The Economic Times

In 1919, an African-American woman inventor created a central heating system powered by gas laying foundation for the future systems: How Alice H. Parker changed the world for good?

In 1919, an African-American woman inventor created a central heating system powered by gas laying foundation for the future systems. Alice H. Parker received a U.S. patent for a furnace using natural gas, multiple burners, heat exchange and separate air ducts. Her design allowed heat to reach different rooms and introduced an approach linked to modern central heating, HVAC, thermostats and zone heating.