Who Invented Air Conditioning?

When Was Air Conditioning Invented?

Modern air conditioning was invented in 1902. The breakthrough occurred when Willis Carrier, a clever engineer fresh out of Cornell University, was tasked with solving a production issue at the Sackett-Wilhelms Lithographing & Publishing Company in Brooklyn, New York. High humidity was causing paper to warp and ink to run, ruining the print quality.

Carrier theorized that if he could control the humidity, he could control the temperature. He designed a system that circulated air over cooling coils to remove moisture. This invention didn't just save the printing process; it birthed an industry. In 1906, he received a patent for his "Apparatus for Treating Air," securing his legacy as the father of modern air conditioning.

Other Contributors to Cooling Technology

While Willis Carrier pioneered the modern electrical system, the human quest for comfort dates back centuries. Ancient civilizations and other inventors understood the need for relief from the heat:

• Ancient Egyptians: They hung wet reeds in windows to utilize evaporative cooling.
• The Romans: They circulated cool water through the walls of their homes (aqueducts) to lower indoor temperatures.

• Michael Faraday: In the 1820s, English scientist Michael Faraday demonstrated that compressing and then expanding certain liquefied gases could produce cooling. His experiments helped establish principles that later became important to mechanical refrigeration.
• Dr. John Gorrie: In the 1840s, American physician John Gorrie developed a mechanical ice-making machine to cool hospital rooms and help treat patients suffering from yellow fever. He received a U.S. patent for his ice-making machine in 1851, making him an important early contributor to mechanical refrigeration.
• Willis Carrier: Carrier built on these earlier advances when he developed his system in 1902 to control both temperature and humidity for a printing plant. His approach went beyond simply producing cold air by precisely controlling the conditions of indoor air, helping establish the foundation of modern air conditioning.
• Stuart Cramer: In 1906, textile engineer Stuart Cramer used the term “air conditioning” to describe a process for controlling humidity and improving conditions in textile mills. Cramer did not invent modern air conditioning, but his use of the phrase helped popularize the term that became synonymous with indoor climate control.

Key Milestones in Air Conditioning History

Since that pivotal moment in 1902, Carrier has continued to lead the industry with innovations that prioritize efficiency and sustainability. Here is a timeline of how the invention of air conditioning evolved:

• 1907: Carrier hires Margaret Ingels, America’s first female air-conditioning engineer.
• 1911: Willis Carrier publishes his "Rational Psychrometric Formulae." This brought scientific precision to HVAC design and remains a foundational tool for engineers today.
• 1925: The "new" Madison Square Garden opens, using Carrier centrifugal chillers to cool patrons and maintain the ice for professional hockey.
• 1928: The Milam Building in San Antonio becomes the first skyscraper built with central air conditioning installed during construction.
• 1931: The M.V. Victoria becomes the first vessel to sail its maiden voyage equipped with Carrier air conditioning.
• 1946: San Antonio introduces the "World's First Air-Conditioned City Bus."
• 1971: Carrier is awarded the contract for Chicago’s Sears Tower, the tallest building in the world at the time.
• 1993: Demonstrating a commitment to the environment, Carrier stops manufacturing CFC-based chillers in the U.S. well ahead of federal deadlines.
• 2011: The Carrier Monterrey Commercial plant becomes the first HVAC industrial facility to earn LEED® Gold Certification.
• 2018: Carrier identifies R-454B (Puron Advance™) as a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant, leading the charge for sustainable residential comfort.

3 Criteria That Define Modern Air Conditioning

Carrier's 1902 breakthrough went beyond simply making air colder. Carrier's approach to air conditioning can be understood through three core criteria:

1. Humidity control: Modern air conditioning removes moisture from the air to help maintain comfortable indoor humidity levels. Carrier's original system was designed in part to control humidity so paper would not expand, contract or warp during printing.
2. Temperature control: An air conditioner removes heat from indoor air and transfers it outside, allowing the system to maintain a desired indoor temperature.
3. Air circulation: Air conditioning systems circulate indoor air across cooling components and redistribute conditioned air throughout the space. This helps maintain more consistent temperature and comfort.

Carrier's 3 Criteria for Modern Air Conditioning—humidity control, temperature control and air circulation—capture the fundamental functions that distinguish modern air conditioning from simple cooling.

The Future of Comfort and Innovation

We never rest on the accomplishments of the past. From the 1902 invention to today's smart home integrations, Carrier continues to define the future of indoor environments. We are focused on helping homeowners achieve energy efficiency, breathe cleaner air, and enjoy precise climate control.

Ready to experience the legacy of innovation in your own home? Contact your local Carrier dealer for your air conditioning needs today and check out other Carrier HVAC innovations.