【海外で困らない】エアコン英語フレーズ完全ガイド｜旅行から修理まで使える実用表現25選

Guest: Excuse me, how do I turn on the air conditioner?
Host: You can use this remote control. Just press the power button.
Guest: Great. And how can I adjust the temperature?
Host: Press these arrows to set the temperature setting. Most guests keep it around 24 degrees.
Guest: Perfect. Can I also change the fan speed?
Host: Yes, press this button to switch between low, medium, and high.
Guest: Thank you!

Mother: It feels too hot in here. Can you switch to cooling mode?
Father: Sure. I’ll adjust the wind direction so the airflow goes upward.
Child: Can you also set the timer to turn off in two hours?
Father: Good idea. I’ll do that now.

Technician: Hello, what seems to be the problem with your air conditioner?
Customer: The AC is not cooling properly, and there’s a strange noise from the outdoor unit.
Technician: I see. I’ll check the compressor and the drainage hose for any issues.
Customer: Thank you. Do I need to clean the air filter regularly?
Technician: Yes, ideally once a month. And some models require you to replace the filter once a year.
Customer: Got it. I’ll make sure to do the regular maintenance.

Friend A: Your living room feels really fresh.
Friend B: Thanks! This air conditioner has an air purification function.
Friend A: That’s cool. Is it energy-efficient?
Friend B: Yes, it saves about 30% compared to my old unit. Also, it has an automatic cleaning function, so I don’t need to worry much.

Customer: Hi, I’m looking for a new air conditioner. My old one stopped working last week.
Salesperson: Of course. Are you looking for a split type air conditioner with an indoor unit and outdoor unit, or a smaller window unit?
Customer: I think a split type would be better for my living room.

Salesperson: Great choice. This model here is very energy-efficient and has an automatic cleaning function, which helps reduce maintenance. It also comes with an air purification filter.
Customer: That sounds nice. How do you adjust the temperature and change the fan speed?

Salesperson: You can control everything with the remote control. You can easily set the timer, switch modes like cooling, heating, or dehumidifying, and even adjust the wind direction.
Customer: Perfect. And how often do I need to clean the air filter?

Salesperson: Usually once a month. But since this unit has an automatic cleaning function, you won’t need to worry as much. Some filters may need to be replaced once a year.
Customer: Sounds convenient. Does it make a lot of noise?

Salesperson: Not at all. This model has a quiet mode, so you can use it at night without being disturbed.
Customer: That’s good. I think I’ll take this one.

Salesperson: Excellent choice! I can also arrange for installation service to set up the indoor and outdoor units at your home.
Customer: Perfect, I’ll go ahead with that. Thank you for your help.

Air Conditioners in American Homes

Air conditioning is not just a luxury in the United States—it is often considered a necessity, especially in regions with hot summers such as the South, the Midwest, and much of the West. For newcomers from abroad, it can be surprising to see how common and varied air conditioning systems are in American households. This guide explains the presence of air conditioners in the U.S. and provides a practical overview of how they are typically used.

1. The Prevalence of Air Conditioners in the U.S.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, nearly 90 percent of American homes are equipped with some form of air conditioning. In warmer states like Texas, Florida, and Arizona, central air conditioning is practically standard, while in milder regions such as the Pacific Northwest, portable or window units are still more common.

Unlike some countries where air conditioning is confined to specific rooms, many American households cool the entire home. This is particularly true for houses that have central air systems, which distribute cool air through a network of ducts and vents.

2. Types of Air Conditioning Systems

American homes feature several types of air conditioning systems:

• Central Air Conditioning:
  The most widespread system in suburban houses. A central outdoor unit houses the compressor, while the indoor unit connects to ducts that deliver cool air to every room.
• Window Units:
  Compact appliances installed in windows, often in apartments or older houses without duct systems.
• Portable Units:
  Freestanding devices that can be moved between rooms, connected with a hose to vent out the window.
• Ductless Split Systems:
  Similar to Japanese air conditioners, with indoor units mounted on walls and a single outdoor unit. Increasingly popular for homes that don’t have ducts.

3. Key Features and Settings

Modern American air conditioners come with a range of settings:

• Temperature Control: Homeowners can set the exact temperature, typically between 72–78°F (22–26°C).
• Fan Speed: Options include low, medium, high, and sometimes auto mode.
• Timer and Programmable Thermostats: These help users save energy by scheduling when the system turns on or off.
• Modes: Most systems offer cooling mode, fan-only mode, and in some cases, heating modeor dehumidifying mode.
• Energy Efficiency: Many units are labeled Energy Star certified, ensuring lower electricity consumption.

4. Maintenance and Household Responsibilities

Americans place significant importance on maintenance, both for efficiency and for health. Typical household maintenance includes:

• Cleaning or Replacing the Air Filter: Usually performed once a month or every three months, depending on the system.
• Checking the Outdoor Unit: Ensuring that the compressor is free of leaves, dirt, or blockages.
• Professional Servicing: Many households schedule annual maintenance with HVAC technicians to check refrigerant levels, clean coils, and confirm efficiency.

For renters, landlords often handle major servicing, while tenants may be responsible for cleaning the air filters regularly.

5. Everyday Usage in American Life

In everyday life, Americans tend to keep their air conditioning running throughout the summer months. It is common to hear people say:

• “Set the thermostat to 75.” (meaning 75°F)
• “Turn up the air.” (to make it cooler)
• “Close the door, the AC is on!”

Some households use their systems 24/7 in hot climates, while others prefer running it only at night for comfortable sleeping. In winter, heating mode or a separate heating system takes over, since most central HVAC systems combine both heating and cooling.

6. Cultural Notes

Air conditioning in the U.S. has a strong cultural presence. Public spaces such as shopping malls, offices, restaurants, and even public transport often feel intensely cool in summer. Foreign visitors sometimes find American interiors “too cold,” as settings around 72°F (22°C) are standard. Wearing a light sweater indoors during summer is a practical tip many expats adopt.

Conclusion

In American households, the air conditioner is more than an appliance—it is part of daily comfort and lifestyle. Understanding the variety of systems, their features, and the expectations for maintenance will help newcomers adapt quickly. Whether through central air that cools an entire home or a small window unit for a single room, mastering air conditioning is key to enjoying life in the United States, especially during the long, hot summer months.