Overview

Customers sometimes raise concerns that their outdoor air conditioning unit appears too noisy or may not meet local council noise regulations.
This article explains how air conditioning noise levels are measured, what factors influence these results, and why, in some cases, compliance with certain council thresholds may not be technically achievable.

1. Understanding Noise Ratings

All air conditioners generate sound during normal operation.
Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB(A)), a standard unit used to represent sound intensity.
To provide context:

 

Most residential outdoor air conditioning units operate between 45–60 dB(A) depending on size, model, and distance from the listener.
These values are within the normal operating range for comparable systems across the industry.

2. Council Noise Requirements

Each local council sets its own environmental noise limits, often measured at the nearest property boundary or inside a neighbour’s residence.
In many cases, these limits can be as low as 40–41 dB(A) — levels comparable to natural background noise or a quiet library.

Because air conditioners must move air and dissipate heat, achieving these ultra-low noise levels is not always physically possible, especially for larger systems or installations close to neighbouring properties.

3. Why Noise Perception Varies

Perceived noise can vary significantly depending on several factors:

  • Distance and direction of the outdoor unit from the listening point.

  • Reflected sound from walls, fences, or concrete surfaces.

  • Background noise levels in the surrounding environment.

  • Operating mode (cooling vs heating) and compressor load.

  • Installation height and vibration isolation.

Even identical systems can sound different depending on how and where they are installed.

4. What Can Be Done

If noise is a concern, there are practical steps that can help reduce its impact:

  • Check that the unit is installed on vibration-isolated mounts and not directly against hard surfaces.

  • Ensure clear airflow around the unit; blocked airflow can cause fan noise to increase.

  • Discuss with your installer the possibility of relocating the outdoor unit to a more suitable area.

  • In some cases, acoustic screens or barriers may be installed to help deflect sound away from neighbouring properties.

Please note: acoustic barriers are a site-specific solution and would need to be supplied and fitted by a qualified installer or acoustic consultant.

5. Site Inspections

If further testing or a follow-up site visit is requested, it may need to be approved by the Customer Experience Management Team.
Our technicians will only attend if it is clear that further readings would provide new information or assist in resolving the concern.
In most instances, the original acoustic data and manufacturer’s specifications are sufficient to determine compliance capability.

6. Summary

  • Outdoor units naturally generate noise within their normal operating range.

  • Council limits around 40 dB(A) may fall below the design performance of most air conditioners.

  • Environmental factors (walls, surfaces, distance) can affect perceived noise.

  • Practical solutions include repositioning or adding acoustic screening.

  • Additional testing is generally not required unless new installation variables are introduced.

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