Everyone is familiar with the terms “air conditioning” and “air conditioner.” But what’s the difference between them? In today’s post, we provide the answer.
Air-Conditioning vs Air Conditioner
If you are confused about these two terms, we have good news: “air-conditioning” and “air conditioner” are the same type of word (nouns) and refer to the same thing, so you can use them interchangeably.
However, there are some differences between these two words. Let’s take a closer look.
According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, “air-conditioning” and “air conditioner” are both nouns.
Perhaps the most obvious difference between these two terms is that “air-conditioning” is a hyphenated word, while “air conditioner” doesn’t require a hyphen.
If you want to save the trouble of writing a hyphenated word, then you may want to stick to “air conditioner,” at least in writing.
However, in casual writing, lots of people write “air-conditioning” without a hyphen. So forgetting to hyphenate this word is not a big deal, unless you are writing a very technical or formal document.
There’s also a very subtle difference in meaning between these two terms. While “air conditioner” refers to the machine that regulates temperature in a building, “air-conditioning” refers to the action performed by that machine.
Another difference between “air-conditioning” and “air conditioner” is that, in addition to being a noun, “air-conditioning” can also work as a verb. For example:
- “We are going to air-condition this room.”
- “The room was air-conditioned.”
- “He was air-conditioning his home.”
Wrapping It Up
In sum, “air-conditioning” and “air conditioner” refer to the same thing and you can use them interchangeably.
If you are writing a formal document, then don’t forget to add the hyphen in “air-conditioning.”
Although there are subtle differences in meaning between these two words, people use both with the same meaning.
When in doubt, you can always use the old “AC”!
Zero Heating AC and Refrigeration: the Best In San Antonio, TX
Whether you need to repair or replace your AC unit, Zero Heating AC and refrigeration and Refrigeration is your best option in San Antonio, Texas.
Contact us today using our website, by telephone (210-900-0824), or through our social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter and to schedule a tune-up or to get a free estimate. We also offer financing plans for your convenience.