Summer is in full swing, and the temperature is skyrocketing! During these months, everyone who has access is giving thanks for one thing - air conditioning! The miracle air-cooling invention has not only made us all so much more comfortable, but it's saved lives around the world. But few people know that a key part of the invention of air conditioning happened right here in New Jersey! The inventor, Willis Carrier, was New York-born, but he spent a significant amount of time in the Garden State - including the time of his most significant contribution to the way we use air conditioning today. Air conditioning had a long development process, with one of the earliest attempts happening in Florida, but it was Newark in 1928 when Carrier perfected the innovation that changed the world - and gave us some much-needed summer relief!

It's hard to remember that not that long ago, we were all at the mercy of the weather during the summer! A fan and a lot of water were our only defenses against the heat.

That all changed when Willis Carrier invented the first commercial air conditioning system, the conclusion of a long development process. And the unit air conditioning system was first completed in 1928 at Carrier's factory in Newark, New Jersey!

Before this, air conditioners were massive machines that could only fit in a few buildings. Now they could be anywhere! Only a few decades later, an air conditioning unit was a simple status symbol of modern middle class life. No more sweating the summers away!

Today, every building big and small can usually be seen to have an air conditioning unit - or several - outside keeping things cool.

Much larger and more powerful air conditioning systems are used to make it possible to operate large buildings in even the most inhospitable climates.

Carrier would eventually return to New York, his home state - where the Carrier Dome in Syracuse is named after him - but he left an indelible mark on New Jersey thanks to it being the site where his invention went from being an experiment to a part of everyday life.

Did you know the invention of air conditioning happened in New Jersey? Tell us about your favorite air-conditioned activities in the summer in the comments section! If you're looking for some great things to do indoors during the hottest days, check out New Jersey's massive megamall, or plan your own staycation!