Despite the fact that the HVAC industry has been traditionally male-dominated, women in HVAC history have certainly made their mark and continue to do so. Let’s take a look at three ways that women have changed the industry over the years.
Mechanical Engineer Degree
Margaret Ingels was successful in helping pioneer inclusion within the HVAC industry by being the University of Kentucky’s first engineering graduate, which made her the second female engineering graduate in the United States. Her biggest educational feat, however, was as the first woman to receive a Mechanical Engineer degree, which she accomplished in 1920.
“Effective Temperature” Scale
Margaret Ingels worked primarily in air conditioning, with her biggest contribution being the “effective temperature” scale that helped improve home comfort. In addition to this incredible achievement, she also gave more than 200 speeches between 1932 and 1952 to both men and women who were interested in the HVAC industry.
Residential Gas Furnace
Alice Parker worked in the HVAC industry for many years and was the inventor of the residential natural gas furnace at a time when most homes were uses either coal or wood as their only source of fuel. Her contribution was a huge milestone because she disproved the believe that natural gas wouldn’t be an effective, nor safe, way to heat a home.