With the amount of air conditioners available on the market, it can be quite confusing picking one that perfectly fits your needs. All brands advertise their units as the best on the market, promising amazing results, only for the customer to find out all the glitches later.
If you have a home that is currently only using fans as a means of cooling down, then it’s time you invest in a decent AC unit. It’s important that you look at the different AC units available, to make sure you choose the quietest one.
Click here for excellent tips on how to pick an air conditioning system that fits into your home.
Typically, there are 4 different air conditioning unit types and 2 eco-friendly air-cooling systems available. We’ve compared these units with each other to see how they measure up in the noise department.
PORTABLE
The conveniently portable unit is similar to a window AC with the added benefit of portability. Attached to the portable AC is an exhaust hose that disperse hot air from inside the room through the window to the outside.
They are extremely easy to install and can be used in any room with a window. Even though they can’t cool large areas at one time, it’s easy to take them with you from room to room to cool each one in turn.
Noise level: A typical portable AC unit creates between 40-60 decibels depending on the fan speed.
DUCTLESS
Mini-split or ductless units are AC systems that uses condensers and compressors rather than ducts in the floors and walls. The condenser or compressor are situated outside of the home whilst the system that blows cool air is situated inside.
A home can have one installed per room, as they work more efficiently as room units. Miraculously, all ductless units are connected to the outside compressor. Most of the noise escapes through this compressor.
Noise level: A typical ductless AC unit can create 32 decibels of noise. Having some of the highest SEER ratings on the market. You can go to this link to learn more about SEER ratings: https://modernize.com/home-ideas/26822/understanding-the-basics-of-hvac-seer-ratings
CENTRAL
The most common air conditioning system, especially for larger homes. The system is extremely efficient as it uses supply registers and ducts that are built into floors and walls of the home.
By circulating air through supply and return channels, air is cooled and transported back through the cooling system and into the home.
Even though this unit is tricky to install, as it requires a great amount of pre-planning. It’s an excellent choice for large homes.
Noise level: A typical central AC unit creates 70 decibels and some as much as 80 decibels.
WINDOW
A window unit can only be installed in certain kinds of window designs. It uses a simplistic system, that allows it to remove warm air from inside a room and gusting it out of the window. Simultaneously blowing cool air into the room.
They are stationary devices that are best for smaller rooms. Not the most efficient AC system on the market, but easy to install.
Noise level: A typical window AC unit creates 60 decibels on its lowest fan speed setting. Making it one of the best quiet air conditioners on the market.
HYBRID SOLAR
In the same way that a window AC works, the hybrid takes warm air from inside and disperses it outdoors. In winter, it reverses this system by taking cold air from indoors and dispersing it outdoors.
The added benefit of a hybrid air con is that it provides the same function as a cooling system without breaking the bank. Specifically designed to save energy and money.
Noise level: A typical hybrid solar AC unit has double-muting technology and creates at least 50-60 decibels.
GEOTHERMAL COOLING AND HEATING
A new technology that creates an energy-efficient system. This geothermal AC uses highly developed technology which allows a geothermal coil, that’s installed underneath your home in the ground, to extract heat from the earth and disperse it into a room. As well as extract heat from a room and disperse it back into the ground.
Noise level: A typical geothermal system makes only a soft humming noise.
Read here for more information on eco-friendly air conditioning systems.
If your air conditioning system is making more noise than usual, then it’s best to call a qualified aircon technician. A loud noise might mean that something is wrong.
Noise pollution is a great concern in apartment buildings. This means that most AC developers will add noise deafening technology into their units. Bearing in mind that a typical conversation creates 60 decibels of noise, you can decide which air conditioning system is best for your household.
Purchasing one that creates less than 70 decibels is advisable. Always consider the impact the system will have on the environment.
