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The Global Insight

When did movie theaters get air conditioning?

Author

Sarah Garza

Updated on March 01, 2026

1922
The introduction of centrifugal refrigeration by Willis Carrier in 1922 was a landmark event, launching modern air conditioning from the factory floor into movie theaters, office buildings and department stores, and treating the general public to its first taste of cool, clean and comfortable “Manufactured Weather.”

Why is it always cold in movie theaters?

Since movie theaters are mostly empty, space they are able to cool down quicker. The theater’s high ceilings allow any heat to escape to the top. The only chance of the room being heated up is through the body heat of movie goers.

Do movie theaters have AC?

“The movie theater industry in particular basically had no attendance at all in the hot summer months,” he said. Ninty yearslater, air conditioning is practically ubiquitous in the U.S.—but movie theaters are still notoriously cold, whether or not patrons desired it.

Why did drive-ins die?

Two basic reasons: changing audience preferences, and rising property taxes. The audiences for the drive-ins was started by the WWII generation and ended with the Baby Boomers. It was cheaper than the movie theater (one price – two, maybe three movies.

When did Central AC start?

Inventors H.H. Schultz and J.Q. Sherman file a patent for an air conditioning unit that can be placed on a window ledge. The units hit the market in 1932 but are not widely purchased due to high cost. Also in 1931, Frigidaire begins marketing year-round, central air conditioning systems for homes.

What temperature are cinemas?

“Our standard temperature in theaters circuit-wide across the country is 74 degrees in the summer months and 70 degrees in the winter months,” says Andy DiOrio, AMC’s director of corporate communications.

Why are movie Theatres so expensive?

Movie theaters are notorious for charging consumers top dollar for concession items such as popcorn, soda, and candy. By charging high prices on concessions, exhibition houses are able to keep ticket prices lower, which allows more people to enjoy the silver-screen experience.

Are Theatres cold?

Theaters Cool More Easily Than Other Spaces. Air conditioning a theater is different than cooling down your house — and not just because you’re not the one controlling the temperature. And, since there aren’t windows in a theater, there’s no way any sunlight can get in and provide a hit of desperately needed warmth.

Which AC is suitable for a cinema hall?

Air circulation within the theatre shall be ensured and the temperature setting of all air conditioning should be in the range of 24-30°C and relative humidity should be in the range of 40-70%. Cross ventilation shall also be ensured and re-circulation of air should be avoided to the extent possible.

What killed drive-ins?

Exurb encroachment was the beginning of the end for drive-in theaters. Urban and exurban sprawl is a substantial undercurrent leading to the demise of drive-ins.

Who was the inventor of the desktop fan?

Drawing on the work of Thomas Edison and Nicola Tesla, Wheeler invented a desktop fan consisting of two blades—unshielded by any sort of protective cage—powered by an electric motor. The fan was marketed by the Crocker & Curtis Electric Motor Co. Wheeler went on to prominence in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

What was the invention of the electric fan?

In 1937, the development of a new plastic laminate for coating fan blades, Micarta, made fans quieter and less likely to warp or corrode. Meanwhile, however, Carrier (1876-1950) was perfecting the invention that would leave Wheeler’s humble electric fan in the dust of history.

Who was the first person to invent a ceiling fan?

Between 1882 and 1886 Schuyler Wheeler invented a fan powered by electricity. It was commercially marketed by the American firm Crocker & Curtis electric motor company. In 1882, Philip Diehl developed the world’s first electric ceiling fan.

How are electric fans used to cool people?

While fans are often used to cool people, they do not actually cool air (electric fans may warm it slightly due to the warming of their motors), but work by evaporative cooling of sweat and increased heat convection into the surrounding air due to the airflow from the fans.