Leslie Massey
The term aircon is a shortened, informal version of air conditioning or air conditioner. It is widely used in the UK, Asia, and some parts of the US. In Australia, the term aircon is used, although some sources suggest that Australians are more accustomed to going without air conditioning, with only 63% of households using it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is "aircon" used in Australia? | Yes, "aircon" is used in Australia. |
| Regional variations | More commonly used in Asia and the UK, and some parts of the US. |
| Official term | "Air conditioner" is the official term. |
| Average usage | Australians use aircon for 5 hours per day during warmer months. |
| Average temperature | 22 degrees Celsius. |
| Average household spend | $305 over the summer. |
| National spending | $3.1 billion during the 2023 summer. |
| Household ownership | 63% of households nationally. 74% in South Australia, 60% in New South Wales, and 62% in Western Australia. |
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What You'll Learn
Aircon is a shortened, slang term for air conditioning
The term "aircon" is widely used in Asia-Pacific countries, including Australia, that were influenced by British education or media systems. British English is largely credited with popularizing the term "air con" (sometimes spelled with a space), which later evolved into "aircon" in more casual usage.
In the United States, the term "AC" is more commonly used to refer to air conditioning, while some individuals from specific states like California and New Jersey say "air conditioner". However, some Americans have reported hearing the term "aircon" used in Australia.
In Australia, the use of air conditioning is quite common, with 63% of households using it. South Australia has the highest percentage of households with air conditioning at 74%, while New South Wales and Western Australia have the lowest percentages at 60% and 62%, respectively. During the warmer months, Australians run their air conditioning for an average of 5 hours per day, with the average temperature set at 22 degrees Celsius.
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Aircon is widely used in Australia
Air conditioning is very common in Australia, with around 63% of households using it. In fact, Australians will be spending $190 million more on running their air conditioning in the summer of 2024-2025 compared to the previous year, with the average household spending $305 over the summer. This is due to a combination of higher temperatures and a 37% increase in energy prices.
The term "aircon" is widely used in Australia as a shortened, slang way of saying air conditioning or air conditioner. It is considered informal but is accepted in daily speech and even some commercial writing. The term is especially prevalent in Asia-Pacific countries influenced by British education or media systems, which includes Australia.
Some sources suggest that air conditioning is becoming more common in Australian homes. For example, one source states that while they grew up in Australia without air conditioning, it is more common nowadays, especially for those who feel the heat or are used to cooler temperatures. Another source mentions that while their home in Melbourne does not have air conditioning, some family members do have it, indicating that it is becoming more prevalent.
The usage of "aircon" varies regionally, with some Australians preferring to use "AC" or "air conditioner" instead. Additionally, the usage of air conditioning in Australia varies by state, with South Australia being the most reliant on air conditioning (74% of households) and New South Wales and Western Australia being the least reliant (60% and 62% of households, respectively).
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Aircon is also used in the UK
Air conditioning, or "aircon", is a term used in the UK, although it is not as common as in other countries. The term is used as shorthand for air conditioning, with some British people using the term "aircon" instead of "AC".
The use of "aircon" in the UK is not as prevalent as it is in Australia, where it is commonly used in everyday conversation and in marketing and advertising. Australian households are heavily reliant on air conditioning, with 63% of households using it and spending an average of $305 over the summer to keep their homes cool.
In the UK, only 0.5% of homes have built-in air conditioning, and it is not considered a necessity due to the cooler average temperatures. During heatwaves, many people in the UK rely on fans to cool down, and some homes have loft spaces that help to keep the warm air from spreading throughout the house.
The lack of air conditioning in the UK may also be due to the age of the homes, as many are older and were not built with air conditioning in mind. Additionally, the average heating system in the UK uses radiators, which do not have a cooling function.
Despite this, there is some evidence of increasing demand for air conditioning in the UK. In 2019, A/C unit sales increased by 11% in the UK, indicating that more people are investing in air conditioning systems to beat the heat.
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Australians are trying to reduce their aircon usage
Australians refer to air conditioning as "aircon" or "AC". With the scorching heat in Australia, air conditioners are being used for 5 hours per day during the warmer months. This has resulted in a national spending of $3.1 billion on air conditioning, with individual households spending an average of $305 over the summer.
However, Australians are becoming more conscious of their energy consumption and expenses, with 4.4 million households trying to reduce their aircon usage. This is a significant increase from 3.6 million households the previous year, indicating a growing trend. Heating and/or cooling can account for 20-50% of energy used in Australian homes, so reducing aircon usage can have a substantial impact on energy bills and the environment.
There are several ways Australians can reduce their aircon usage and save on energy costs. One method is to evaluate the air conditioner's settings and adjust them according to daily temperature changes. For example, setting the AC to operate during the cooler parts of the day and leveraging natural diurnal temperature changes. Additionally, strategic placement of the AC unit for optimal airflow ensures a comfortable environment without wasting energy.
Another way to reduce aircon usage is to take advantage of energy-saving modes, such as 'eco' or 'energy saver' settings, which can lower operational costs while maintaining a pleasant indoor environment. Using a smart thermostat is another effective strategy. By programming the thermostat to adjust temperatures based on occupancy, Australians can optimize energy use without compromising comfort.
Furthermore, it is recommended to set the air conditioner to the highest comfortable temperature, typically around 26°C during the day and 22°C when sleeping. Modern units with inverter technology efficiently adjust their output to maintain the desired indoor temperature, preventing unnecessary power usage.
By implementing these strategies, Australians can successfully reduce their aircon usage, lower their energy costs, and contribute to environmental conservation.
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Aircon usage is more common in some Australian states
Air conditioning, or "aircon", is a common fixture in Australian households. Australia's diverse climate, ranging from mild to hot regions, makes air conditioning essential for residents. The usage of air conditioning in Australia is influenced by weather patterns and factors related to housing design and consumer preferences.
The adoption of air conditioning in Australia varies due to local government regulations and resident choices. Government support programs offer financial incentives for citizens and enterprises to purchase energy-efficient equipment, which has contributed to the increasing adoption of air conditioning systems.
The rising cost of electricity poses a challenge to air conditioning usage in Australia. Between June 2007 and December 2012, electricity prices increased by 70% nationally, making air conditioning less affordable for many households. This is particularly impactful on vulnerable low-income households, who may need to cut back on essentials to afford their power bills.
Overall, aircon usage in Australia is expected to continue rising due to the country's diverse climate and the increasing necessity for cooling systems in residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, aircon is a shortened, informal version of air conditioning or air conditioner.
Yes, people in Australia do say aircon. It is also used in the UK, Asia, and the Philippines.
It is unclear which term is more common in Australia. However, sources indicate that aircon is widely used in the country.
Air conditioning is not necessary in all parts of Australia. However, it is more commonly used in some areas, such as South Australia and the northern parts of the country.
