When it comes to the modern luxuries we enjoy today, one of the most important is, of course, home heating!
From the very early days of humans using fire to heat their dwellings to today’s more modern heating systems, home heating has come a long way in its evolution …
The use of fire to help keep warm dates back to the Paleolithic era, around 400,000 years ago. This was during a time when the climate was much colder than it is today, so the use of fire was essential to keep warm. As time went on, open hearths became popular in ancient societies. In these hearths, a fire was lit in the center of the room and used to warm the entire space.
In 2500 BC, the first thing that could technically be called a “furnace” was invented! The Romans began to use early furnaces that used fire to heat the area below the floor. This heat was then distributed through pipes in the walls. This was a much more efficient way of heating the home than the open hearths. But otherwise, most societies continued to use hearths and early fireplaces.
Jump way ahead to around the year 1400 or 1500, stoves and chimneys became popular. This allowed for the smoke from the fire to be released outside rather than filling the house with smoke. This was a much more efficient way of heating the home and much safer. In the 1700s, steam-based heating systems became popular. This was a more efficient way of heating the home as it used a boiler and had pipes throughout the house. This was a big step forward in the evolution of home heating.
In the late 1700s, the Franklin stove was invented. This cast-iron stove was much more efficient than the standard open hearths. This stove was much more efficient and allowed for a much more even heat distribution throughout the home. In the late 1800s, Edison’s electric heater was invented. This was one of the most efficient ways to heat a home yet! He had developed a way to turn electricity into heat.
Finally, in 1919, Alice Parker invented the first central heating system! This truly revolutionized home heating as it used an actual furnace to heat the whole house using a single source. This changed how homes were heated and ushered in a new era of comfortable living.
Today, we have many different types of home heating systems available to us, ranging from electric heaters to natural gas or propane furnaces, to solar energy and geothermal energy systems. No matter what type of home you have, there is a modern home heating system to fit your needs!
With so many different options available, we are sure that you will be able to find the perfect home heating system for your needs … especially with Biard & Crockett’s help! Call us anytime at (714) 602-1299, or schedule an appointment on our website.