Is your air conditioning in Seattle too loud?
Noise from an air conditioner can be quite disruptive at night, not only for the homeowner, but also for the neighbors, who have to listen to the outdoor vibrational noise caused by the unit. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are a number of things you can do to deal with the noise, but the most important one is to check the unit’s sound power level label before you choose a model. The lower the number on the label, the quieter the air conditioner is.
How Noise Is Measured
Noise is measured in decibels (dB). The typical air conditioner unit can have a dB level of up to 75, which is about the same as an alarm clock or a hair dryer. When the noise continues on a regular basis, it can severely disrupt your quality of life, affect sleep, and lead to other problems. We have developed our units with this in mind. Some of our models have a noise level as low as 66, making for a more soothing and even vibration and sound.
Tips on Reducing Air Conditioner Noise
The first and simplest option to reduce noise is to get a sound blanket. Also known as acoustic wraps, these simple Teflon-impregnated blankets are wrapped around the compressor to help reduce vibration and noise produced by the motor. They won’t cause the unit to overheat or affect the units performance, so they are safe to use. Another way to reduce air conditioner noise is to create a barrier. A simple fence built around the unit and lined with sound-absorbent cell foam will significantly block the noise of outdoor units. When the compressor is located inside of the house (e.g., in the attic), it’s also possible to add vibration absorbing mats between the unit and the floor to prevent the sound from spreading through the roof and into the rooms below. Cell foam can also be used to wrap ducting and prevent vibration. This is especially important if the ducting is set against a wall or on the roof, where it would cause more noise.
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