Quiet Window Air Conditioner Tips Shopping tips for buying a quiet window air conditioner, and ways to reduce noise in your window A/C to get the quietest operation. Identifying Quiet Window Air Conditioners Is No Easy Task Noise is one of the most common reasons for dissatisfaction with a window air conditioner (A/C). Most people would prefer a but when you're shopping for one, it's not easy to tell how noisy a given model will be. One reason is that noise measurements (decibel readings) are rarely included in manufacturers' product literature. Another problem is that you often don't get the chance to hear an installed unit in operation before buying it. Types of Air Conditioner Noise To further complicate matters, there are different kinds of noise that an air conditioner might make: The hum of the fan under ordinary operation Rattling and vibration of the case or internal parts A thunking sound made by the compressor when it switches on Electronic beeping sounds when you adjust the controls

Shaking and rattling of the glass or frame in the window where the unit is installed Noise from outdoors that is no longer being blocked, since the window is no longer shut If a model gets good ratings in independent side-by-side testing for low fan noise, that won't mean much to you if the thunk of the compressor kicking in wakes you up at night. Another example is a model that gets very good reviews for quiet operation as well as for overall quality and value, but which makes a piercingly loud beep every time a control is adjusted, a detail which makes it an unacceptable choice for many consumers. Some rattling and vibration sounds are created or made much worse if a unit is not installed properly. For quietest air conditioner operation, it is essential that the unit be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Suggested A/C Brands and Models for Low Noise If you are looking for a quiet window air conditioner to buy, check out these brands and models that are recommended for low noise.

If quiet operation is a very important factor for you, you may want to consider a instead of a window A/C unit. These are nearly noiseless, much quieter than any window unit you can buy. Tips for Reducing Noise in Your Existing A/C Window Unit If you have a window air conditioning unit and you're not in the market to buy a new one, here are some things you can do to minimize the noise it makes: First, verify that the original installation procedures have been followed properly. small indoor ac unitsPay special attention to any gaskets. ac window unit brandsIf improperly installed, even a high quality, low-noise unit can rattle mercilessly.ac unit paint For noise originating from inside the unit: Be sure that all the compressor mounting parts are present and are properly tightened.

If you identify a part that is rattling against another part, you might be able to eliminate the noise by slightly repositioning it. For vibration noise in the A/C case or the window: Be sure all the mounting screws are present and are tightened properly. If the window frame is vibrating, fill the gap with wooden shims or with foam weatherstripping applied to the A/C frame where it meets the window frame. If the glass panes in the window are rattling, apply window putty to secure the glass panels. Keep the fan blades clean. Dirt on the blades can cause them to become out of balance, prematurely wearing out the bearings. Recognize that new units are quieter than older units, especially compressors. In some cases, with an aging appliance, replacement of the entire unit may be the best option to reduce the noise. Read more: Recommended brands and models of quiet air conditioners for windows Leave this page (Quiet Window Air Conditioner) and go → Back to Best Appliances & Tools for Low Noise

Leave this page (Quiet Window Air Conditioner) and go → Back to Noise Help home pageLooking for the quietest central air conditioner money can buy?Then you need to look at an AC’s decibels (dB) rating, a unit used to measure the intensity of sound. The lower the decibel rating, the quieter the AC. For example, on Carrier’s website you can see the quietest ACs by comparing their dB (sound) levels. The Infinity 19VS is quieter than the Infinity 21, as you can see from its lower dB level Note: It says “as low as.” Which means it’s the lowest decibel level achieved from the quietest size within each model group during low fan-speed operation. Currently, the 50-60 dB range is as quiet as an air conditioner can get. As of 2015, some of the quietest ACs include: OK, so what do those numbers mean, though? How loud is 65 or 56 decibels? How will you know if the AC is quiet enough for you? For a frame of reference, Purdue University’s Chemistry Department gives you examples of noise sources for each decibel level:

So, if you’re looking for a quiet AC, make sure it’s within 50 to 60 dB. If you can’t find an AC’s sound level, look for certain features that imply quietness, including: Remember that any sound rating you see implies two things: In other words, the advertised sound (dB) is the AC running under perfect conditions.So if you have a larger home (implying a larger AC) and live in a hotter area like Florida (implying that the fan will run at a higher setting) the AC you buy will probably be louder than advertised. You’ll need to get a professional AC installer to perform a Manual J Heat Load Calculation on your home.Most reputable HVAC companies will do this for you free of charge as part of an air conditioner installation estimate.You’re free to choose the first offer you get or leave it to find someone else with no charge to you.Related article: How Do I Know What Size Central Air Conditioner I Need for My Home? Do you live in the Sarasota area in Florida and an AC installation?