As a resident of Boston, you know that you’ll rely on your air conditioner to keep you cool for several months out of the year. So, the last thing you want is a noisy system that keeps you up at night or makes it difficult to hear your television or radio. This is downright frustrating.
If you’re in the process of upgrading your current system or installing a new one from scratch, it’s important to focus on the noise output.
This leads many people to address the question of whether ductless air conditioners are noisy or quiet.
Let’s just get it out of the way: ductless air conditioners are known for quiet operation.[i]
Furthermore, this holds true both inside and out.
For example, central AC systems are known for having a noisy condenser unit outside the home. And even though it’s outdoors, the noise can still travel indoors depending on its location.
Ductless air conditioners also have an outdoor condenser, but these are designed to be quieter. In fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to hear any noise when you’re inside your home.
Moving to the inside, the quiet operation continues. Even with multiple indoor units, you won’t hear much more than a quiet whisper coming from each one. This is similar to the level of noise you hear when air is forced through ductwork with central air.
Note: with a ductless system, there is no concern about strange sounds coming from the ducts that run through your home. Pops, thuds, and bangs are all common with central air, especially as the ductwork expands and contracts over the course of several time.
Other Factors to Consider
There are two other factors that impact the noise emitted by a ductless air conditioner:
- Age
- Manufacturer
Generally speaking, as your system ages, you can expect it to become noisier. On the plus side, many of the parts that are responsible for the noise can be replaced or repaired.
Secondly, some manufacturers are well known for quiet operation, while others don’t have nearly as good a reputation. The best – and often quietest – manufacturers include:
- Mitsubishi
- Lennox
- Carrier
- Bryant
- Trane
For example, Mitsubishi is known for designing high performing units that are whisper quiet. For example, its systems come with vibration dampeners and an insulated compressor.[ii]
Before deciding in favor of any ductless air conditioner, ask your install professional about the design of the system and the features employed to minimize noise. You can also read online reviews for first-hand accounts from experienced and knowledgeable homeowners.
With so many benefits of a ductless air conditioner, including quiet operation, it may be time to consider adding one of these systems to your home. Contact us if you’re ready to learn more or have made the decision to proceed with this home improvement project.