Listen to an air conditioner
How loud is an air conditioner?
An air conditioner is about 60 dB, with a typical range of 50–65 dB. Window unit or indoor split unit at a few metres.
That is about the level of normal conversation.
Can it damage your hearing?
No – 60 dB is well below the 85 dBA level at which prolonged exposure starts to risk hearing damage.
How sound level changes with distance
Decibel figures always depend on distance. For a small source in open air, every doubling of distance lowers the level by about 6 dB; indoors, reflections reduce that drop. Use the sound-vs-distance calculator to estimate the level where you are.
Sounds as loud as an air conditioner
Steady rain heard from outdoors under a roof.50 dBQuiet office
Typical open office with low conversation.50 dBTyping on a keyboard
Mechanical keyboards are louder than laptop keyboards.60 dBDishwasher
Quiet models are rated 40–45 dB; older ones exceed 60 dB.60 dBNormal conversation
Two people talking at about 1 m.60 dBOcean waves on the shore
Standing on the beach; storm surf is much louder.70 dBSnoring
Loud snoring measured near the sleeper can approach 90 dB.70 dBWashing machine
Louder during the spin cycle.
More recordings elsewhere
- Air Conditioner, On Off, A.wav by InspectorJ – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Room Tone Office Building Bathroom Air Conditioner Run by leonelmail – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Air Conditioner ambience_01.wav by ceberation – CC BY 3.0 (freesound)
- Air Conditioner Fan Hum.wav by MATRIXXX_ – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Air Conditioner intake by MattRuthSound – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels is an air conditioner?
About 60 dB, with a typical range of 50–65 dB.
Is an air conditioner louder than a jet engine?
No – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while an air conditioner is about 60 dB.
How are these levels measured?
With a sound level meter, usually A-weighted (dBA) to match human hearing. Published figures depend on distance and conditions, so treat them as typical values.
Sources & credits
- Typical values compiled from CDC, NIOSH and ASHA noise charts
- Air conditioner hum (Gravity Sound) by Gravity Sound – CC BY 4.0
- Air conditioner hum 2 (Gravity Sound) by Gravity Sound – CC BY 4.0