Are you tired of your outdoor conversations being disturbed by the loud noise of your air conditioner? Look no further! We have compiled a list of the top 8 quietest central air conditioners that will allow you to enjoy peace and serenity in your yard without any disturbance.
Why Sound Control Matters
As the decibels increase, sound goes from being quiet to annoying to even dangerous. Purdue University's Chemistry Department has provided an interesting comparison of sound levels:
- 50 dB (1/4th as loud as 70 dB) - Normal conversation at home
- 60 dB (1/2 as loud as 70 dB, fairly quiet) - AC unit at 100 ft.
- 70 dB (upper 70s are annoyingly loud) - Vacuum cleaner, many ACs at 5 ft.
- 80 dB (twice as loud as 70 dB) - Garbage disposal
- 90 dB (4x as loud as 80 dB) - Motorcycle at 25 ft.
Central Air Conditioner Noise Level Factors
Two factors determine the decibel (db) level of a central air conditioner:
- Amount of insulation: Also known as a "sound blanket," this insulation can reduce noise by 3-5 decibels. For example, the Trane XL16i has a noise level of 69 decibels, while another Trane model runs at 74 db due to the difference in insulation.
- Compressor speed: Single-stage compressors run at 100% capacity and are therefore louder. Two-stage models run at 65% capacity most of the time, making them quieter than single-stage units. Variable compressors can run as low as 25% capacity, making them the quietest option at lower capacities.
The Quietest Variable Speed Central Air Conditioners
Variable-speed air conditioners are not only the quietest but also the most efficient in terms of removing humidity and maintaining consistent indoor temperatures. However, they are also the most expensive and might not have a proven track record for reliability. Let's take a closer look at the quietest variable-speed ACs available:
#1 Ruud EcoNet Ultra Series UA20
This Ruud unit is surprisingly the quietest central air conditioner on our list. Ruud has made significant improvements in quality and performance over the past few years. The noise range for this unit is 54-76 decibels, with the majority of the time spent running at less than 60% capacity. It boasts an efficiency of up to 20 SEER / 13 EER. Additionally, it is WiFi connected and is priced lower than other high-efficiency variable-speed ACs.
#2 Daikin Fit DX17VSS
The Daikin Fit DX17VSS stands out with its inverter-type compressor, which sets it apart from most ACs on the market. Made by one of the largest global manufacturers of HVAC equipment, this unit has a noise range of 55-74 decibels and an efficiency of up to 18 SEER. It is highly reliable and offers a compact design, making it suitable for limited outdoor space. Daikin also provides a WiFi thermostat for easy control of the unit.
#3 Heil QuietComfort Deluxe 19 HVA9 Air Conditioner with SmartSense
Heil, part of International Comfort Products (ICP), offers comparable quality to Carrier at a lower cost. The Heil QuietComfort Deluxe 19 has a noise range of 56-75 decibels and an efficiency of up to 19 SEER / 13 EER. It comes with a WiFi thermostat and app for convenient control and offers a good warranty. Heil is identical to other brands such as Arcoaire, Keeprite, Day & Night, and Tempstar, ensuring you have options if you can't find a Heil dealer.
#4 Carrier Infinity 19VS 24VNA9
Carrier, a pioneer in variable capacity air conditioning and heating, brings us the Infinity 19VS 24VNA9. This unit operates from 25% to 100% capacity in 5 steps, relying on older yet proven multi-stage technology. It has a noise range of 56-75 decibels and an efficiency of up to 19 SEER / 12.5 EER. Carrier ensures proper installation by factory-trained HVAC professionals, providing quality components and dependable performance.
Honorable Mention
There are a few other models that deserve an honorable mention for their quietness and efficiency:
- Trane XV18 TruComfort: 57-75 decibels
- American Standard AccuComfort Variable Speed Platinum 18: 57-75 decibels
- Daikin DX20VC: 57-75 decibels
The Quietest Two-stage Central Air Conditioners
While other lists might overlook two-stage air conditioners, we believe they are worth considering for homeowners who don't want to spend extra money on variable-speed units. Two-stage ACs operate at low capacity most of the time, providing quiet and efficient cooling. Here are the quietest two-stage air conditioners:
#5 Goodman GSXC18
Goodman, known for its low-cost brand with excellent warranties, offers the GSXC18 two-stage central air conditioner. With a noise range of 68-74 decibels, it combines affordability with decent quality. The Copeland Two-stage Ultratech compressor ensures reliable performance, and the ECM fan motor reduces energy consumption. Goodman backs this unit with a lifetime compressor warranty, providing peace of mind to homeowners.
#6 Coleman AC19
Coleman, owned by Johnson Controls, presents the AC19, which can also be found under other identical brands such as York and Luxaire. With a noise range of 68-74 decibels and an efficiency of up to 19 SEER / 15.5 EER, this unit offers excellent performance in warm to hot climates. It features an energy-saving ECM motor and comes with a lifetime compressor warranty and a 10-year general parts warranty.
The Quietest Single-stage Central Air Conditioners
If affordability is your priority, single-stage air conditioners are your best bet. Although they may not provide the same level of humidity control and temperature stability as variable-speed or two-stage units, they still offer quiet operation. Here are the quietest single-stage air conditioners available:
#7 Lennox Signature Series SL18XC1
The Lennox Signature Series SL18XC1 is a remarkably quiet single-stage air conditioner with a noise range of 65-74 decibels. It offers excellent efficiency with up to 18.5 SEER / 15 EER. While Lennox units tend to be higher-priced, they provide quality and high efficiency. It is best suited for homeowners who have had positive experiences with Lennox and want a quiet and efficient cooling solution.
#8 Heil QuietComfort 16 HSA6
The Heil QuietComfort 16 HSA6 lives up to its name by offering a quiet and well-built single-stage air conditioner. With a noise range of 69-72 decibels, it ensures a peaceful cooling experience. The quality is on par with Carrier and Bryant models, and the unit comes with a WiFi thermostat option. Heil is also associated with other brands such as Day & Night, Tempstar, Comfortmaker, Keeprite, and Arcoaire, providing you with a range of options.
If you want to learn more about these units or get pricing information, make use of our Free Local Quotes offers. You can get written estimates without any commitment or cost, helping you make an informed decision.