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4,000 BC – The Egyptians implored their servants to fan them with palm leaves, which became the first invention of the fan.
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180 A.D. – The Chinese pioneered the mechanizing fan that was human powered.
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1830s – A doctor in Florida used blades to fan air from ice blocks to cool down sick patients.
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1882 – Schuyler Skaats Wheeler applied electricity developed by Thomas Edison and Nicola Tesla to make a fan turn without human or horsepower. The first electric fan consisted of just two blades without a protective cage.
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1889 – The ceiling fan was patented by Philip H. Diehl.
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1902 – Technology was created to produce the first functioning oscillating fan. At this time, Willis Carrier also invented air conditioning.
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Technology was created to produce the first functioning oscillating fan. At this time, Willis Carrier also invented air conditioning.
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Ceiling fans were first marketed for household use.
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Ceiling fans were first marketed for household use.
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Emerson Electric Co. introduced the Silver Swan, a fan based on a propeller design with a cage.
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The Packard become the first car to offer optional “factory air” in a vehicle.
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Ceiling fans almost became obsolete due to the popularity of air conditioning. However, since the 60s, fans grew in popularity and became more energy efficient.