air-conditioning: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Nov. 13, 2026

News •

Train passengers stranded for hours with no aircon, no food and full toilets • Nov. 11, 2026, 9:39 PM ET (ABC News (Australia))

FS-Elliott Introduces Polaris P300 AC, Delivering Oil-Free Centrifugal Performance Without Cooling Water • Nov. 5, 2026, 8:54 AM ET (The Lousiville Courier-Journal)

Photos

Several large air-conditioning units are lined up outside a brick office building, surrounded by small neatly trimmed bushes and landscaping stones.

See All Images →

Topics

dehumidifier central-air system return-air plenum linear diffuser ceiling diffuser humidifier variable air volume system induction system dual-duct system ventilating heating elevator solar panel plumbing chimney building-integrated photovoltaics escalator fan lighting furnace

Key People

Willis Carrier

Willis Carrier

American inventor

ball bearing. Disassembled ball bearing. rotational friction Automobile Industry, Engineering, Industry, Machine Part, Metal Industry, Sphere, Steel, Wheel

Inventors and Inventions

Thumbnail for 'Which Came First' Quiz. Composite image. Left is Glass bottle of ketchup, right is a Glass bottle containing white sauce. Sauce, food, condiment

The Dating Game: Which Came First? Vol. 3