In the UK, where the loudest thing in most homes is the kettle boiling or the rain hitting the windows, the last thing you want is an air conditioner that sounds like a jet engine.
If you work from home, sleep lightly, or share walls in a flat or terraced house, noise isn’t just a nuisance - it’s a deal-breaker.
The good news? Modern air conditioners are miles quieter than the clunky units of the past.
In this guide, we’ll break down how loud different systems really are, what “quiet” actually means, and which models deliver near-silent cooling in 2025.
At Heatable, we’re here to help you stay cool - without annoying the neighbours.
Let’s dive in…
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🔑 Key Takeaways:
Air conditioners vary from 19dB (barely audible) to 65dB (like a busy café).
20dB is rustling leaves, 40dB is a quiet library, 60dB is a lively conversation.
Split systems with inverter tech hit as low as 19dB; portables start at 42dB.
Prioritise inverter compressors, sleep modes, and professional installation for minimal noise.
Split systems are quietest, followed by ducted systems; portables are loudest but convenient.
👉 Check the latest AC prices (including installation) here.
Why Air Con Noise Matters
Most UK homes are built to keep things cosy and quiet - thick walls, double glazing, and a healthy respect for not annoying the neighbours.
So if your air con sounds like it’s gearing up for take-off, that’s a problem. Whether you’re trying to sleep, get through a Zoom call, or avoid passive-aggressive notes through the letterbox, noise matters.
Luckily, modern units come packed with clever tech like inverter compressors and noise-dampening design. That means you can stay cool without the constant hum driving you (or everyone else) up the wall.
Cooling a baby’s bedroom? Working from home? Just value your peace and quiet? Then a quiet air con isn’t a luxury - it’s a must.
Here’s how to find one…
What Makes an Air Conditioner Noisy?
If your air con’s making a racket, it’s usually down to a few key culprits - and it’s not just bad luck.
The biggest offender? The compressor. Older units with on/off compressors switch abruptly, causing clunks and hums. Newer inverter models are much smoother - they adjust gradually, keeping things nice and quiet.
Fan speed matters too. Crank it up and you’ll cool down quicker, but it’ll sound louder. Most units come with a sleep or eco mode to dial down the noise at night.
Split systems are quieter by design - the noisy compressor sits outside, leaving the indoor unit whisper-quiet. Portable units, on the other hand, keep everything indoors, so they’re naturally a bit more shouty.
Don’t overlook the install, either. A bad fit can lead to rattles or vibrations. And the room itself makes a difference - hard floors and bare walls bounce sound, while carpets and curtains help soak it up.
Bottom line? The right tech, fitted properly, in the right space = cool and quiet.
Decibel Ratings: Breaking It Down
Air conditioner noise is measured in decibels (dB) - but unless you moonlight as an acoustics expert, that number doesn’t mean much on its own.
Here’s the gist: decibels work on a logarithmic scale, which means every 10dB jump sounds about twice as loud. So 50dB isn’t just a little louder than 40dB - it’s a lot louder.
To make it clearer, here’s how common air con noise levels stack up against everyday sounds:
Sound | Decibels (dB) |
Breathing | 10 |
Rustling leaves | 20 |
Whisper | 30 |
Quiet library | 40 |
Normal conversation | 50 |
Busy restaurant | 60 |
Vacuum cleaner | 70 |
How Loud Is Too Loud?
Most air conditioners fall somewhere between 19dB (near-silent) and 65dB (think busy café). Even a 5dB bump is noticeable - especially if you’re trying to sleep, work, or just enjoy your own thoughts.
For bedrooms and home offices, aim for under 40dB. If you’re a light sleeper or noise-sensitive, look for models in the 19–32dB range on their lowest setting.
Check the specs carefully, many manufacturers list noise levels for low, medium, and high fan speeds. These can jump by 10–15dB, so don’t just rely on the quietest number.
Also, look for Sound Pressure Level (SPL) - that’s what you’ll actually hear in the room. Ignore Sound Power Level (SWL) unless you’re building a lab.
“If you’re after a cool breeze without the background buzz, go for a split system with inverter tech. Some models are quieter than your fridge.” - Patrick Garner, Head of AC Installations at Heatable
Quietest Air Conditioners in the UK (2025)
Air con that cools like a dream but sounds like a jet? No thanks. Whether you’re trying to sleep, work from home, or avoid passive-aggressive neighbour drama, noise levels matter - a lot.
Here’s a curated list of the quietest air conditioners available in the UK right now, all handpicked from Heatable’s top-rated systems.
These models balance low noise with energy efficiency, smart features, and serious cooling power:
Air Conditioner | Cooling Capacity | Energy Efficiency | Noise Level (Indoor Unit) | Best For | Heatable Verdict | Price (inc installation) |
9,000 BTU (2.6 kW) | A++ | ~20 dB(A) | Best for Small Rooms | Quiet, sleek, and efficient. A great starter model from a trusted brand. | ||
Worcester Bosch Climate 5000m | 12,000 BTU (3.5 kW) | A++ | ~19 dB(A) | Heatable’s All-Rounder | A solid all-rounder. More powerful than the 3000i and just as reliable. | |
Toshiba HAORI Designer Air Conditioning System | 12,000 BTU (3.5 kW) | A++ | ~21dB | Style conscious buyers | Stylish with interchangeable facias; smart features and filtration | |
Samsung WindFree AVANT S2 | 2.0-7.0 kW | A++ | ~21dB | Large rooms needing airflow | Advanced airflow; powerful and smart but expensive (ÂŁ3,500+) |
đź’¤ Whisper-quiet winner: Samsung WindFree AVANT S2
With noise levels as low as 21dB, this is one of the quietest AC units you’ll find in the UK - genuinely quieter than a library.
Ideal for light sleepers, nurseries, or meditation rooms (if that’s your vibe).
Bonus: WindFree™ mode spreads air gently, with zero drafts. See how split systems work.
🛏️ Solid all-rounder: Worcester Bosch Climate 3200i
Affordable, efficient, and reliably quiet at 42dB on its lowest fan setting. It’s a great option for bedrooms or compact living spaces. Backed by Worcester’s trusted name and a tidy A++ rating.
🔇 Low-noise powerhouse: Worcester Bosch Climate 5000m
Quieter than a hushed conversation at just 39dB, this one’s great if you want high performance without high volume.
Perfect for larger bedrooms or open-plan offices where silence is golden.
🛋️ Designer pick: Toshiba HAORI
Blends ultra-quiet operation (~41dB) with premium design.
You can even customise the fabric cover to match your décor. Ideal for anyone who wants their air con to look as good as it performs.
Which Type of Air Conditioner Is Quietest?
When it comes to low-noise cooling, split systems win hands down.
By parking the noisy compressor outside, the indoor unit stays whisper-quiet - some models drop as low as 19–21dB, which is quieter than rustling leaves.
Most also feature inverter tech, which smooths out how the system runs, keeping both temperature and sound consistent.
Perfect for permanent setups in homes where silence matters - think bedrooms, nurseries, or home offices - they do need professional installation and a bit of outdoor space for the condenser.
What About Portables?
Portable air conditioners house everything - compressor included - inside the room. That means more noise.
Expect 42–65dB, depending on the model and fan speed. Some come with eco or night modes, which help tone it down after hours.
They’re ideal for renters, occasional use, or anyone who can’t drill holes in a wall. Just be realistic about the noise trade-off.
Ducted & Window Units: Rare, But Worth Knowing
Ducted systems, hidden in ceilings or lofts, can run super quiet (20–30dB indoors) but cost £5,000+ and aren’t common in UK homes.
Window units, like the Midea U, hover around 49dB but don’t fit neatly into most UK window frames.
Unless you’re in a converted flat or retro property, they’re more faff than they’re worth.
đź› Tips for Keeping Things Quiet
Even the best air con can get noisy if it’s installed badly or running under strain.
Here’s how to keep it hush-hush:
Pick an inverter model – they run smoother and quieter than traditional on/off compressors.
Always get professional installation – dodgy mounts = vibrations = headaches.
Use sleep or eco modes at night to reduce fan speed and sound.
Position units smartly – don’t put them right above beds or workspaces.
Pop portables on a mat – this helps absorb vibrations, especially on hard floors.
Clean filters regularly – every 3–6 months is ideal to stop the fan overworking.
Add soft furnishings – curtains, rugs, or even wall hangings help absorb ambient noise.
Use smart scheduling – cool your room before bed so it’s silent when it matters.
Final Thoughts: Quiet Comfort Is Possible
With UK summers getting toastier (cheers, climate change), cooling down doesn’t have to mean cranking up the volume.
Split systems like the Samsung WindFree AVANT S2 (down to 21dB) or Worcester Bosch Climate 5000m (as low as 39dB) offer ultra-quiet comfort - perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, or anyone sensitive to sound.
If you’re renting, a portable unit like the De’Longhi Pinguino PAC EX100 Silent gets the job done at around 47dB with zero drilling required.
Next Steps For Your AC Journey:
When planning to install air conditioning for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:
To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos.
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