The air conditioner was invented in 1902 by Willis Haviland Carrier, one year after earning a masters degree in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University. He first patented it in 1906 as The apparatus for cooling air (U.S. Pat# 808897). The air conditioner was initially used in department stores, factories, movie theatres and industries. It was only to be introduced to American homes after World War II.
At present, most if not all American homes do have an air conditioner. Office buildings also have several air conditioners installed. It is interesting to note that any new home under construction in America is fitted with an air conditioner. That is how popular the air conditioner also known as AC is, among American homes.
There are different types of air conditioners in the market today, varying from price to functionality. There are, however, four standard units from which modified versions emerge. Most popular is the Central air conditioner. About 70% of all air conditioners currently in use belong to this category. The central air conditioner consists of an outdoor section known as a condenser, and an indoor section, connected together by a copper pipe.
There is the Ductless air conditioner. This also has an indoor and outdoor section, but lack the duct systems. They are used to cool rooms and can have several indoor sections in different rooms connected to a single outdoor condenser.
Another type of air conditioner is the Portable air conditioner. It is very similar to the central air conditioner the only difference being in size. The portable AC is smaller and much lighter making it movable and very popular in providing instant cooling to rooms.
The other type of air conditioner is the Window air conditioner. Although very similar to the portable AC both in design and function, the difference between them is, the components of a window AC are housed inside a cabinet making them less movable.
Installing any type of air conditioner in your house has its benefits. For starters, the AC keeps a stable room temperature, this regardless of the conditions outside. Most of them come with IR remotes and are capable of changing the temperature in minutes. Air conditioners remove moisture from the air as it is cooled. During summer, humidity levels can be very high and an air conditioner can reduce these levels to suit your desired conditions.
A few disadvantages of air conditioners include, the costs of running them, they need some attention and cleaning, they work best indoors with both doors and windows closed. Some air conditioners are noisy.
All in all, air conditioners are a must have in every American household and its best to have yours before this coming summer.
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