AC noise

[HeavyAssault]

Anyone able to give a comparison between the newer ducted AC and older styled AC units?

I was able to get into a dealer to look over a new Classic. I was a little surprised with what I felt was noise from the ducted AC. It's not a whisper to my ears even with tinnitus.

[millcreek08]

We don't think the ducted system is any quieter but we run the rear when we are awake and front to sleep. If we need both at night I guess it will be like our 05!

[Msmoto]

I am totally baffled by someone experiencing the ducted HVAC on the new AS and not recognizing it is putting out only about 10% of the noise of the old units. My previous unit was a 2009 27FB Int Ocean Breeze, and the AC was very noisy. My new Serenity is much quieter.

The next time I am with other AS at a rally, I will measure the difference in dB.


Ms. Tommie Lauer
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[moosetags]

Ditto. We had a 2012 23FB. When the air conditioner was running it was like being on a carrier deck while planes were being launched. The television was not loud enough to be heard over the air conditioner.

We bought a 2015 25FB. The ducted air is a significanr improvement in the noise department.

We had a 2005 25FB. Those older a/c units were much quieter that the newer ones due to the new refrigerant being used.

Brian

[BAB]

There is NO comparison to unducted air. We just got back from a long weekend on the Outer Banks...and used the A/C one day and the HP the next. My '12 28' Intl CCD was so loud that you could not hear the TV without turning the volume WAY up. Not so with the Classic. Yes, you do hear a low rumble - but it is barely an issue. If someone has a noisy rooftop unit with ducted air you probably should get it checked out....because it is all the difference in the world. Seriously.

[HeavyAssault]

Let me clarify the concern: It's not with the AC unit itself having a high sound level but the air flow sound level thru the ducted system. Compare this to the older style AC setup airflow sound level.


I was concerned since I haven't experienced an older model AS with the standard setups. I have found a '11 Classic 34' that I really like and wanted to be sure of what I was getting myself into with the non-ducted sound level.

I was able to "test live" a Classic 30' with a running ducted AC. I didn't find it objectionable but there was discernible sound from the flow of air. Not necessarily the AC unit itself making the sound.

I wish I didn't have the tinnitus but that's how it goes sometimes. I do appreciate those who have shared their first hand experiences. A little background sound doesn't kill me by any means. Due to the current availability of '15 Classics I may just wait a bit more. I know there are a few out there on the streets, I just need a great price.

Thanks to all who responded.

[Msmoto]

OK, as one who experiences intermittant tinnitus loud enough to wake the dead, maybe that is why my ducted air is so quiet.....

[ratchet]

Make sure you measure it in dB(A). Also note measurements of where you place the microphone.