Should air conditioner be loud?

Author: Dr. Ernestina Berge V  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 15, 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.

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.

What is the normal noise of an 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.

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 is the normal sound of the 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.

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 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.

What is an air conditioner supposed to sound like?

A low, steady blowing noise is normal for an air conditioner, as it continually blows cool air through the ducts and vents of your home. This noise should be quiet enough to disappear into the background.

How to reduce AC outdoor unit noise outside?

Install a Fence
  1. Build it high because sound radiates outward through the air, so to block it effectively, extend your fence 1.5 to 2 times the height of the unit. ...
  2. Extend the fence either around your unit or well past it to stop the sound from flanking the sides. ...
  3. Build it close to the air conditioner unit.

Are new air conditioners quieter?

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. This means you can relax in the yard without being disturbed by the noise of an old AC compressor.

Can my neighbors hear my air conditioner?

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.

What is the normal sound of a window AC unit?

Normal Noises

If you put your ear up to where cool air exits the A/C, you'll hear the sound of blowing air coming from the fan within the unit. In that same area, you'll also hear a hiss or gurgle from refrigerant passing through the evaporator. Refrigerant is the special A/C liquid that helps to cool your space down.

Why is my AC intake so loud?

The ductwork could be undersized or not installed properly. But it could also be as simple as a blocked air filter. Maybe someone closed off too many vents. Yes this could cause the problem as well.

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 unit?

Many air conditioners will make some kind of noise, but this is generally restricted to a soft hum during the cooling cycle or a handful of clicks at the start of each one. If you're hearing any other noises coming from your air conditioner, it's a solid sign that something isn't working right.

Why is my AC unit louder than normal?

A humming noise could be due to vibrations of loose parts, such as a panel on your AC coming loose, motor blades, fan blades, or refrigerant piping. Some loose parts in your AC can be harmless and easily tightened or put back into place, whereas other parts coming loose can be a more serious problem.

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.

What is the normal sound of the AC?

It's normal to hear a low, steady blowing or whooshing sound while your air conditioner is running.

How loud should an outside AC unit be?

There also is no industry standard that manufacturers must meet. Some manufacturers, however, are striving to make units as quiet as they can be. 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.

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.

Why is my AC fan outside so loud?

Buzzing. Loud buzzing noises indicate the outdoor condenser fan could have loose or unbalanced blades or an electrical issue with the motor. When the rubber isolation feet the unit sits on have worn away or been damaged, the AC unit will buzz whenever the compressor runs.

Are newer AC units quieter?

Noise Level – Today's models can reduce noise level by as much as twenty percent. New compressor technology is much quieter. Further reducing the noise level is the shape of fan blades. They now rotate so quietly you may wonder if they are working at all.

Do air conditioner 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.

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