How loud should my AC unit be?

Author: Ms. Meagan Waelchi DDS  |  Last update: Sunday, March 16, 2025

Your air conditioner should NOT be loud. You shouldn't have to stop talking or turn up the television because the air comes on. In fact, your ac should have a decibel level quieter than the sound of normal talking. That's why air conditioners with decibel ratings in the 50-60 dB range are good.

Is it normal for an AC unit to be loud?

Most AC units will make a small humming sound, that's totally normal. However, when the buzzing becomes louder and you really notice the difference, it could be a sign of an electrical issue such as loose wiring, a failing motor, compressor, or potentially a more serious issue.

What is the acceptable AC noise level?

In offices and commercial areas, where maintaining focus and productivity is vital, the recommended noise level is between 40 to 60 dB. In these settings, quieter air conditioners are preferred to create a pleasant and conducive working atmosphere. In hospitals and Libraries, the permitted noise levels are set to 40db.

Should you be able to hear your air conditioner?

Normal sounds include a gentle hum or a soft whooshing of air. However, if the noise is unusually loud, disruptive, or includes rattling, banging, or whistling sounds, it could indicate a problem with the AC unit.

How loud should my AC unit be outside?

The system noise should not exceed 35 decibels between 7 am and 10 pm - So, your air conditioner would likely be less intrusive in terms of noise compared to the ambient sounds of a suburban road.

5 Common AC Noises and What They Could Mean

What should a normal AC sound like?

Fan blowing

This is the main sound you'll hear your air conditioner make from the inside of the house: it's the blower fan pushing air through the AC and then into the ductwork. It should be a gentle and steady sound, one that will turn into the white noise of the summer season.

How can I make my outside AC unit quieter?

The loud and distracting racket created by normal A/C compressor noise bouncing off your exterior walls can make spending time outdoors less enjoyable. You can quiet the clamor by having a sound-insulating condenser blanket and/or vibration-dampening mounts installed.

What is considered a loud air conditioner?

Therefore, when talking about the interior noise of an air conditioning unit, depending on its capacity, 35 dB is a reasonable interior noise for a split type system. Now, for the exterior noise, it shouldn't be higher than 5 dB.

What noise does a bad AC compressor make?

Humming Noise

Your compressor may sustain damage as it ages. This wear and tear can cause the compressor to become unbalanced or cracked or its materials may corrode or deteriorate. These age-related issues may lead to loud, unabating humming. Your condenser fan might also emit similar sounds once it starts failing.

Why is my AC vent so loud?

A whistling or roaring sound from a supply air vent could mean the vent has either too much air flowing through it or the volume damper inside the vent is partially closed restricting the normal airflow. Homeowners often close vents in empty rooms so they don't spend money to heat or cool unoccupied space.

How do I check my AC noise level?

Getting a rough measurement of the decibel level of your HVAC system is relatively straightforward, though not generally necessary. All you need is a sound meter, which can be purchased online or at a local hardware store.

Which AC brand is the quietest?

Below are some of the quietest air conditioners on the market, from top-brand manufacturers:
  • Lennox XC25 Variable-Speed Air Conditioner = As Low as 59 dB.
  • Carrier Infinity® 19 Variable-Speed AC = As Low as 56 DB.
  • York Affinity™ YXV Variable-Capacity Air Conditioner = As Low as 53 dB.

How to reduce AC sound?

6 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioner Noise
  1. Check Your Air Filter. After some time, dirt and dust can collect in your air conditioner filter. ...
  2. Install Insulation Around the Unit. ...
  3. Make Sure Your Unit Is Level. ...
  4. Replace Worn-Out Components. ...
  5. Ensure Proper Installation. ...
  6. Lubricate Moving Parts.

Why does my AC sound like an airplane?

Evaporator coils within the indoor unit may produce jet engine noises if they accumulate ice and freeze up. Coils may freeze due to a refrigerant leak, lack of air circulation, faulty refrigerant lines, or a broken expansion valve.

How often should AC be serviced?

It's recommended that you service your home air conditioning system at least once every year. The same goes for your heating system.

Should I be able to hear my AC compressor?

Essentially, the only noises you should hear coming from your air conditioner are the whirring associated with its start-up and the constant drone of its operation.

What does a bad AC capacitor sound like?

A sure sign of a bad AC capacitor is a humming sound from within the access panel.

What is the normal sound of a compressor?

Normal compressor noises include the following:

Clicking or Popping: this can be heard when the compressor turns on or off. 3. Gurgling or Bubbling: these sounds could come from the refrigerant flowing through the system, they are typically faint and intermittent.

Why is my AC unit insanely loud?

Dust, dirt, and debris around the coil fins, air ducts, and outdoor condenser unit are common causes of noise. Loose or misaligned parts like the fan blades or belt, lack of lubricant, blockage in the drain pipe, copper lines, or vents, and a malfunctioning thermostat can also lead to a noisy air conditioner.

Is 72 dB loud for an air conditioner?

Ritz says a typical low-end unit might have a noise level of about 78 to 82 decibels, but the best units are about 72 to 78 decibels. Dallas-based Lennox Industries recently introduced AC and heat pump units that come in at 68 decibels. The general sound level in the average home is about 40.

Should your AC unit be loud?

While all air conditioners will make some sound, they shouldn't be loud.

How loud should outdoor AC be?

Your air conditioner should NOT be loud. You shouldn't have to stop talking or turn up the television because the air comes on. In fact, your ac should have a decibel level quieter than the sound of normal talking. That's why air conditioners with decibel ratings in the 50-60 dB range are good.

Are newer AC units quieter?

The third way a new air conditioning system benefits you is through its quieter operation. Thanks to improvements in compressor technology and a fan-blade shape, the quietest modern models generate only 68 decibels of sound, which is about 1/20th of the noise generated by many older units.

Do AC sound blankets work?

The short answer is yes. The blankets are designed to insulate your compressor and prevent the loss of heat. This can also save you money on your energy bill. The blankets also provide a barrier between a hot compressor and any flammable materials that are nearby it.

Previous article
Is aluminum foil safe in an air fryer?
Next article
How much weight can a wall hung vanity hold?