Air Conditioner Noise in Residential Areas

Issued: 9 October 2008

Noise from air conditioners can disturb neighbours, disrupt their sleep and interfere with their normal daily activities (listening to the TV, talking on the phone, etc). Air conditioner noise can range from being a nuisance to actually damaging people's health and is a common cause of noise related complaints.

Shopping for an air conditioner

When comparing air conditioners, check the sound power level label on the unit or in literature specifications. The smaller the number of dB(A) on the label, the quieter the air conditioner. Comparing levels on units of the same capacity allows you to choose a quieter unit. Room air conditioners are generally more noisy than split systems of the same capacity. In addition, they are often mounted high in the wall, reducing the effectiveness of fences as noise barriers. You may find that the sound power level label on an air conditioner is 60dB or more and wonder how it could comply with a legal limit of 45dB(A). This can be explained by the following comparison. A light globe with a power rating of 60 watts has a certain intensity of light at the actual globe, but with distance this intensity decreases, although the power of the globe remains at 60 watts. Similarly, the noise level of an air conditioner with a sound power level of 60dB will decrease as distance from the unit increases.

Be a Good Neighbour
Take the time to talk to neighbours and ask them for suggestions about solving any problems. Discuss noise concerns with neighbours before installing equipment that emits noise. In many cases an agreement can be reached that satisfies everyones needs.

Legal Requirements
The Environment Protection Act 1997 (the Act) and the Environment Protection Regulation 2005 aim to protect people from undue noise whilst enabling them to carry out business and social activities. The ACT has been divided into noise zones based on land uses approved in the Territory Plan. The following noise standards must not be exceeded at the lease boundary of the land from which the noise is being emitted:
7am - 10pm (8am - 10pm Sunday & Public Holidays) 10pm - 7am (10pm - 8am Sunday & Public Holidays) 50dB(A)

Location

Civic centre and other major town 60 dB(A) centres (Belconnen, Gungahlin, Woden and Tuggeranong) Group centres such as Dickson and Kingston Smaller local centres such as Griffith and Lyneham Residential Areas 55 dB(A) 50dB(A) 45dB(A)

Illustration reproduced courtesy of Brisbane City Council

45dB(A) 35dB(A) 35dB(A)

Insulate first
You can lower the heat load on an air conditioner by insulating the ceiling and shading east and west facing windows. You can then choose a smaller capacity and quieter unit.

Negotiating the Contract

Please note that if a residence borders non-residential land (e.g. a residential block adjacent to local shops), or if it is located on non-residential land, different noise standards may apply. When signing a contract for sale and installation, insist on a clause to cover you in the event of a noise problem. A suggested clause is as follows:

Printed on recycled paper

The air conditioner, as installed, will comply with ACT Environmental Standards by not exceeding a noise level of 35dB(A) when measured on an adjoining residential property. This compliance will ensure that the air conditioner can be used at any time without restriction. If a retailer refuses to cooperate with this requirement, choose one who will. All reputable air conditioner installers should be aware of the requirements and are usually able to give good advice.

compressor wear. Some of this increased noise can be reduced by regular maintenance, however, you should allow for a slight increase in noise over time when installing the unit.

Evaporative coolers
Roof mounted evaporative coolers are generally quieter than refrigerated units, however, the noise level between models does vary. While evaporative coolers do not come with sound power level labels, manufacturers should be able to provide sound power levels for each model. Ask your retailer for these.

Selecting installation position

The siting of the air conditioner is the most important factor to ensure noise is not going to be intrusive. Placing the unit at the side of your house close to the neighbours house is likely to create excessive noise, as the noise is trapped and reflected between the walls and eaves of the two houses. A fence has limited value in reducing the noise in this situation, unless it is solid and is as high as the eaves of the houses. Placing the air conditioner on the rear wall facing the backyard, or on a front or side wall facing the street, reduces the noise reaching neighbours. Also, if the noise is found to be excessive, it is a simple task to construct a barrier to shield the neighbouring property from the noise. If a suitable position at the back is difficult to find because of a very small yard, a split system compressor can often be located at the front, away from the house wall. This option can overcome the inability to use the front wall because of picture windows or pathways. The unit can be disguised by shrubbery or an L-shaped barrier.

Installation position of cooler

When mounted on a roof that slopes towards a neighbours yard, some high capacity models may be excessively noisy, particularly if the unit is on the lower portion of a roof with steep pitch. The best location is generally on the roof facing the rear yard, unless the unit is noisy and the yard is very small. Locate the cooler as high on the roof as possible to minimise reflected noise. If your neighbours land is much higher than yours and your air conditioner is likely to be level with their backyard, the noise reaching your neighbour will be greater.

Other options
De-rating (slowing the motor down) is generally the only way to quieten noisy evaporative coolers. Again, ensure that the installer or retailer can guarantee in writing that the cooler will not create excessive noise before signing a contract.

Enclosing the air conditioner

If an air conditioner must be put at the side of a house because no reasonable distance from a neighbour can be found, a practical alternative to reduce the noise is to install an acoustic enclosure. Acoustic enclosures are custom built and must incorporate correctly designed ventilation. They need to be built and fitted in conjunction with the manufacturer of the air conditioner in order to maintain the warranty on the unit. Enclosures are expensive and you would be wise to seek a guarantee from the installer on the expected noise level before taking this option.

Excessive noise - what can be done?

Initially you should try to solve the problem by discussing it with whoever is causing the noise. Where the noise problem cannot be resolved this way you may lodge a complaint with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). A complaint regarding noise pollution will be considered by the EPA only if it is made by a person affected by the noise. The EPA will investigate the problem and if validated, a warning letter or on-the-spot fine may be issued. In addition, an Environment Protection Order (EPO) may be issued. Breach of an EPO is a serious offence. If the noise continues to be a problem, it could lead to prosecution in court.

Allow for a noise increase

Over time, air conditioners, like many machines, deteriorate in their performance. This is accompanied by an increase in noise from worn bearings, cabinet rattles, dirty or rusty fan blades, worn rubber mountings and

For more information contact the Environment Protection Authority by calling Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.

Environment Protection

Department of the Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Water