Just like the invention of plumbing, the rise of heating systems took a long time to evolve into what they are today. In fact, it could have taken as long as 1 million years! From the discovery of fire to the invention of the furnace, it was a long ride filled with a few steps forward and then a few back. Today, over 85% of the homes in America have some form of heating system and we owe it all to those who came before us. Here is a timeline of the events that led to heating as we know it:
A Very Long Time Ago: Human beings discover fire which allows for the advancement of the species. Originally it was only for warmth, then it became a source for cooking meats to disinfect them. Safe to say without this discovery, we wouldn't be in business today.
7500 B.C: This is when we started to see open hearths in homes and building structures. For years, humans had experimented with controlled heating systems and this is the most primitive and original form.
2500 B.C: In the Temple of Ephesus, archaeologists discovered flues in the ground that circulated heat created by fire. The Greek and Roman empires were so advanced that we didn't see these types of radiant heating systems again until the late 18th century.
1200 A.D: Monks in christian monasteries started experimenting with central heating using wood-burning furnaces. They would dispose of the smoke by using what would later become known as the chimney.
1400 A.D: Masonry stoves begin to appear and these evolve over time into the wood and pellet burning stoves that we still see today.
1700 A.D: This was during the rise of the steam engine and its inventor, James Watt, decided to put it into the realm of home heating. The system worked on a central boiler and a system of pipes.
1935 A.D: Scientists develop convection wall heaters that use a coal burning furnace, electric fan and duct work to transport heat throughout your home. Eventually this turns into gas and electric burning furnaces that can be controlled with the push of a button.
As heating advanced, there became a need for services that could repair and install its parts. That is where we fit into this whole timeline. For over 50 years, Nassau County Plumbing and Sewer Rooter has been providing heating service to the Nassau County area and we love what we do. Our technicians are highly trained and they have the experience to repair or install whatever heating system you are working with.
To schedule service, call 516-874-7937 or visit us on the web!
