National Care About Your Indoor Air Month is observed in February, and we plan to celebrate it by cleaning our air filters, ducts, and vents, and ensuring our heating, ventilation, air conditioning (H.V.A.C.) units run efficiently. Did you know that ancient Egyptians were one of the first civilizations to develop air conditioning systems? H.V.A.C. units use different technologies to provide heating and cooling to residential and commercial buildings. H.V.A.C. systems are essential to improving indoor air quality, reducing humidity, and minimizing the risk of diseases. The different H.V.A.C. systems include split systems, hybrid systems, duct-free systems, and packaged heating and air systems.
History of National Care About Your Indoor Air Month
The first air conditioning systems can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where passive air conditioning techniques were employed to cool homes and buildings. Over time, the techniques spread to the Iberian Peninsula, North Africa, the Middle East, and Northern India. Ancient Romans also had methods for controlling indoor temperatures using their aqueduct system. These techniques were mostly employed by wealthy Romans who had the financial capacity to build and maintain the system.In 1842, using compressor technology, John Gorrie, a Florida doctor, and inventor, created ice to cool air for his patients in his hospital in Apalachicola, Florida. He envisioned using this same technology to cool buildings in the United States. Although he obtained a patent for his invention in 1851, the death of his financier prevented him from realizing that vision. In 1901, Willis Carrier, an American engineer, created the first modern electrical air conditioning unit. The following year, he installed the system in the Sackett-Wilhelms Lithographing & Publishing Company in Brooklyn, New York. The air conditioning system helped control the indoor temperature and humidity of the printing plant. He later went on to establish the Carrier Air Conditioning Company of America.In 1914, the home of Charles Gilbert Gates became the first residential building in the U.S. to house an air conditioning system. But it’s believed that the system was never used as the owner had died the year before. In 1945, Robert Sherman created a multi-purpose portable, in-window air conditioner that served as an air filter, dehumidifier, humidifier, and heater. As the prices of air conditioners became cheaper, more homes across the United States embraced the invention. As of 2019, 91% of U.S. households had air conditioning systems.
National Care About Your Indoor Air Month timeline
John Gorrie develops an idea to cool homes in the United States using his compressor technology.
An American engineer, Willis Carrier, invents the first modern electrical air conditioning unit.
Engineers install the first domestic air conditioning system in the home of Charles Gilbert Gates.
Packard installs the air conditioning units in its cars.
National Care About Your Indoor Air Month FAQs
How much should I pay for H.V.A.C.?
The cost of H.V.A.C. installation depends on whether you’re including new ductwork or not. If you include new ductwork, it costs between $6,820 and $12,350. But without ductwork, you will have to pay between $4,820 and $9,350.
Can you replace just the outside A.C. unit?
It is recommended that you replace both the indoor and outside A.C. units. Not doing so may increase cooling costs, repeated system failures, and reduced efficiency.
What is the purpose of H.V.A.C.?
It helps maintain indoor air quality and ensures thermal comfort.
How to Observe National Care About Your Indoor Air Month
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Improve your indoor air quality
Improving your indoor air quality is not as difficult as it seems, and most of the steps you need to take don’t require a technician's assistance. Create a system of regularly cleaning the ducts and vents of your H.V.A.C. unit as dust and mold may have built up over time. Install an air cleaner for your home if you don’t already have one. That will help reduce air pollutants and allow you to breathe easier. Additionally, regularly service your unit to clear it of dust and debris, and enable it to run efficiently.
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Install an H.V.A.C. unit
If you don’t have an H.V.A.C. unit, use this National Care About Your Indoor Air Month to install one in your home. The unit is highly beneficial to your health and wellbeing and that of your family. Depending on your location, you can get H.V.A.C. system deals and rebates from your state or local utility company. Major manufacturers such as Carrier, Lennox, and Trane also offer rebates to customers.
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Preach the gospel
Good indoor air quality can help prevent several common health complications. That includes asthma, headaches, allergic reactions, carbon monoxide poisoning, coughing, and throat and nasal illnesses. You can help reduce these conditions by educating people on the importance of indoor air quality this National Care About Your Indoor Air Month.
5 Interesting Facts About Air Conditioning
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Ice was the first air conditioner
Before the invention of electricity, people used ice to cool rooms and homes.
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Air conditioning created the summer blockbuster
When air conditioners were invented, movie theaters had them installed as a marketing strategy to drive up sales, especially during summer.
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Air conditioning furthered scientific research
Medicine was able to advance to what it is today because of the chilling conditions provided by air conditioning systems.
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The same power consumption as Africa
Homes in the United States use the same amount of energy as the entire continent of Africa to power their air conditioning units.
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The first presidential experience of air conditioning
President Herbert Hoover was the first United States president to experience air conditioning in the White House.
Why National Care About Your Indoor Air Month is Important
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Good indoor air quality is crucial to general health
An H.V.A.C. system helps filter out allergens, dust, dander, and other contaminants from your indoor air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, good indoor air quality helps reduce the risk of health conditions such as asthma, allergic reactions, carbon monoxide poisoning, and lung and heart complications.
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Good indoor air quality is essential to comfort
Good indoor air quality means proper indoor air temperature and humidity regulation. Having that in place allows you to breathe easier, sleep better, and generally live comfortably in your home.
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Good indoor air quality reduces energy costs
Cleaning your H.V.A.C. vents and ducts and maintaining your unit improves your indoor air quality and also helps to improve your H.V.A.C. system’s efficiency. Doing this allows your H.V.A.C. unit to work optimally at reduced energy costs.
National Care About Your Indoor Air Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 1 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | February 1 | Thursday |
| 2025 | February 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | February 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | February 1 | Monday |
