• In the Singapore context, the Mandarin term “冷气” is equivalent to “空调” in other Chinese-speaking regions. However, the difference between “空调” and “冷气” is that “空调” is able to cool, heat up and dehumidify but “冷气” is generally only used to for cooling purposes.
• Given Singapore’s location in the tropics, its annual temperatures do not vary much, averaging between 24 and 32 degree Celsius. Therefore, most air-conditioners in Singapore only need to produce cold air. For this reason, the Mandarin term “冷气” or “冷气机” is used instead of “空调” in Singapore. The cold air produced by air conditioners can also be called “冷气”.

Generally, it is possible to cope with the heat through the use of air-conditioners. However, students would have to bear with the high temperature in classrooms without such cooling facilities.  (Lianhe Zaobao, 19/5/2022)

空调 (Mainland China, Taiwan)