solution. Through trial and error, he designed a machine that created ice using a steam or water-driven compressor. Finally, in 1851, Gorrie obtained a patent for it. Sadly, Gorrie could not bring them to the market. Despite this, his invention had a long-lasting impact on AC conditioning and refrigeration.
The Invention of Electrical Air Conditioning
Following Gorrie’s work, the concept of artificial cooling made no traction. Decades later, in 1902, Willis Carrier worked with the Buffalo Forge Company to create the first modern AC unit. Carrier’s role in the company involved solving humidity problems that caused magazines to wrinkle at a publishing company in Brooklyn.
He created a system that controlled humidity through cooling coils through several experiments. After securing a patent for his design called the “Apparatus for Treating Air.” This apparatus could either humidify or dehumidify air. He improved his design with ongoing testing. Afterward, he patented an automatic system controlling humidity and temperature in textile mills.
Eventually, Carrier realized that other industries could benefit from humidity control and AC. So, he formed a company with six other engineers called Carrier Engineering Corporation.
How Electrical Cooling Revolutionized Tampa
Following Carrier’s work, electrical cooling systems revolutionized central air conditioning in Tampa. Soon, air conditioning started popping up in public places in Florida. In 1926, the Tampa Theatre was the first commercial building with central air to open. Soon after, other commercial buildings, like department stores and offices, adopted AC. Those places attracted many people seeking refuge from the Tampa heat.
However, this system could not enter residential homes. They were too large and expensive. Then, in the 1950s, residential air conditioning began to gain traction. Frigidaire introduced a split system that was small enough for home use. Still, it was not practical for homeowners. They were also costly and needed a remote-controlled condensing unit.
In 1932, H. Schultz and J.Q. Sherman filed for a patent for AC units that could fit on a window ledge. They were available on the market but, again, were high-priced.
In response, Engineer Henry Galson created a more compact, inexpensive version of the window air conditioner. For the first time, homeowners could afford and enjoy an AC unit without upgrading their homes.
By the 1960s, most new homes in Tampa had window units and central air conditioning. With AC, Tampa homes became more comfortable, growing the region’s population.
The Need for Efficiency Drives AC Advancements
As air conditioning evolved in Tampa, systems became more efficient and functional. In the 1960s and 1970s, central AC systems became the standard for new construction. The newer models had improved cooling and humidity control compared to window units. Energy efficiency drove advancements in compressors and insulation to reduce power consumption.
Programmable thermostats and eco-friendly refrigerants from 1980 to the 90s accelerated the efficiency standard. These thermostats allowed homeowners to customize AC cooling schedules to reduce environmental impact.
Smart thermostats and zoning systems have recently brought HVAC technology to new levels. These systems allow Tampa homeowners to control their air conditioning remotely and lower their energy use.
HVAC Systems Designed for Tampa’s Climate
As air conditioning in Tampa transforms, the region’s climate influences its evolution. Tampa’s climate poses unique challenges for AC systems. The high humidity requires systems with advanced dehumidification.
Modern AC systems for Tampa have weather-resistant materials to withstand the region’s climate. Residents can opt for hurricane-rated systems with surge protection to combat severe weather.
The Future of Air Conditioning in Tampa
The future of air conditioning in Tampa is bright. With a focus on sustainability, Tampa residents can have lower cooling costs and enhanced comfort. Geothermal systems and heat pumps now make air conditioning in Tampa more eco-friendly.
Homeowners looking to lower their carbon footprint can use solar-powered HVAC or smart home systems. These advancements will continue to evolve based on Tampa’s climate, efficiency standards, and demands.
Step into the Future of Air Conditioning in Tampa with Fairway Heating and Cooling!
The evolution of air conditioning in Tampa since its creation demonstrates immense progress. Although old AC systems offered little comfort, new models provide options suitable for Tampa homeowners. AC systems will continue adapting based on efficiency standards and Florida’s climate.
With Fairway Heating and Cooling experts in Tampa Bay, you can step into the future of air conditioning! Our professionals will help you select the best system for your home.
We specialize in AC repair, maintenance, and inspections. Our 30 years of experience allow us to provide top-quality services at a fair cost. That’s the Fairway difference.
Contact us today to speak with a customer service agent or to schedule an estimate!
The post The Evolution of Air Conditioning in Tampa: A Historical Overview appeared first on Fairway Heating and Cooling, LLC.