Women Pioneers of The HVAC Industry
In 1996 Sandra Garza was the only female in Chicago’s Coyne College HVAC program. Since then, women in various states have pursued this type of education for a secure career. Two of the most influential women in the business were taught before many of these programs even existed.
Women’s History: Then and Now
Women’s history month celebrates women in all fields, including the HVAC industry. Several women have contributed to this profession starting from the early ages of mechanical engineering.
Women in the HVAC profession today are continuing to improve the industry. Women know more about the industry than ever by including refrigeration in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning profession. Women in the HVACR industry now own their own companies and actively improve life for other women in the profession.
Options for women in the profession are based on the same education and training provided for men, allowing women to become HVACR associates to assist technicians, technicians, or specialized technicians. An HVACR engineer oversees the entire installation in addition to performing audits.
Who was Alice Parker?
Alice Parker, a female engineer and inventor changed heating forever. She grew up in the early 1900s without sufficient heat in the home. The family kept a fire during the cold winter nights, but it still left her fingers feeling numb in the morning. Since most homes were heated with wood or coal during this time, many people did not question the chill. Alice Parker did.
In 1919 Alice Parker earned a degree to become a female engineer. She immediately began focusing on heat. She patented her gas furnace, creating a safer method to use gas. It was the first to reach homes across the country. Many of these first-generation gas furnaces can be found in modern homes across the United States.
Why Is Margaret Ingels Still An Inspiring Woman In The Field?
Margaret Ingles has inspired countless women to receive a degree in Mechanical Engineering. She was the first woman in the United States to receive the degree in 1916. She spent most of her time studying air conditioning and the quality of air in labs. She then perfected a machine that could measure the amount of germ-infested dust through her research.
By developing what is known as a sling psychrometer, she could effectively measure temperature. This led to the eventual development of modern air conditioning. Without Margaret Ingles, the HVAC industry would look very different today.
Although it was not easy being female in a male-dominated industry, she was able to pave the way for future women in the profession. Margaret Ingels worked with the Carrier-Lyle Corporation from 1931 until her retirement. In 1940 she was known as one of the 100 women in the United States to break into a “man’s profession.”
The legacy of Margaret Ingels continues to impact the lives of students. At the University of Kentucky, a dormitory is named after her for her engineering achievements. A Fellowship Fund is also named in her honor that helps students succeed.
About Morrow Mechanical
Morrow Mechanical has served Spring, TX, and the greater Houston area for over 20 years and provides same-day service and honest, upfront pricing. Call today for a professional heating and air conditioning technician in Spring, TX.
