In the western world, HVAC systems are expected additions to most households. American’s rely on heating and cooling so much, that 84% of US homes, feature some form of air-conditioning. We tend to take air conditioning for granted, without really thinking about the impact it has outside of cooling our homes. This week, we decided to compile a few ways in which HVAC has changed the modern world for the better. Many industries are reliant on HVAC to develop, as without it, they would not be able to use some of today’s leading technologies.
1. How Architects Approach Design
Prior to air conditioners, architects focused on designing houses and buildings that featured porches, breezeways, high ceilings and landscaping to increase air flow and keep occupants cool. As much as design was desired, the ability to keep a building cool remained at the forefront of design, until the ability to install HVAC gave architects the freedom to focus on aesthetic over practicality. Here are 10 eco-friendly houses, built with the future in mind, that we love!
2. The Efficiency of The Medical Industry
Modern air-conditioning has also transformed medical care and hospitals ability to take care of patients effectively. HVAC systems have helped advance the storage of medications as well as reducing the spread of disease and increasing life expectancy. Air conditioning is extremely important in hospitals to maintain a safe environment. In the western world, many patients, surgeons and medical professionals have the ability to control temperatures within hospital rooms / surgery spaces, which has drastically increased comfort and productivity respectively.
3. The Experience of Movie Theaters
The term “summer blockbuster” was coined from people flooding to theaters, not just to enjoy a movie, but also to enjoy the air conditioning that made the summer heat bearable. These days, much speculation exists as to whether movie theaters are too cold, with people often complaining how cool the spaces are. One thing’s for certain though, since the integration of HVAC systems, no one has ever had to worry about being too hot in an American movie theater.
4. Hazardous Airflow In Laboratories
Laboratories are able to prevent hazardous airflow from causing damage to workers and surrounding environments through the integration of HVAC systems. HVAC systems within laboratories are set to very specific temperatures to eliminate contamination between spaces. Depending on the type of laboratory, the control of airflow can be vital to the functionality of a facility. Very prevalent examples of such a laboratory are those currently researching and developing a COVID19 vaccination.
5. The Regulation of Cabin Pressure of Airplanes
HVAC systems allow airplanes to regulate cabin air pressure, which is vital to safely transporting passengers. The first airplane to feature a pressurized cabin took flight on August 5, 1937. Airplanes have come a long way since then, and now have extremely high tech controls, which allow passengers to be both safe and comfortable. Many modern planes even feature personal air-conditioning vents above each seat to create comfortable individual micro-climates for those flying.
6. The Food Industry and Restaurants
Restaurants produce an exceptionally large number of airborne pollutants that can cause contamination or sickness when not handled properly. The importance of HVAC systems in these spaces is that they regulate air flow and temperature, ensuring food does not spoil and is kept in controlled conditions. The food industry uses some of the most advanced HVAC systems to ensure the safe packaging and delivery of food. The shelf-life of food lasts longer and it can be transported further using specific heating and cooling methods.
