Women in the HVAC Field
During Women’s History Month, society takes a moment to reflect on the women who helped pave the way. Women have done their fair share in keeping homes comfortable and contributing to heating and cooling. This month, look back at the women who made it possible. This blog will discuss women in the HVAC industry today and some trailblazing women who revolutionized modern heating and cooling.
Women in the Industry Today
The HVAC industry is a male-dominated field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2018, women made up less than 2% of HVAC mechanics and installers despite more women increasingly taking on leadership positions in HVAC companies where they are responsible for key decisions related to product development, customer service, and overall management.
In addition to their work in the industry itself, women are also responsible for advancing HVAC technology. Recent studies have shown that female-led companies are more likely to invest in energy-efficient and innovative technologies, resulting in improved efficiency and cost savings for the industry. Women are also leading the way in advocating for environmental protection and sustainability initiatives within the sector. The impact of women in the industry is undeniable, and their contributions are helping to shape the sector's future.
Alice H. Parker
Alice H. Parker was an African-American inventor and mechanical engineer who revolutionized home heating systems. Her most notable invention was a gas furnace with central ductwork, patented in 1919. This invention revolutionized home heating technology, allowing for more efficient, safer, and cost-effective heating systems. Before her invention of a gas furnace, homes were typically heated using wood-burning stoves or fireplaces. Although these methods provided warmth, they were not always reliable or safe.
Her patented furnace used natural gas and could be adjusted to heat different rooms with air ducts based on the household’s needs. Her invention has been credited with improving air quality in homes, reducing the risk of fire, and saving people money on their heating bills. Parker’s legacy is still seen today in modern gas furnaces with ductwork.
Margaret Ingels
Margaret Ingels was the first woman to hold a master’s degree in mechanical engineering in the nation. She graduated from the University of Kentucky and was a pioneer in the HVAC industry, specifically air conditioning. She worked at Carrier Corporation for the majority of her career. At the time, Carrier Corporation was at the forefront of air conditioning technology.
Ingels' work revolutionized air conditioning, introducing a way to control temperature precisely, humidity, and air direction. She also developed the concept of zone control, which allowed different areas of a building or home to be controlled independently. Ingels' innovations helped pave the way for modern air conditioning systems, making indoor environments more comfortable and safe year-round. In recognition of her contributions, Ingels was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2006, and her legacy can still be seen in modern air conditioning systems.
About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.
Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has over 20 years of experience serving Daytona Beach, FL, and the surrounding communities. They provide transparent pricing options, financing, and a maintenance membership plan. Call them today for indoor air quality, AC, or heating services in Daytona Beach, FL.
