Can an air conditioner be too loud that you can make someone remove it? If so, what is the legal noise limit and how would you get an accurate reading?

My neighbor is complaining that my air conditioner is too loud. I feel it makes as much noise as any other air conditionder. The model is not the newest but it is not by any means an “old” air conditionder. Is there a legal range that the noise an air conditioner makes must fall within?

bklass173

in Appliances 12 years and 1 month ago

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slopemope | 12 years and 1 month ago

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it is possible that the ambient noise is 52db, although i wouldn’t tryst an iphone reading either.  correct me if im wrong, but nyc takes into account the level of ambient noise – in which case they must register 10db over that when it is on vs off.  a radio shack sound meter has a db “A” weighting.  you can borrow mine if you wish.

bklass173 | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Just FYI – I downoaded 2 dB measuring apps. The NY City Noise Code says: “A single circulating device may not produce noise levels in excess of 42 decibels, as measured three feet from the noise source at an open door or window of a nearby residence.” Before even turning the AC on the app was reading at 52\. So, I am going to assume the apps aren’t accurate. Ordering theone from Amazon to see how that goes!

Townie | 12 years and 1 month ago

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We received a noise violation from a large window unit air conditioner located at my place of employment-it was installed in a courtyard airshaft and a resident who lived upstairs complained.   We were fined and given a certain amount of time to cure.  Ended up building a sheet metal sleave that backed the A/C away from the window into the room and reducing the exterior noise.

bklass173 | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Yes, that is sort of the problem. My fear in purchasing a new model is that the complaints will still continue. I have looked into ductless ACs but they are about $3,000 and I don’t feel I use it frequently enough to justify the cost for myself. If I worked from home then maybe. But I am out of the apt during working hours mon-fri and I am out of town for at least half the weekends out of the summer.

daveinbedstuy | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Normal air conditioner, right?   I suspect no unit will be quiet enough for this type of person

bklass173 | 12 years and 1 month ago

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excellent thank you – I was reading that I had to have someone come to my apt and measure it for me. I’ll try the app first!

Bklnite | 12 years and 1 month ago

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and… I’m no expert (though I can pretend to be one after a few minutes of googling)… but re: how would you get an accurate reading? http://www.amazon.com/Mini-Digital-Sound-Level-Meter/dp/B001THX3M0 or, for $.99 an iphone/ipad app might be entertaining… https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/db-meter/id591417786?mt=8

bklass173 | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Thanks – those links are very helpful

Bklnite | 12 years and 1 month ago

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It is possible to report noise from an AC to 311 and they will send someone out to measure.  “A single circulating device may not produce noise levels in excess of 42 decibels, as measured three feet from the noise source at an open door or window of a nearby residence.” http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/pdf/noise_code_guide.pdf http://www.nyc.gov/apps/311/allServices.htm?requestType=relatedService&serviceName=Noise+from+Air+Conditioner+or+Ventilation+Equipment

mruby36 | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Hi Bklass,   I cant speak to the legality of a noisy air-conditioner but I can speak to being someone who’s living under one myself. For me, it’s the vibration more than the noise, might that be the situation in your case? You could try, not saying it’ll work but,lift the unit and rest it back down on an old piece of carpet or if you can find a scrap piece of high density Styrofoam (lumber yard might have a broken piece). Either that or if there is anything else causing it to rattle and vibrate. The motor itself is not likely the problem, unless you got one of those dented $59 dollar specials 🙂 Hope that helps! Matt R