Heating & Cooling with Ancient HVAC

Heating & Cooling with Ancient HVAC
Ancient people were smarter than we sometimes give them credit. They built the Pyramids, figured out the Earth was round by studying shadows, and brewed beer in primitive clay pots. You might be surprised to learn they also had very sophisticated ways to stay comfortable. In fact, there is a lot we can learn by studying ancient HVAC.

Evaporative Cooling

Did you ever notice how ancient palaces seemed to have fountains all over the place? Those weren't just for decoration. Palatial fountains were one of the earliest ancient HVAC systems. They used evaporative cooling, a process that occurs when water evaporates and reduces surrounding air temperature. And ancient engineers knew that. So they put fountains, pools and water features just about everywhere. Which made a long, hot summer a lot more bearable.

Diffused Light

When ancient people needed light, they relied on the Sun. Obvious, right? Sure, but keeping a structure illuminated while reducing solar heat was a big problem. They solved that problem with light diffusing architecture. Elaborately latticed palace walls were more than just decorative. The complex pattern served to diffuse light and heat. This allowed for adequate interior illumination, and simultaneously reduced the interior temperature. Surrounding a building with light diffusing patterns effectively creates a second skin that is both attractive and utilitarian. More and more, modern architects are turning to these techniques to reduce utility costs without sacrificing comfort.

Roman Air Conditioning

While not quite as effective as modern air conditioners, wealthy Romans had practical means to beat the heat. Roman aqueducts piped in millions of gallons of water each year for the city to consume. And they did more than just drink it. The most sophisticated homes had special channels in the walls to allow aqueduct water to flow between the brick. This cooled the bricks, and thereby reduced the ambient air temperature on the other side. This wasn't exactly common, but if you were rich enough, the practice was a great boon during a hot Italian summer.

Ancient HVAC Today

Have you seen any ancient HVAC techniques still in use today? Let us know in comments or on Facebook!
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David Eisele
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Thank you for putting this article online. I am still visualizing these ancient HVAC techniques. They were smart people, but they just didn't have the high technology that we have today because of electricity and computers. Thank God we live in modern times with adequate HVAC comfort.
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