Question:
Does anyone have any suggestions? A few brands I've been considering
that advertise themselves as "quiet" are Panasonic and Amana, but
it's impossible to get information about operating noise levels in dB
so it seems difficult to compare them easily before buying.
Answer:
In your size range, the 7800 BTU
Panasonic was the quietest and the 8600 BTU Amana was the noisiest. In
the range of 6000-6600 BTU, the 6600 BTU Amana was the quietest tested,
but no Panasonic was tested in this range. These two Panasonic and Amana
products were the only ones above 5800 BTU to receive excellent marks
for noise. By contrast, CU rated 9 out of 10 tested in the range of
5000-5800 BTU as excellent for noise. These ratings were based on
measurements indoors on slow fan speed. Results outside might be
different. No actual sound levels were reported.
we've been _very_ pleased with the three
Panasonic units we bought two years ago. We live in Potsmouth, NH, a
classic New England seaside town, and our house is 25 ft. from one
neighbor and 30 ft. from the other. The outside noise is imperceptable;
partly because, I suppose, the street is 8 ft from out front door. But
even at night, with zero traffic, the Panasonic units are very quiet
both inside and out.
