We get it. Window air conditioning units can be loud. So – is it possible to get silent window A/C?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to get completely silent window air conditioning, or any other type of air conditioning, for that matter.
It’s all good though. Take these steps to make window A/C as quiet as possible. And check out some of the other quiet window A/C units on the market.
Skip to:
- How loud is window A/C?
- Tips for making window A/C quieter
- Quietest window A/C units (4 best)
- What to look for
How loud is window A/C?
Window A/C units are the type that fit snugly within, or next to your window (funnily enough).
In comparison to your other 2 options for air conditioning – wall air conditioners (50-60 dB) and central air conditioning systems (45-60 dB) – window A/C (50-80 dB) tends to be louder. That’s probably why you’re here.
That’s because window A/C units house the compressor and fan in one unit. This means the compressor is closer to you compared to wall or central A/C, which usually locates their compressors outdoors.
Take a look at the decibel comparison for standard units below:
Tips for making window A/C quieter
Window air conditioners might be fractionally louder, but they don’t have to disturb you.
Make sure you are ticking off the following steps to make them as quiet as possible, and increase performance.
1. Proper installation
Your window A/C must be installed properly.
A unit that isn’t installed correctly can rattle or vibrate, and this might be what is causing more noise than usual.
The unit should fit securely in the window, with any gaps filled or minimised.
2. Soundproofing techniques
You or your installer may want to add insulation or soundproofing materials around the A/C.
Consider installing noise-reducing curtains around the window or using acoustic foam panels around the unit. Weatherstripping is also a good soundproof option for sealing any gaps.
3. Use anti-vibration pads
Many window A/C units vibrate during operation, and this vibration often leads to added noise. Anti-vibration pads can be placed underneath or around the unit. These pads absorb the vibrations from the compressor and fan, dampening these vibrations and reducing sound levels.
4. Regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is important. The fan blades of your window A/C must be cleaned, and the air filter should be changed regularly.
Quietest window A/C units (4 best)
We did what we do best, and looked for the quietest window A/C units on the market.
Here are some of the top contenders known for their quiet performance. We’ve also picked out other key features.
#1 – LG Window Mounted Air Conditioner – 53 dB
A Low Noise Performance feature takes the sound level of this LG Window Mounted Air Conditioner down to 53 dB. A good budget bedroom option.
This is a window A/C you want in your bedroom at night!
When this mode is activated, the unit cuts out any noise which is unnecessary and shoots down to 53 dB, and this allows you to get your head down without that annoying loud hum.
Other than that, with 8,000 BTU, its ability to cool 340 sq ft of space makes it ideal for cooling even larger bedrooms, living spaces and entire small studios.
There are 3 cooling and fan speeds for customized cooling, as well as Auto Cool allow you to customize your cooling. There’s also auto-restart, which clicks back on the power automatically, should you have a power cut.
Best for: Budget, basic quiet option
#2 – GE Profile – 44 dB
GE Profile goes under the banner of “the quietest A/C brand,” so it might not be surprising that they have made our list. This window A/C goes all the way down to 44 dB.
GE Profile goes under the banner of “the quietest A/C brand,” so it might not be surprising that they have made our list.
You won’t find much lower than the ultra-quiet 44 dB that this GE Profile model can reach. It is also powerful, with its 12000 BTU being able to cool 550 ft comfortably.
Then there’s the smart stuff, you can connect the GE Profile easily to the SmartHQ app on your smartphone, and that will make it compatible with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa for convenient every day use (there is also a traditional remote control).
Best for: Super-quiet, powerful window A/C
#3 – Midea U Smart – 32 dB
The quietest window A/C on our list, on its quietest mode. Cut out noise and vibration and enjoy smart connectivity with the SmartHome App.
If you thought we couldn’t get a quieter window A/C than the GE Profile, you’d be mistaken.
The Midea U Smart gets all the way down to as low as 32 dB (that’s on the quietest setting). That’s due to the design of the inverter system, which is engineered for ultra-low noise and vibration.
Midea says that the U Smart is up to 10 times quieter than traditional A/C units. There are also positive reviews which back up the low-noise claim online. You be the judge.
There is also energy-efficient design, smart connectivity via the SmartHome App for iPhone and Android, a flexible window opening, with the security of an Anti-Theft Mechanism.
Best for: Reliable, quiet all-rounder in mid-price range
#4 – R.W. Flame Bedroom Window A/C – 45 dB
A big box ticker. Quiet (45 dB) bedroom window A/C which is powerful enough to be used in other rooms, too. Choose from 6 modes and enjoy obstructed views with the R.W. Flame’s U-shape design.
Going as low as 45 dB at its quietest, the R.W. Flame Bedroom Window A/C is a worthy entrant.
Is it just for bedrooms? This window A/C gives you 12000 BTU of cooling power, which means it can cool areas up to 550 sq ft. In our book, this makes it easily powerful enough to cool large living spaces, big kitchens, and studio apartments – but, it has undoubtedly been designed for bedrooms.
There is a nice range of 6 modes – not too many, but all with their own real purpose. These are; Cool, Fan, Dry, Auto, Sleep and Energy Saver.
A washable filter makes maintenance hassle-free, and because of the U-shape design, your window view won’t be too obscured. This can also mean more natural light and fresh air when you want it.
The R.W. Flame has a compact and tidy design, and is a big box ticker, without having any unnecessary fancy frills.
Best for: Big bedrooms
What to look for
You might have taken some pointers from the window A/C units we’ve highlighted above, but to round off this mini guide… here’s some more.
We’ll leave you with some pointers on what to look for in a quiet A/C unit. Whether you are shopping for the units above, or others, bear these features in mind:
❄️ Decibel level
The most obvious factor to consider is the decibel level of the unit. Look for air window A/C that advertise low dB ratings, typically in the range of 40-55 dB, which is roughly equivalent to the noise level of a quiet conversation or a library.
Keep in mind that the lower the dB, the quieter the unit will be.
❄️ Inverter technology
Air conditioners with inverter technology are designed to adjust the compressor speed based on the cooling demand. This not only improves energy efficiency but also helps to reduce noise. Inverter models tend to run at a more consistent, quieter speed rather than the abrupt on/off cycling of non-inverter units.
❄️ Design and build quality
The design of the unit plays a significant role in noise reduction.
Look for units with features that reduce vibration, such as rubber mounts or sound-absorbing materials. Also, ensure the unit’s build quality is robust and free from any loose parts that might rattle during operation.
❄️ Energy efficiency
A quieter unit will often be more energy-efficient as well.
Energy Star-rated units tend to be quieter because they are designed to perform optimally without overworking the compressor. Higher efficiency can also result in less strain on the motor, leading to quieter operation.
❄️ Additional features
Look for air conditioners with multi-speed fans, sleep modes, and remote control capabilities. These features allow you to adjust the fan speed and cooling mode, which can help minimize noise when the A/C is not required to operate at full capacity.
