Yeah, sometimes the best neighbor is no neighbor. A new, very quiet AC may only produce a sound of 25 decibels. A typical low-end air conditioner can create a noise level anywhere between 78 to 82 decibels. In industrial areas, the permissible limit is 75 dB for daytime and 70 dB at night.
Approach Calmly: If you feel safe and comfortable, try speaking to your neighbor about the issue. They may not be aware of how loud the AC is or that it's malfunctioning. Express Your Concerns: Explain how the noise affects you, focusing on your feelings rather than blaming them.
Build a box around it lined with foam insulation (nothing on top) about 12'' larger than the hvac unit on all sides, and at least a foot or 2 taller. It will dampen much of the noise and still allow air circulation. You can even build it an inch above ground for more air entry.
Depending on the system, an optimal time of 3 minutes is required before switching the system on. If the system is turned on without waiting for at least 3 minutes, the system can start with a pressure load. This pressure load prevents the system from cooling properly, which could affect the system in the long run.
The air ducts are perfect portals for sound to travel in, but you can quiet them down with acoustic insulation. Windows are another major source of neighbor noise, especially in a townhome.
One option is to install acoustical insulation, although that means taking walls down to the studs. Another alternative is using dB-Bloc, a vinyl sound barrier material, which can be layered behind drywall or other finished wall or ceiling surfaces to help block noise transmission through common walls.
The New Regulations
Starting January 1, 2025, all new residential air conditioners and heat pumps must utilize A2L refrigerants. Older refrigerants like R-410, which are likely the refrigerant used by your current system, are being phased out.
This preventive measure not only prevents damage but also sustains your air conditioner's efficiency. Remember to reset your circuit breaker 24 hours before turning on your air conditioner to prepare the electrical connections for first use after winter.
Soundproofing Products to Use for Reducing AC Noise
MLV sound barriers can be installed on or inside walls, around pipes or on air conditioner enclosures to help keep the home soundproof.
Decibel levels and your HVAC system
In order to maintain a comfortable home environment and reduce energy consumption, it's important to ensure your HVAC system is running at an optimal noise level. Ideally any appliance or HVAC system should never create sound louder than 60 dB inside your home.
If your air conditioner makes whooshing a noise, that's also not a problem. You will always hear light and gentle whooshing noises when your AC is on. There's air moving through there that makes a sound. This will get louder as you walk under vents.
Most local noise ordinances designate "quiet hours"—for example, from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and until 8 or 9 a.m. on weekends.
Twelve inches is widely regarded as a safe minimum clearance from the structure, but up to at least two to three feet of clearance is considered ideal. Minimum clearance can become even shorter depending on which surfaces surround the AC unit.
Running the “auto” function of your air conditioner all day and night isn't the best idea for any home. There are a few reasons you don't want to run your AC system all the time: System stress: Your air conditioner unit needs time to take a break.
While it's okay to turn off your air conditioner circuit breaker, the time frame matters. Leaving things off for too long will cause problems for your unit and for the space it is meant to cool. Consider only doing this while you're fixing the unit or going on a long trip.
In short, the 20-degree rule of air conditioning states that you should always keep your AC unit at no more than 20 degrees lower than the outside temperature. It means that, if the outdoor conditions are at 95 degrees, you should set your thermostat at no less than 75 degrees.
Air Conditioners
Under Local Law 11, window air conditioning units are required to have supporting brackets, either on the inside or outside. Under NYC local law 11 air conditioners without brackets are classified as being unsafe. This is a condition that must be corrected immediately.
Remember that sound travels through walls and ceilings too - especially if the sound insulation is not very good. To help reduce sound levels you might consider isolating your speakers from the floor or shared wall.