In 2022, the modern furnace is a staple that we get to enjoy from the comfort of our homes. However, the origin of the furnace cannot be attributed to solely one person. Instead, quite a few individuals contributed to furnace history and the elements that make up the modern furnace today. Join Grove City Heating & Air as we review each of these historical points in the timeline of the modern furnace.
When Did The Furnace Concept Originate?
There is not really one way to pinpoint the concept of the furnace originating. From the beginning of time, we know humans used fires to stay warm, which evolved into the use of fireplaces and the rudimentary stove. However, an excellent place to start coverage of the furnace concept is in the 1700s when James Watt created the first steam-based heating system. This played a huge role in the Industrial Revolution.
What Year Was the Warm-air Furnace Created?
In 1805, William Strutt created the warm-air furnace. His system functioned by taking cold air and heating it, then distributing it through a series of ductwork in the home. During this time, the French also started using fire-tube hot air furnaces. The 18th century was a strong era in which furnace progression held fast, even into the early parts of the 19th century.
What Year Was the Radiator Invented?
Franz San Galli is widely known as the inventor of the radiator. He invented the radiator in the year 1855. His invention was a massive contribution to the modern central heating system.
What Year Was the Electric Heater Developed?
When Thomas Edison discovered the light bulb, this paved the way for him to later invent the electric heater. He created the electric heater in 1883. From then on, its existence changed the course of heating systems, with the ability of the energy source now being electrical-based.
What Year Was the Bunsen Burner Created?
Dr. Robert Bunsen was a German scientist who came up with the Bunsen Burner. The open-flamed burner originally started off for use in his own laboratory. In modern furnaces, the use of the pilot light is a clear reflection of Bunsen’s ingenious work.
What Year Was The Coal Furnace Established?
It was Dave Lennox who created the steel coal furnace in 1895. You may have heard the brand Lennox mentioned before, as it is widely known today in the HVAC service industry. The developments of the modern furnace cannot be discussed without proper credit being given to Dave Lennox.
What Year Was the First Central Heating System Patented?
In 1919, Alice Parker patented the central heating system fueled by natural gas. Though her design was not implemented at the time due to regulation issues, her contribution was a precursor to the furnaces we use in our homes today.
Each of these scientists and inventors played a key role in developing the modern furnace. We now have progressed to using “smart” technology in our heating systems, but the modern furnace is inevitably a sum of all the research and hard work from the people who came before us. If you have an older furnace you suspect needs to be replaced, or perhaps you have questions about your furnace, please don’t hesitate to contact Grove City Heating & Air. We aim to please our customers and provide five-star customer service every call, every appointment, every time. Reach us at (614) 490-7540, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
