Air-Conditioning America: Engineers and the Controlled Environment, 1900-1960

Johns Hopkins Studies in the History of Technology

by Gail Cooper

In this groundbreaking study, Gail Cooper shows that, from the outset, air conditioning has been the focus of conflict and controversy―well predating today's concerns about fluorocarbons and global warming. While a technical elite of designers, inventors, and corporate pioneers made a comprehensive plans for the new technology, their ideas were challenged by workers, consumers, government regulators, business competitors, and rival professionals.

Genres: History, American

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 3, 1998

Reviews

[Rhea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Air conditioning has been described as one of the key technologies that changed American society. This book shows how it evolved, first as a tool for industry to control manufacturing environments (its not the heat its the humidity), and eventually as it was redefined by the average person (cool in summer, warm in winter). Along the way you'll learn about things like dewpoint, "bypass" and a little bit about ammonia and CO2-based systems.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gail Coopers classical work on the history of air condition and why the United States choose to partake is a fascinating venture. The book looks at the not only the technology and companies involved in developing air condition but the battle between the pure air activists and man made climate control. The idea of the battle over humidity as opposed to air quality and the idea of air conditioning and heating as one and the same is an interesting historical perspective not seen today. The eventual victory of air conditioning in America came not through industry but through home builders making it a necessity rather than a luxury. The evolution of all these ideas is covered clearly and concisely for readers who are not well versed in technology. If want to read about a little know topic this is a great place to start.