Have you ever thought about who is responsible for the first modern heating system we see in homes today? Alice H. Parker is the reason your home stays warm and toasty during those brutal winter months.

Little is known about Parker’s early life as she was not recognized for her contributions. She was born in Morristown, New Jersey, where she spent most of her life.

Parker attended Howard University Academy, a Howard University affiliate in Washington, D.C. She graduated in 1910.

Furnaces and heating have been around for centuries, but heating methods prior to Parker’s invention were relatively primitive. Most homes were heated using coal or wood-burning fireplaces. These methods were expensive and dangerous.

On December 23, 1919, Parker was granted the patent for her natural gas central heating system. Parker’s innovative design featured one centrally located heat source with a multi-burner system that provided heat to the rest of the home using pipes and air vents. Unlike prior heating systems, Parker’s system ran on natural gas. This was revolutionary for her time. The new design also allowed homeowners to moderate the temperature in different rooms.

Parker’s exact model was not used but rather copied by others and she was never given the credit she deserved. However, she is to thank for the modern heating system that is still in use today.