Similar to central air conditioning, window units were among the first to offer portable indoor comfort. In 1932, inventors H.H. Schultz and J.Q. Sherman patented the first window-mounted air conditioner, designed to sit on a window ledge with the bulk of the unit extending outside. These early models could cool, dehumidify, heat, and filter air, but their high cost limited widespread adoption.
A significant breakthrough came in the 1940s when engineer Henry Galson developed a more compact and affordable version of the window unit. By 1947, approximately 43,000 of these units had been sold, making air conditioning accessible to a broader range of homeowners.
Today, many window air conditioners retain the classic design of their predecessors but are significantly more energy-efficient and cost-effective, offering reliable cooling solutions for modern homes.
An example of an early Westinghouse vintage ac from 1960
HVAC History 