Residential air-conditioning noise shouldn’t be the number one question acoustic consultants get asked to solve. For one thing, the average home owner does not have the means to pay professional fees required. But in this fifth blog in our Acoustics in the Sun series, that exact issue inspired Michael Hayne and Richard Devereux to prepare a paper (Mitigation of Residential Air-Conditioning Condenser Noise) that gives practical advice to home owners—no consulting fees necessary!

I found this paper particular interesting and relevant because we have received more than one call for these problems, too.

Proximity and loudness

The problem here is mostly one of unsolvable proximity and loudness. As the authors explained it, where air-conditioning noise has become a problem there are a few major issues that cannot be changed.

First of all, there is often very little space between houses. This means that the problem is up close and personal. When houses are packed into a neighbourhood like sardines, people tend to use their air-conditioning units more. If someone opened their window to get a passing breeze, they’ll quickly close it again because of the noise. And switch on the AC for good measure!

Further, unlike pool pumps, water tank pumps, and the like, air-conditioning units need ventilation. Residents cannot just wrap them in insulation (although the authors showed us a few DIY disasters where they had!).

The other practical problem is the home owner’s back pocket. By the time they’ve purchased their house, there’s little money left to pay for amelioration.

Is all lost?

Thankfully, no, all is not lost. While the noise standards, and everything else might be stacked against the humble residential air-conditioning unit, there are several viable solutions both before and after installation.

The most important factor is specification. Specifying a residential air-conditioning unit that is the right size for the home means the unit does not have to over-work, and can minimise disruptive noise. Similarly, choosing a modern, quiet unit will reduce annoying noise emissions.

But what if the unit is already installed? Specially designed acoustic screens, enclosures and so on can reduce the noise. This might require an acoustic consultant, but often a phone call to engage a business specialising in acoustic treatments can suffice.

Find the full paper here, including suggested air-conditioning units that have been tested for their quietness.