In 1902, a young experimental engineer wanted to put his Cornell University degree to work. Lucky for a New York printing company, this 25-year old was ready for a challenge. The problem? Extreme summer humidity. Pages swelled as the paper rolled through the presses. The high-quality prints came out blurry, threatening the printer’s reputation.
Will, the engineer, had a revelation. Create a cooling system to reduce humidity around the printer. But how? He used an industrial fan to blow air over steam coils filled with cold water. The humidity condensed, producing cooler air. Printing could now go on during the hottest, most humid days of the summer.
Will noticed something else. People liked working around the device, for reasons we understand every August.
Will didn’t stop refining his invention. Twenty years later, the foundation for today’s modern air conditioner had become a working miracle.
Now the rest of the story. Who is Will? Willis Carrier. Through history, others tinkered with ideas to cool the air, but it was Carrier who discovered practical technical solutions. He became the inspiration for the company that bears his name.
Air conditioning changed the world. Mechanical Extreme’s founder, Harold Wilkes, says “we’re proud to be a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer.” Harold adds “it’s like being part of an incredible journey that make summers bearable, no matter how miserable the heat.”
This video was recorded shortly after receiving the Factory Authorized designation.