Women Who Changed the HVAC Industry

According to the US Department of Labor, approximately half of the labor force is comprised of women. However, less than 1 percent of all HVAC (heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration) technicians are women. But what most people don’t know is that there are women in HVAC history who have played a significant role in the advancement of the HVAC industry.

Famous Women in the HVAC History

Alice H. Parker

In the 20th century, women had few opportunities, including making an impact on society. It became even harder for women of color. Yet, Alice Parker designed the first gas furnace, which became the precursor of the central heating system. Before parker’s invention was approved in 1919, most homes relied on coal and wood as their source of fuel.

Margaret Ingels

Margaret was the second woman in the US and the first one from the University of Kentucky to graduate with an engineering degree. After her graduation, she worked as a traffic engineer, but after a year she joined the Carrier-Lyle Corporation. While working here, Margaret developed an interest in air conditioning, and she left the company to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering to further her knowledge in the subject. This made her the first woman in the US to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Afterwards, she joined the American Society of Heating and Ventilation Engineers and worked in their laboratories. She later rejoined the Carrier-Lyle Corporation and was the first spokesman of the residential air conditioning project.

Supporting Women in HVAC

If you’re looking for a hot job in a cool field, Mathews CCAC (Constantly Concerned About Customers) is currently hiring. Mathews CCAC is a locally owned business that offers professional HVAC services in Texas. From HVAC installation Services to Maintenance, Mathews CCAC believes in creating opportunities for women.