Born: 1895, United States
Died: 1920
Country most active: United States
Also known as: NA
The following bio was written by Emma Rosen, author of On This Day She Made History: 366 Days With Women Who Shaped the World and This Day In Human Ingenuity & Discovery: 366 Days of Scientific Milestones with Women in the Spotlight, and has been republished with permission.
In 1919, an African-American inventor, Alice H. Parker, received a patent for the modern central heating gas furnace, revolutionizing home heating systems. Her invention was a groundbreaking development that transformed how we heat our homes and offices.
Before Parker’s innovation, people relied on burning coal or wood for heating, which was inefficient and often impractical. Parker recognized the limitations of this approach and designed the first gas furnace powered by natural gas. What set her invention apart was its incorporation of individually controlled air ducts, enabling precise temperature control in different building areas. This concept, known as “zone heating,” was a significant leap forward in heating technology.
Parker’s system utilized independently controlled burner units to draw in cold air, heat it through a heat exchanger, and distribute it through individual ducts. This design improved efficiency and enhanced safety compared to traditional heating methods.
Despite some initial safety concerns, Parker’s invention laid the groundwork for features like thermostats, zone heating, and forced air furnaces, which are now common in modern central heating systems. Additionally, her use of natural gas made heating more cost-effective and efficient.
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