Quick Facts About Heating and Cooling the White House
When the White House was completed under President John Adams, his wife commented that she disliked the lack of amenities. While it's hard to imagine the United States' executive leader living in anything other than luxury, that hasn't always been the case. It has taken years for the White House to become the technological wonder it is today, especially regarding its heating and cooling systems.
This President's Day, set politics aside for a moment and learn about the technological upgrades made to the White House over the years. Learning what the forefathers went through as they built the nation may give people a greater appreciation for the comforts they enjoy now.
Moving Outside
Washington D.C. was built along the Potomac River in what was essentially swampland. This is why summers there are still known for their oppressive heat and stifling humidity. Before the invention of air conditioning in the 1920s, there were few ways to beat the heat, but a few presidents got creative.
President Taft, known for his size, was particularly sensitive to the heat. He had a system installed in the White House that blew air across ice cubes to cool his office. He also instructed carpenters to build a sleeping porch on the White House's roof so he could sleep in the breeze.
His predecessor, President Wilson, mocked Taft for his strategies but was quickly overwhelmed by the heat. He had his office relocated to a tent on the lawn with desks, chairs, lights, and a telephone.
Presidents Johnson and Nixon
After the renovation of the 1950s, two presidents took advantage of the White House's recent upgrades. President Johnson was known for liking his office and quarters to be cold. He kept his room so cold that he had to sleep under an electric blanket.
His predecessor was also cold-natured. President Nixon had no reservations about running up the electric bill. He kept portions of the White House so cold that fireplaces burned through the summers.
Expanding Heating Service
Apart from fireplaces, the White House had no heating system. The first central air system was installed in the early 1800s under James Monroe. Heat was only supplied to the transverse hall and staterooms. Everyone else had to deal with the wintery conditions. Slowly the system was expanded to include more rooms and wings in the White House.
The system was an inefficient design called a gravity hot air system. It worked by pulling cool air from a room by using convection. The cool air was pulled across a heat exchanger and was warmed. Warm air was then distributed back to the room by the acceleration from the heat. Ductwork was made by plastering the inside of framed tunnels that were made going to and from every room.
It wasn't until 1953 that the White House was fully updated to modern heating technology.
About Cleary Plumbing & Air
Cleary Plumbing & Air has been serving West Palm Beach, FL for over 25 years. They respond urgently to all of their calls, and they respect the homeowner's property by wearing shoe covers and cleaning up after themselves. Satisfaction is always guaranteed with any of their work. Call now for any heating or cooling service needs!
