History of the Modern Furnace
Human survival is dependent upon proper shelter, food, cool air when it is hot, and heat when it’s cold. Our ancestors stayed warm through wood-burning fireplaces and open fire pits. Step away from the direct line of heat, and it’s cold again. 
The Radiator Introduction
In 1855, the modern heating radiator was invented by Franz San Galli, a Polish-born Russian businessman. In 1885, Dave Lennox helped Galli advance home heating with a new low-cost, coal-burning cast iron radiator. The radiator used the natural laws of rising heat to help evenly distribute throughout the home.
The Bunsen Burner
In 1855, Dr. Robert Bunsen, a German scientist, invented the Bunsen Burner, a device intended for use at his laboratory. The burner produced open flame heat without soot by blending gas and air in a controlled environment. The invention paved the way for further development of oil, propane, and gas-fueled heating systems.
Thomas Edison and the Dawn of the Electric Age
Electric heat came about in 1882 when Albert Marsh discovered metal chrome in 1905. This allowed for the construction of a heating element 300x stronger than the current heater selection. The invention is touted as the “father of the electrical heating industry.”
First Central Heating System
The first central heating system was invented and patented by Alice Parker in 1919, ending the requirement for families to huddle together near the fireplace for warmth. The central heating system better-regulated temperatures and distributed heat in a more efficient manner.
Distributed Force Air
In 1935, the first coal-fueled, electric fan and ductwork heating device came along. The heat from the furnace is transferred to the air through special ducts, making rising heat fill the rooms with warmth.
The Modern Furnace
The invention of motor-driven fans paved the way for gravity-fed furnaces. Forcing heated air through small, compact ducts to each room in a building using registers or grilles that returned to the furnace through a cold-air return system, reheated, and then recirculated. A thermostat controls the process, measuring temperature to activate the gas burner and blowers that circulate the heated air.
Forced-air heating can be circulated through a filter that cleans the particles before entering a room. This controls indoor air quality. Over the years, the systems have become more and more efficient. Some systems use artificial intelligence to keep your family warm.
Is it Time to Upgrade?
A forced-air heating system saves money, reduces the need for repairs, helps the environment, and keeps the family warm all year round. We offer financing options for those who want the convenience and luxury of forced-air heating and cooling but have not yet made the upgrade.
Rice Heating and Air are a full-service HVAC Contractor headquartered in Alma, AR. The company specializes in air conditioning repair, AC installations, indoor air quality systems, heating repair, and furnace installations. Rice Heating and Air are focused on helping homeowners and businesses stay comfortable year-round. We are your comfort experts.
Call us today for any of your heating and cooling needs.
