How to choose a quiet air conditioner (and sleep soundly)
Say goodbye to that unbearable hum. This article tells you what you need to consider when choosing quiet air conditioning: decibels, benefits, and practical tips for noiseless sleep.
I don't know about you, but in summer I'm like a phone on low battery: if I don't recharge properly at night, the next day is an absolute nightmare. And when it comes to recharging your batteries, air conditioning can be your greatest ally... or your worst enemy. Yes, cooling the room is great, but at what cost if it sounds like a helicopter pad? No thanks!
Today we are going to talk about how to choose a quiet air conditioner, one that does its job without you even noticing. Because, in the end, what you want is a cool, peaceful night's sleep, free from the incessant, irritating hum of an air conditioner.
What is quiet air conditioning?
Basically, a quiet air conditioning system is one that makes very little noise. So little that you don't even notice it. Its sound is so discreet that it won't disturb you while you're watching a series, reading, or sleeping.
But “little noise” is not a subjective perception: noise is measured in decibels (dB), and that's what you need to pay close attention to before buying.
Real benefits (apart from silence)
Choosing a quiet air conditioner is not just a whim. It has very specific benefits:
- Better rest: Noise is a major disruptor of sleep. A quiet appliance allows deep, uninterrupted sleep.
- Continuous comfort: You can leave it on all night without it bothering you or having to switch it on and off.
- More pleasant atmosphere: Your home feels more peaceful when there's no mechanical noise in the background. And that adds a lot to everyday life.
Ideal for working from home or studying: If you work from home, you know how important it is not to have a constant hum during video calls or when you need to concentrate.
Recommended technical specifications
Here comes the technical part, but we'll explain it in simple terms:
How many decibels is quiet?
- Below 20 dB → Virtually absolute silence. Ideal for bedrooms.
- Between 20 and 30 dB → Still quiet, but what if you're highly sensitive to noise? Perhaps you need something with fewer decibels.
- Between 30 and 40 dB → The noise level of a library. Perfect for rooms where you're going to rest or work.
- Over 40 dB → From this point on, peace and quiet are over.
To give you an idea, whispering typically produces a noise level of 20 to 30 dB; a quiet conversation increases this to 50-60 dB; and city traffic can reach up to 70-80 dB.
What to look for in the datasheet?
- Indoor sound pressure level (dB): This is the most important figure. Sometimes several values are shown, depending on fan speed. Pay attention to the minimum level.
- Sleep mode: Many models include this feature, which further reduces noise levels.
- Inverter technology: This maintains a stable temperature without any sudden shutdowns or start-ups, which also reduces noise levels.
Daikin's quietest air conditioners
If you're looking for reliable, efficient, quiet options, Daikin has several models that stand out for their low noise levels and excellent performance. Here are a few of them:
Daikin Perfera
- Just 19 dB in ultraquiet mode
- Ideal for bedrooms and quiet living spaces
- Cutting-edge Flash Streamer and inverter technology
- Control via app (Daikin Onecta)
Daikin Emura
- 19 dB at its lowest level
- One of the most popular options, thanks to its elegant and discreet aesthetic.
- The Coanda effect optimises airflow to better distribute temperature
- High energy efficiency (A+++)
Extra tips for a perfect purchase
- Location: If you plan to install it in the bedroom or a room where you spend many hours, choose the quietest option you can afford.
- Try it out in store (if you can): Listen to the noise it makes while operating. In some showrooms, you'll find that the units are already connected.
- Look at other users' opinions: Noise level is something people usually comment on. If there are bad reviews, be wary.
- Don't trust just the decibels: Sometimes the noise isn't loud, but annoying (vibrations, irregular humming). It's best to look for brands with a strong reputation in this area.
In short:
✅ Look for under 30 dB if you want it for sleeping.
✅ Choose quiet or sleep mode.
✅ Carefully consider how you will use it and where you will install it.
✅ Compare brands and, where possible, try it out yourself.
Sleeping well in summer should not be a luxury. Nor should it sound like a washing machine spinning. So now you know: look for air conditioning that you notice for its temperature, not its noise.