If you are looking to install air conditioning in your home, it is important that you consider noise levels. As it stands, there currently are no air conditioning noise regulations in the UK. It is important to note however that if noise pollution from your AC system causes problems for neighbouring properties, you may be required to move or remove it. In addition, it is essential to check with your local council whether you need any planning permission before you install an air conditioner.
It is also important to consider how air conditioning noise levels could affect your daily life. So, it is therefore essential that you consider your options carefully before installing a new AC unit as different types and brands will have different noise levels.
Air Conditioning With External Unit
When it comes to noise pollution, traditional air conditioners with external condensers are typically the main culprits. The issue usually revolves around the condenser as it is fixed to an external wall. They can produce different levels of noise, depending on the type and make of the unit you want to install.
Typically, it is best practice to install the external condenser as far away from neighbouring properties as possible. Soundproofing with bushes or fences can minimise noise disruption for your neighbors. As a general rule, outside units shouldn’t produce more than 60 decibels of noise and should aim to run much lower.
Air Conditioning Without External Unit
Internal air conditioners are becoming increasingly popular in city apartments and flats. Apartment buildings typically do not allow the installation of traditional air conditioners, due to the proximity of neighboring apartments, among other reasons. Our internal water cooled air conditioners are suitable to install in restricted properties such as apartments and Grade II listed buildings.
Fan Unit
Thanks to new Panasonic DC Inverter Compressors and new thermal and acoustic insulation panels, our internal units are ‘whisper’ quiet. Our fan units have a typical noise output of 19-37 decibels. In addition, they feature ‘sleep’ modes which slow the fans down to reduce the cooling requirement in line with falling ambient temperatures. This means that not only are they quiet enough to leave you with a good night’s sleep but they won’t cause any disturbance for your neighbours.
Internal Condenser Unit
Our internal condenser unit is compact and installed in a concealed space such as a cupboard or under the kitchen sink. This alone helps to reduce the noise output. In addition, our units run with 42-decibel noise output which is much lower than external units. Due to the nature of internal condensers, you have the additional option of adding further soundproofing as the units do not require air circulation, unlike external condensers. This is usually not needed but will be useful if you are particularly sensitive to sound.
Talk to the experts
At ACS Installations, we are experts in both traditional and internal air conditioning installations. If you aren’t sure what air conditioning solution is the best for your property, our team of friendly experts are happy to help. Our engineers offer free advice and site surveys so do not hesitate to get in touch!
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