Heating and Cooling your home for over 70 years
In 1902, Willis Carrier designed the first modern air conditioning system to improve printing quality, later patenting a spray-type system in 1906 for better humidity control. The invention of Freon in 1928 by Thomas Midgley Jr. and Charles Franklin Kettering made air conditioning safer and more widespread. In 1931, H.H. Schultz and J.Q. Sherman introduced the first window-mounted air conditioning unit, making residential cooling more accessible. These innovations laid the foundation for modern climate control, transforming homes and workplaces.
During the 1950s, air conditioning became more common in homes as technology improved and units became more affordable. In 1953 alone, over 1 million window air conditioning units were sold, reflecting a shift toward residential cooling. That same year, the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) was founded to establish industry standards and promote advancements in cooling technology.
Sanders Heating & Cooling was originally founded in 1953 by Ben Sanders as a full-service heating, air conditioning, and indoor air quality contractor serving the Greenville and Greer communities.
In 1954, the "Austin Air-Conditioned Village" was created as an experimental community where every home was built with central air, demonstrating its viability for suburban living. The decade's advances in window and central air units made cooling systems more efficient and accessible, leading to widespread adoption in American households and transforming modern home comfort.
Central Air Conditioning is widely adopted in suburban homes, especially in warmer regions. It becomes more affordable and practical for homeowners. The introduction of split-system air conditioning units offers more flexibility and efficiency, replacing older window units with separate indoor and outdoor components.
Heat Pumps become more refined, offering an efficient solution for both heating and cooling, though still a niche product. Energy-efficient gas furnaces are introduced, featuring improved burner technology and electronic ignition to reduce energy consumption. R-12 refrigerants (CFCs) gain widespread use, enhancing air conditioning effectiveness despite environmental concerns not being fully recognized yet.
Growing awareness of indoor air quality sparks the integration of basic air filtration systems in residential HVAC, addressing concerns about dust, allergens, and pollutants. Ductwork improvements standardize installation practices, reducing energy loss. The foundation for future energy efficiency regulations begins to take shape.
In 1973, the OPEC Oil Embargo triggered the first major energy crisis in the United States, dramatically raising fuel costs and shaking public confidence in energy availability. This event marked a turning point for the HVAC industry, with a newfound focus on energy conservation and efficiency. Consumers and building owners began seeking alternatives to traditional oil-based heating systems, sparking increased interest in technologies like air-source heat pumps. Manufacturers also started rethinking system designs to reduce energy consumption and improve insulation.
Energy concerns led to the creation of ASHRAE Standard 90, the first national energy code for buildings in the U.S. This standard set baseline efficiency requirements for HVAC systems, insulation, and ventilation, and it marked the beginning of regulatory influence over HVAC performance. The industry responded by innovating more efficient equipment and encouraging builders to integrate HVAC systems more thoughtfully into overall building design.
Technology took a major leap forward in 1977 with the emergence of early digital building management systems (BMS), allowing commercial buildings to automatically monitor and adjust HVAC operations for greater efficiency. At the same time, residential HVAC options expanded with the growing popularity of split-system air conditioners and modular HVAC units, which made installation more flexible and cost-effective. Experimental development of scroll compressors and more advanced programmable thermostats also began during this period, laying the groundwork for smarter, more efficient systems.
The second global oil crisis in 1979 reinforced the urgency of energy efficiency in both residential and commercial buildings. This period saw a significant increase in HVAC system retrofits, as outdated units were replaced with more energy-efficient models. Zoned HVAC systems became more accessible for homeowners, allowing for individualized room temperature control and reduced energy waste. Meanwhile, heat pump technology continued to improve in performance and reliability, solidifying its role as a viable alternative to traditional heating methods.
In the wake of the 1970s energy crises, the HVAC industry in the early 1980s focused heavily on improving energy efficiency. This included the widespread adoption of programmable thermostats and enhanced insulation practices in buildings to reduce energy waste. Building codes began favoring tighter construction, which helped reduce energy use but introduced new challenges in maintaining indoor air quality. These changes set the stage for more sophisticated HVAC systems, as both homeowners and commercial developers prioritized energy conservation.
By the mid-1980s, microprocessor-based controls were being introduced, bringing digital automation and greater precision to HVAC system management. This advancement allowed systems to better respond to temperature changes and occupancy, improving comfort and energy use. Meanwhile, Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems became more prevalent in commercial buildings, offering more responsive climate control compared to traditional constant volume systems. This period also saw a growth in the use of electric heat pumps, particularly in residential construction, due to their dual heating and cooling capabilities and relatively lower operating costs.
A major environmental turning point came in 1987 with the signing of the Montreal Protocol, a landmark global agreement to phase out ozone-depleting substances, including commonly used refrigerants like R-12. This forced the HVAC industry to begin rethinking refrigerant chemistry and prepare for a gradual transition to alternatives like HCFCs and eventually HFCs. The same year, awareness around indoor air quality (IAQ) surged due to growing concerns over "sick building syndrome," prompting updated ASHRAE standards and a broader understanding of HVAC's role in maintaining healthy indoor environments.
In the final years of the decade, the HVAC industry began to see significant consolidation, with mergers creating larger manufacturers capable of investing more in R&D. This led to early innovations in sustainable HVAC technologies and more efficient, integrated systems. Simultaneously, regulatory pressure continued to mount, both from energy-efficiency mandates and environmental initiatives, encouraging manufacturers and contractors to prioritize lifecycle performance and cleaner refrigerant options. These changes laid the foundation for the major transformations that would define HVAC in the 1990s and beyond.
The early part of the decade was defined by global environmental action, particularly the enforcement of the Montreal Protocol, which mandated the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances like CFC refrigerants (e.g., R-12). In response, the HVAC industry began transitioning to alternative refrigerants such as HCFCs and HFCs, prompting redesigns of systems and the introduction of new maintenance practices. This shift not only impacted equipment manufacturing but also required technicians to adopt new standards for refrigerant recovery and handling.
By the mid-1990s, there was growing emphasis on energy efficiency and indoor air quality (IAQ). The U.S. Department of Energy introduced stricter regulations that raised the bar for HVAC equipment performance, particularly through improved SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) requirements. Manufacturers responded with innovations such as scroll compressors, variable-speed blowers, and better system insulation. At the same time, ASHRAE updated its Standard 62, bringing attention to IAQ and ventilation rates, especially in commercial and public buildings where poor air circulation was linked to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).
During the late 1990s, the industry began integrating digital technologies into HVAC systems through Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Direct Digital Controls (DDC). These systems provided enhanced precision and programmability, allowing building operators to manage temperature zones, track performance, and reduce energy use with greater efficiency. The adoption of digital controls marked a significant step toward smart HVAC solutions, laying the groundwork for modern connectivity and remote system management.
Toward the end of the decade, the green building movement took root with the launch of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system in 1998. This introduced a framework that positioned HVAC design at the core of sustainable architecture. There was increasing use of energy modeling software, along with greater interest in heat recovery ventilation, geothermal systems, and other strategies to reduce environmental impact. These developments reflected a broader shift in the industry toward environmental responsibility and long-term energy savings.
Inverter technology, also called variable-frequency or variable-speed drives, began migrating from high-end and ductless systems into mainstream residential HVAC. By modulating compressor speed to match real-time load demands, inverter-driven compressors deliver more consistent temperatures, lower energy use (up to 30% savings), and quieter operation compared to traditional on/off designs.
Responding to ozone-depletion concerns under the Montreal Protocol, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency formally announced in 2003 a phased ban on hydrochlorofluorocarbon R-22. New air-conditioning equipment manufactured after January 1, 2010 was required to use alternative refrigerants, spurring the industry’s shift toward ozone-friendly blends like R-410A
Responding to ozone-depletion concerns under the Montreal Protocol, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency formally announced in 2003 a phased ban on hydrochlorofluorocarbon R-22. New air-conditioning equipment manufactured after January 1, 2010 was required to use alternative refrigerants, spurring the industry’s shift toward ozone-friendly blends like R-410A
The debut of the Ecobee Smart Thermostat in 2007 ushered in the era of Wi-Fi-enabled climate control. These first-generation smart thermostats offered remote smartphone access, real-time energy monitoring, and adaptive learning algorithms, paving the way for today’s integrated home-energy ecosystems
Sanders Heating & Cooling
Give your AC the Spring Tune-Up it’s been waiting for, and stay cool all summer long – the way it should be!
Get your Spring Tune-Up for $249 per system and protect against the Summer Heat
- Calibrate and Level Thermostat
- Flush/treat condensation drain with anti-algae
- Inspect condenser coil
- Monitor operating pressure of refrigerant
- Inspect safety devices for proper operation
- Test and inspect contractors and capacitors
- Inspect service valves for proper operation
- Inspect fan blade
Sanders Heating & Cooling
Give your AC the Spring Tune-Up it’s been waiting for, and stay cool all summer long – the way it should be!
Get your Spring Tune-Up for $249 per system and protect against the Summer Heat
- Calibrate and Level Thermostat
- Flush/treat condensation drain with anti-algae
- Inspect condenser coil
- Monitor operating pressure of refrigerant
- Inspect safety devices for proper operation
- Test and inspect contractors and capacitors
- Inspect service valves for proper operation
- Inspect fan blade