Quiet ACs

Due to the fact that air conditioners run all the time in South Florida, having a quiet air conditioner is an important quality. Of course, any air conditioner is going to make some level of noise. The type of air conditioner that makes the least amount of noise is the ductless air conditioner. Since the compressor is outside, you experience the least amount of noise inside your home. If you have air conditioner questions, our NATE-certified technicians at Cousin's Air, Inc. are always happy to consult with you and help you make the best choice on the type of air conditioner that is best for your cooling needs.

Is a Quiet Air Conditioner the Best for Your Home?

An air conditioner’s quiet operation shouldn’t be the only factor that you look at when choosing an air conditioner for your home. Newer air conditioners are engineered to be quieter. Take the time to research the different kinds of air conditioners and weigh the pros and then cons for each type of unit. Do not fall for the misconception that a smaller air conditioner unit will make less noise. An air conditioner that is too small for your home will have to work too hard to keep your home a comfortable, might not cool your home enough in the summer, and will cost more in the long run for working too hard. All of the time that it spends operating means that it will likely not be a very quiet air conditioner.

Quiet Window Air Conditioners

Most of the time when there is a concern about air conditioners quiet operation it is about window air conditioners. Window air conditioners are used to cool off a smaller space and some models can run louder than others. Since window air conditioners cost significantly less than central air or ductless air conditioners, dealing with the noise level when operating is one of the tradeoffs.

Quiet Ductless Air Conditioners

Ductless air conditioners are the quietest operating of all the types of air conditioners. Since the compressor is outside and ducts do not run through the entire home, the noise level during operation is greatly reduced.

Quiet Central Air Conditioners

Central air conditioners have some noise associated with them, but it is more of a hum when running than a loud noise. In most cases, it is a noise that home owners get used to. There are a few things you can do make your central air conditioner operate quiet. Insulate the closet where the inside portion of the air conditioner is kept to reduce noise from the portion of the unit that is inside the house. To make the outside parts of the air conditioner sound quieter, you can build an air conditioner fence around it. This can also help protect the outside parts of the air conditioner from damage from debris.

What Parts of the Air Conditioner Make Noise?

• HANDLER: The air handler has the fan motor in it. Variable fan motors are usually quieter than single speed fan motors. Other factors that affect the noise level of the air handler include the location, location of blower motor (top-mounted is quieter), insulation, and cabinet construction.
• CONDENSING UNIT: The condensing unit also has a fan motor in it. The type of fan motor makes a difference in the noise factor. As with the air handler, the variable speed fan motor is quieter than single speed fan motors. Other factors that affect the noise rating of the condensing unit include the fan blade design, whether or not there is a compressor jacket, and what the decibel rating is. The compressor also affects the level of noise = 1-stage (loudest) 2-stage (mid-range) variable (quietest).