askvity

What is AC Called in the USA?

Published in HVAC Systems 2 mins read

In the USA, AC is most commonly referred to as air conditioning or simply A/C.

According to our reference, "Air conditioning, often abbreviated as A/C (US) or air con (UK), is the process of removing heat from an enclosed space to achieve a more comfortable interior temperature". This clearly indicates that A/C is the widely used abbreviation for air conditioning in the United States.

Here's a breakdown of how people typically use the terms:

  • Air conditioning: This is the full term, often used in formal contexts or when initially explaining the system.
  • A/C: This is the common abbreviation used in everyday conversation, advertisements, and product labels. For example, a car might have an "A/C button," and people might say, "Turn on the A/C."

Common Usage Examples

  • "The air conditioning in this building is excellent, it's always the perfect temperature."
  • "Is the A/C working in your car?"
  • "I need to get my A/C checked before summer, the mechanic said it might need some repair."


Term Usage
Air conditioning Formal, written communication
A/C Everyday conversations, informal settings


The term "air con" is less common in the United States and more frequently used in the United Kingdom.

Related Articles