People have used different methods of heating their homes over the years. Here are some things to think about.
From the beginning of time,
humans have tried different methods for heating their homes. Even the cavemen used fire to cook and warm themselves up. The human body must stay at a certain temperature or it will literally freeze to death. In addition to various systems to produce warmth, layering clothes, sweaters and hats on while indoors can keep a body more comfortable and healthier too. Here are some things to think about regarding the history of heating devices.
- Earliest central heaters: There is evidence that a centrally piped system was around to heat homes for the Roman Empire.
- Wood: In earlier days, the earth’s forests were thick with an abundance of firewood. Timber was a readily available heating source and was used to stoke fireplaces and stoves in dwellings around the world.
- Steam: There is evidence that steam was used to warm up houses in Sweden as early as the 1700’s.
- Coal: In the mid-1800’s, coal was mined to the degree that it also became a major fuel for heating homes and buildings. Coal was burned in cast iron stoves. These stoves were used for warmth as well as cooking. A kettle of water was often found simmering atop the stove as well.
- Radiators: At the beginning of the twentieth century, many houses contained radiators which were providing warmth. Each system consisted of a boiler that was coal energized. The boiler was located in a main area of the house such as a basement. This unit would send steamy water to the multiple rooms in a dwelling.
- Convection: Some of the original furnaces depended on warm air rising, also known as convection. This natural phenomena pushed toasty temps through ductwork without electricity.
- Gas and electric: Eventually propane, natural gas and electricity were used to energize heaters. Many early systems were designed to address one room at a time. Baseboard and space heaters were common.
- Heat pumps: Heat pumps came along as a method to distribute hotter temps in a building. These mechanisms can be used to cool off the atmosphere within a room during the summer as well.
- HVAC: HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. This is a centrally located modern system which moves cool or warm temps through a series of air ducts throughout a building. Proper ventilation is needed for this method to work. One of the benefits about this method is that the same ductwork can be used year round.
- Solar heat: Using the sun’s rays by outfitting a building with solar panels or using other solar capturing devices is another option. Although this technique has been around for some decades, it is beginning to become popular again.
- Building design: Architects can now design buildings with temperatures in mind. They utilize windows, insulation, solar harvesting and more in order to heat the space efficiently and effectively.
The technology for heating has developed and expanded greatly over the years. Scientists continue to look for ways to keep the human body at a comfortable temperature without depleting too many natural resources. While their current methods keep earthlings cozy, it will be interesting to see what is invented next.
