A modern air conditioner can be very quiet in a bedroom – at the lowest speed many people can hardly hear it. However, the choice of model, the correct output and the location are decisive. Here is what to consider so that the air conditioner does not disturb you at night.
How to read noise data
Manufacturers state the sound pressure level of the indoor unit in decibels (dB(A)) for the individual fan speeds. For a bedroom, the value at the lowest speed or in quiet mode is what matters. Decibels are a logarithmic scale – even a difference of a few dB is audible.
What helps quiet running
- an inverter compressor – maintains the temperature at low output (Inverter air conditioners: how they work and why they are better),
- a night or quiet mode – reduces the fan speed,
- sufficient output – a weak unit runs flat out and is noisier,
- correct installation – the unit must be fixed firmly and level, otherwise it may vibrate.
Position of the indoor unit
Position the unit so that the airflow does not point directly at the bed. Cold air blowing on a sleeping person is unpleasant even with a quiet unit. Read more in the article Where to place an air conditioner: indoor and outdoor unit.
Do not forget the outdoor unit
The outdoor unit also matters at night – for you and for your neighbours. Do not place it directly under a bedroom window if this can be avoided, or in a narrow space where sound reflects.
Night settings
- set a slightly higher temperature than during the day,
- switch on night mode, if the air conditioner has it,
- use a timer to switch it off in the morning.
Read more in the article The ideal air conditioner temperature: how to set it in summer.
What to compare in the technical data
When comparing models, look at the value at the lowest fan setting. Daikin states a sound pressure from 19 dBA for the Emura, Stylish and Perfera models and from 20 dBA for the Sensira. The value is higher at higher speeds, which is why sufficient output also matters, so that the unit does not have to run flat out.
When the air conditioner is disturbing you
- Stronger airflow or humming: the filters may be clogged, see How often should you clean your air conditioner?.
- Vibration: the fixing of the unit needs to be checked.
- Bubbling or gurgling: this may be related to the condensate drain.
- Unusual noises: have the unit checked by our air conditioner service.
We will recommend a quiet model
Daikin’s range includes series with very quiet indoor units, for example Daikin Emura and Daikin Stylish. We will help you choose a model for the bedroom and propose a suitable position. Write to us or see Daikin air conditioners.
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