Air conditioning technology for commercial use was invented in the early 20th century. The credit for creating the first modern electric air conditioning system goes to Willis Carrier, an American engineer. Carrier developed the system to solve a humidity problem at a publishing company in Brooklyn, New York. The first air conditioning system was not intended for comfort but to control humidity and improve the printing process.
The breakthrough came in 1902 when Carrier designed and installed his "Apparatus for Treating Air" at the Sackett-Wilhelms Lithographing & Publishing Company. This system used a combination of cooling coils and fans to control both temperature and humidity, resulting in a more stable indoor environment. Carrier's invention marked the birth of modern air conditioning technology.
The success of this early air conditioning system laid the foundation for further development and commercialization of air conditioning for various industries and public spaces. Over time, air conditioning became more widespread and was eventually adapted for residential use, revolutionizing the way people lived and worked, particularly in regions with extreme climates.
Since its invention by Willis Carrier, air conditioning has evolved significantly, becoming a ubiquitous technology in modern society, providing comfort and improved productivity in homes, offices, public buildings, vehicles, and various other settings.