Five Historical Facts You Didn’t Know About Furnaces
2016-01-12
The start of 2016 brought big blasts of winter to the Waterloo Region. From frigid temperatures to icy conditions, it’s no wonder everyone is seeking out the comfort of their heated homes.
In just over 100 years, furnace technology has advanced massively to improve comfort and energy efficiency. But where did it all begin? Who invented the furnace? And how did we go from wood fires to smart thermostats?
Let’s warm up with a little history.
🔥 1. 1885: Radiators & Coal Furnaces
For about a century, home heating in North America relied on burning wood. That all began to change in 1885, when cast iron radiators became affordable, introducing central heating to homes.
That same year, Dave Lennox built the industry's first steel coal furnace, which used natural convection (warm air rising) to push heat through ductwork from the basement into the rooms above. It was a game-changer!
Fun fact: These furnaces helped households switch from wood to coal, which was much more efficient. Don’t worry, this shocked us too!
🔥 2. Late 1880s: Building the Bunsen
Even with Lennox’s innovation, heating systems still had room to grow. Enter Robert Bunsen, the German inventor who brought us the Bunsen burner in the late 1880s.
Bunsen’s flame technology produced heat without soot, paving the way for gas, propane, and oil-fired systems. It also inspired the pilot light used in gas-powered furnaces — a feature still common today.
🔥 3. 1905: Electrifying Progress
In 1905, American inventor Albert Marsh discovered chrome, allowing him to create a heating element that was 300x stronger than anything else at the time.
Known as the father of the electrical heating industry, Marsh’s tech converted electricity into radiant heat — and helped establish electric space heaters for individual rooms.
Similar to pilot lights, this tech hasn’t changed much. Many electric heaters still work the same way today.
🔥 4. 1919: Alice Parker’s Wall Furnace Breakthrough
Alice Parker is credited with inventing the first true central heating system in 1919. Her innovation made it possible to regulate home temperatures and heat homes more efficiently.
Her work laid the foundation for what became the first coal-fuelled, electric fan-assisted wall furnace — complete with ductwork — by 1935.
Yes, a woman revolutionized the HVAC world in the early 1900s. And we’re still benefiting from it today.
🔥 5. Today’s Furnace Technology
Today, there are more ways than ever to heat your home:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
- Geothermal systems
Modern programmable thermostats give homeowners unprecedented control over their indoor environment, offering both comfort and energy savings.
Stay Warm, Stay Safe
Whether your furnace is a modern marvel or just doing its job, it needs professional maintenance every year. That keeps it running efficiently and safely — especially when the wind chill drops and your home becomes your refuge.
Have questions? Need a tune-up?
Call us at 519-747-7732 or book a service.
Afterglow. Water, warmth, well-being.