Get To Know the History of Central Heating for Valentines Day
There's nothing more romantic than cuddling up next to a spouse or significant other on February 14th and basking in the warm glow of love... or is it the warm glow of the home's heater or furnace? The modern era has taken the heater for granted, so few people know the heater's interesting history.
While planning the romantic events for the holiday of love, homeowners should chew on these fun facts about the heater that keeps the house the perfect temperature for a night of cuddles and chocolates.
Was Rome the Inventor of Central Heating?
Rome is famous for its countless inventions that have bettered the modern home. From plumbing and concrete to apartments and air conditioning, the ancient Romans lay claim to many of history's first home comforts. One of their many inventions included the first known version of central heating.
The Romans invented a system called the hypocaust (hypo meaning under and caust meaning to burn). This system consisted of fires in the basement of structures that generated heat, which was then directed through the building through a series of concrete or tile flues throughout the house.
Even by today's standards, heated floors are a luxury. In ancient Rome, any temple, army base, or home of significance had heated floors and centrally heated rooms. However, the cost of operating a constant hypocaust was far beyond the means of an average citizen. It was reserved for the wealthy, religious, and bellicose factions of Rome.
Who Invented the Modern Radiator?
After the Romans, central heating remained largely done by fireplaces and open fires in homes. It was not until Franz San Galli hit the inventing scene of Imperial Russia and the Victorian era that central heating became accessible to the general population, thanks largely to his invention of the modern radiator.
Followers of Joseph Nason's history dispute San Galli's claim as the modern radiator's sole inventor. Nason developed a version of the radiator and patented it in 1841, whereas San Galli did not produce his patent until 1857. Regardless, the Russian Imperial family used San Galli's inventions, and he is credited as one of the main inventors of the radiator that has inspired today's central heating.
When Was the Thermostat Invented?
Before the thermostat, the temperature of buildings was regulated solely based on their occupants' senses. When homes were too hot, homeowners opened windows to cool things down. When temperatures dropped, homeowners built fires to increase the heat.
The first known example of a thermostat prototype came about in Jacobean England. Its inventor, Cornelis Drebbel, invented a mercury thermostat to regulate a chicken incubator's temperatures.
The modern thermostat was not invented until some time in the 1830s. Andrew Ure, a Scottish chemist, invented the bimetallic thermostat to assist Industrial England with regulating the countless factories and warehouses dotting the Thames.
The electric thermostat was not invented until 1886 by Albert Butz. After 1886, the thermostat became easily available to the general population, and homes ceased to be heated solely by fires.
The history of the home's heating system is a fascinating journey to explore. Stay warm this Valentine's Day, and be sure to thank the home's heater for a toasty romantic evening.
About Barker Heating & Cooling
Since 1998, Barker Heating & Cooling has proudly served their Tri-valley community with top-quality heating and cooling services. The friendly team at Barker Heating & Cooling treats every customer like family, and are happy to provide friends and family programs, referral benefits, and financing options. Contact them for expert heating service in Livermore, CA today!
