Your Comfort Guide to the Quietest Central Air Conditioners

While having central air conditioning is a great way to stay comfortable in the summer, the noise generated by a droning A/C can be a problem for some people. But buying one of the quietest air conditioning systems on the market can at least help somewhat alleviate the issue.

When deciding on an air conditioner, you have countless models to choose from. Beyond all the technology and features each system has to offer, the excessive sound of the unit can make it annoying to use.

You can retreat from the heat in your own piece of paradise by switching to a quieter machine. But, how do you know which air conditioner to choose?

Continue reading to learn about the various models available and find out if they would suit your space.

See our full guide to the Best Central Air Conditioner Brands & Models here.

Technology that Reduces Noise in Air Conditioners

When looking for the quietest ACs, try upgrading to the new systems that come with noise reduction technology.

For example, the amount of noise an AC makes is measured in decibels; the lower, the better.

Anything between 50-60 decibel rating is the ideal volume for a home or workspace. It compares to the sound of coffee percolating or people having a conversation.

Here are some features you can look out for that help in reducing noise:

• Noise-reducing fan blades
• Variable-speed blower fans
• Compressor insulation and mounts

In addition, the bigger the size of the AC system, the louder it will be, but not much can be done about that.

Single Stage vs Dual-Stage vs Variable-Speed

The difference between these three options is their compressor. A compressor is responsible for compressing the refrigerant so it can turn from a gas into a liquid and transfer heat.

A single-stage system works on one level of operation, which operates at full blast to cool down the space.

However, the dual air conditioner works in two stages:

• High or full blast for sweltering hot days
• Low for cooler days or once the house is cooled

The unit also decreases the noise by switching from full blast to low, depending on the temperature.

Variable-speed systems are the best money can buy, because they can run at gradual power stages. Here are some benefits of a variable-speed system:

• Accurate and consistent cooling
• Energy efficient
• Even temperatures throughout the building
• Advanced humidity control
• Quieter than other systems

You can usually find these systems in air conditioning 18 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) or above.

However, you don’t want to purchase an AC system over 20 SEER in Canada. Although it does get hot and humid during the summer, anything above 20 SEER will have you living/working in an igloo.

The 16 Quietest Air Conditioning Systems on the Market

Now you’re up to date with noise reduction technology. Here are the quietest air conditioning systems on the market:

1. Armstrong Air 4SCU20LX

The Armstrong Air 4SCU20LX is perfect for those warm summer months. It is a variable-speed system, so you will save money on electrical usage, and it is quiet, reliable, and long-lasting!

Efficiency – 20 SEER

Noise range – 65 to 72 decibels

ENERGY STAR® Certification – Yes

Pros:

• Quiet
• Energy efficient
• Even cooling throughout the building
• Long-lasting
• 10-year warranty

Cons:

• Installation
• Cost

Best For:

Climates that are extremely hot and humid.

2. Coleman Echelon™ Split System Air Conditioner – AC21

The Coleman Echelon™ is a premium system that will work like a dream and is extremely quiet and efficient.

Efficiency – 20 SEER

Noise range – 53 to 74 decibels

ENERGY STAR® Certified – Yes

Pros:

• Quiet
• Climate Connect technology
• Charge View technology
• Easy to use
• Energy efficient
• Durable
• Variable-speed model

Cons:

• It costs between $4000- $5400 to install

Best For:

Its new Climate Connect technology can optimize the system to work in any climate.

3. Comfortmaker Soft Sound Deluxe CVA9

The Comfortmaker Soft Sound Deluxe is one of the quietest air conditioning systems on the market. It’s also affordable, energy-efficient and sustainable.

Efficiency – 19 SEER

Noise range – 56 to 56 decibels

ENERGY STAR® Certification – Yes

Pros:

• Energy efficient
• Quiet
• Variable-speed model
• SmarSense technology
• Compatible with communicating systems like your phone or PC

Cons:

• It costs between $4500 – $5500+ to install

Best For:

The Comfortmaker CVA9 is best for humid and hot climates.

3. Daikin Fit DX17VS

Daikin is one of the leading brands in the air conditioning world and has just bought Goodman with the idea of revamping the brand.

This system works on an inverter-type compressor instead of a rotary one, which gives it the edge over competitors.

Efficiency: Up to 18 SEER

Noise range: 55-74 decibel rating

ENERGY STAR® Certification – Yes

Pros:

• Quiet
• Inverter technology
• Reliable
• Durable
• Wifi thermostat

Cons:

• Hard to find contractors who install the system
• Low efficiency for warmer climates

However, this should not be a factor for Canadians, as the efficiency is perfect for the summer climate.

Best For:

Smaller spaces, as the unit is very compact. Also, it is a good choice if you want a long-lasting unit that won’t need many repairs.

4. Heil QuietComfort Deluxe 19 HVA9 Air Conditioner

If you are looking for a quiet, efficient, and trustworthy air conditioner, then you can’t go wrong with the Heil QuietComfort Deluxe.

Heil is the parent company of Bryant and Carrier, so you know you are in good hands, and it will be affordable.

Efficiency: 19 SEER

Noise range: 56-56 decibels

ENERGY STAR® Certification – Yes

Pros:

• Quiet
• Energy Efficient
• Wifi thermostat and app
• 10-year warranty on the compressor or coil
• Value for money
• Corrosion-resistant

Cons:

• Costs between $5000-$7500+ to install
• No exclusive features

Best For:

As it has a variable-speed compressor, it is suitable for any climate.

5. Luxaire Acclimate™ Split System Air Conditioner

You can condition Luxaire Acclimate systems to service any room in any climate. It’s called Climate Sync, and it’s here to take over the industry.

Efficiency – 20 SEER

Noise range – 53 to 74 decibels

ENERGY STAR® Certification – Yes

Pros:

• Quiet
• Climate Sync technology
• Charge Smart technology
• Silent drive technology
• Energy efficient
• Even cooling throughout the building
• Durable
• Competitive price

Cons:

• It needs more innovative features

Best For:

Any climate, environment and space.

6. KeepRite CVA9

KeepRite has come out with one of Canada’s quietest air conditioner systems, the CVA9. They have been a trusted brand for over 50 years, and their history speaks for itself.

Efficiency – 19 SEER

Noise range – 56 to 56 decibels

ENERGY STAR® Certification – Yes

Pros:

• Quiet
• Affordable
• SmartSense technology
• It comes in single-stage, dual-stage, and variable-speed
• Long-lasting
• Economical

Cons:

• A limited selection of features

Best For:

Climates that are extremely hot and humid.

7. Ruud UA20

Ruud is known for its high-efficient central air conditioners. They have been in business for over 100 years, so they know what they are doing.

Efficiency – 20.5 SEER

Noise range – 54 to 76 decibels

ENERGY STAR® Certification – Yes

Pros:

• Quiet
• Energy efficient
• Durable
• Variable-speed compressor
• Can pair with your smart home
• Econet™

Cons:

• It costs between $3500-$7500 to install

Best For:

Due to its innovative features, this system is perfect for any climate.

8. TempStar TVA9

This premium system is a good choice. It is budget-friendly, quiet, trustworthy, and has many excellent features.

If you want a long-lasting and reliable air condition unit, the TempStar TVA9 won’t disappoint.

Efficiency – 19 SEER

Noise range – 56 to 56 decibels

ENERGY STAR® Certification – Yes

Pros:

• Quiet
• Variable-speed compressor with five stages
• Corrosion and weather resistant
• Energy efficient
• You can pair it with a communication system

Cons:

• Cost

Best For:

Great for any climate due to its variable-speed compressor.

9. Goodman GSXC18

Goodman had a great reputation for affordable systems with longer warranties.

However, Daikin took over Goodman in 2012 and improved its quality. But, because the quality is better, they increased the price and shortened the warranties.

Efficiency: 19 SEER

Noise range: 68-74

ENERGY STAR® Certification – Yes

Pros:

• Still affordable
• High-quality
• Good Value
• Quiet
• Reliable
• Energy-efficient
• ComfortBridge technology
• Easy installation

Cons:

• It costs between $4500 – $5500+ to install.

Best For:

Hot and humid climates.

10. York Affinity Series – YXV

York is owned by Johnson Controls, which also owns Luxaire and Coleman. That’s why these three brands sell the same air conditioning systems. However, each brand has different pricing.

Efficiency – 21 SEER

Noise range – 53 to 74 decibels

ENERGY STAR® Certification – Yes

Pros:

• Quiet thanks to the QuietDrive™ feature
• Energy efficient
• Variable-speed compressor
• Long-lasting
• Faster installation with its Charge Assurance™ feature
• It has a Climate Set feature to customise cooling

Cons:

• Costs between $4500 – $5500+ to install

Best For:

Great for all climates thanks to its Climate Set feature.

11. Amana AXC18

Amana falls under the same group as Goodman. However, Daiken took it over in 2012, and they have made some significant changes to the brand.

Efficiency – 19 SEER

Noise range – 68 to 74 decibels

ENERGY STAR® Certification – Yes

Pros:

• Quiet
• Two-stage compressor
• Energy-efficient
• Long-lasting
• Compatible with a communication system for remote access.

Cons:

• It costs between $5000 – $6000 to install

Best For:

Perfect for hot and humid climates.

12. Bryant Evolution Series 189BNV

The 189BNV Evolution Series is Bryant’s only variable-speed AC unit in the entire line. It is quiet and efficient.

It’s hard to fault this system, as it runs like a dream and is highly energy-efficient. You will be saving a lot on those high electricity bills with this unit.

Efficiency – 19 SEER

Noise range – 56 to 70 decibels

ENERGY STAR® Certification – Yes

Pros:

• Ultra-quiet
• Energy efficient
• Variable-speed compressor
• Long-lasting
• Touchscreen thermostat
• Compact for small spaces

Cons:

• It costs between $5000 – $7500+ to install

Best For:

Thanks to its variable-speed compressor, it is suitable for any climate.

13. Rheem Prestige Series: Variable Speed (RA20)

The Rheem Prestige Series (RA20) is an energy-efficient system that will help you keep your electric bills low.

The system boasts PlusOne™ features with a minimum of 20 SEER, making it an economical choice.

Efficiency – Up to 20.5 SEER

Noise range – 54 to 76 decibels

ENERGY STAR® Certification – Yes

Pros:

• Ultra-quiet
• Variable-speed compressor
• PlusOne™ technologies for easy maintenance
• Modulating technology for better temperature control
• Fan orifice stimulates airflow efficiency while reducing noise

Cons:

• It costs between $5000 – $7500+ to install

Best For:

Thanks to innovative features, this unit will suit any climate but is best suited for very hot temperatures.

14. Trane XL16i

The system has a single-stage compressor, so whenever it turns on, it runs at 100% capacity.

The Trane XL16i has one of the best warranties of any central air conditioner on the market. The parts come with a ten-year warranty, while the compressor has a 12-year warranty.

Efficiency – 18 SEER

Noise range – 69 to 74 decibels

ENERGY STAR® Certification – Yes

Pros:

• Ultra-quiet
• High rebate eligibility
• Long-lasting
• Protection from corrosion and elements
• Single-stage compressor

Cons:

• A low SEER rating, but is perfect for Canadian climates

Best For:

Moderate summers, the climate must not be too hot.

15. Napoleon 16 SEER Central Air Conditioner

The Napolean 16 SEER central air conditioner is eco-friendly thanks to its innovative features and design.

In addition, it comes with a ten-year compressor and parts warranty, proving it was built to last.

Efficiency – 16 SEER

Noise range – As low as 74 decibels

ENERGY STAR® Certification – Yes

Pros:

• Quiet due to its WHISPER QUIET™ feature
• Efficient scroll compressor
• Single-stage compressor
• Innovative features for easy maintenance and service
• Eco-friendly due to refrigerants that don’t deplete the ozone layer

Cons:

• Single-stage compressor operates at 100% capacity when turned on

Best For:

Better suited for moderate summers that don’t get too hot, making it perfect for the Canadian climate.

16. Lennox Elite Series EXC20

The Lennox Elite Series EXC20 is a variable-speed model that has shockingly accurate temperature control capabilities.

It includes a sound-reducing installation system around the compressor, ensuring quiet operation.

Efficiency – 20 SEER

Noise range – 65 to 74 decibels

ENERGY STAR® Certification – Yes

Pros:

• Quiet
• Variable-speed compressor
• Allows easy access for maintenance and repairs
• Durable and reliable
• Compatible with Lennox’s smart thermostat

Cons:

• It costs between $5000 – $7500+ to install

Best For:

Due to its variable-speed compressor, this unit is suited to any climate.

Get a Quiet Central Air Conditioner System This Summer

With all the fantastic brands available, it will be hard to pick a favourite. But we are here to help.

Browse through our helpful central air conditioner guide to find everything you need to make an informed decision.

So, remove those noise-cancelling headphones; you won’t need them after purchasing one of the quietest air conditioning systems.