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This is absurd. Houses are so much more complex than in the 1970s, and so much larger. In 1972 central AC was not common, now it's basically required. Square fo
by greenthrow 4y ago
This is absurd. Houses are so much more complex than in the 1970s, and so much larger. In 1972 central AC was not common, now it's basically required. Square footage is way higher. Number of electrical outlets and switches per room. Moulding and trim are expected in many houses. Porches, decks, patios are much more ornate. Today's average house ia closer to the house of a millionaire in the 1970s than the average house from that time.
- bgentry 4y agoFrom https://www.energy.gov/articles/history-air-conditioning https://www.energy.gov/articles/history-air-conditioning : > By the late 1960s, most new homes had central air conditioning So the addition of central HVAC likely isn't a big factor, because most new homes in the US already had it 50 years ago.
- pixl97 4y agoEh, not 100% sure if it's a good comparison or not. Mid century homes with central hvac were typically poorly designed from my experience leading to over/under heated rooms. Modern systems typically have a much better designed return air system (hence more piping) rather than a single return at the unit.
- croes 4y agoWould be interesting to compare the regulations for building construction now and then.
- JamesSwift 4y agoI'm not sure I would say much of anything is more ornate today compared to prior. Especially if you actually look at the details of the craftsmanship, anything of "standard" quality of times past are high-end details now.