Mini-Split Ac systems: how noisy?

If anyone here has a "ductless" mini-split type AC system and a sound level meter, could you fire up your system and take a reading from about 6 ft away? This info, plus the details of yr system would be very helpful. thanks Philip Perkins

It's really going to depend on the make and model, one factor being the size. The information you are seeking is probably available in the manufacturers' specifications. I recall seeing indoor unit loudness levels as low as 26 db(A) on the smallest Mitsubishi unit at the lowest fan speed setting a couple of years ago when I was doing my research. So, are you considering ditching your "DIY 'cheap-o' AC system"? --Keith :mrgreen:

sharward wrote:

It's really going to depend on the make and model, one factor being the size. The information you are seeking is probably available in the manufacturers' specifications. I recall seeing indoor unit loudness levels as low as 26 db(A) on the smallest Mitsubishi unit at the lowest fan speed setting a couple of years ago when I was doing my research. So, are you considering ditching your "DIY 'cheap-o' AC system"? --Keith :mrgreen:

Well, I can't "ditch" it exactly since we built a room onto the side of the studio for it as a permanent structure. But we are considering options, since we have had no love from it as yet, and the mini splits seeme to be a lot cheaper than I remembered from a few years back. Philip Perkins

That's an interesting point about the chiller room concept: it might be cheaper equipment-wise than a mini-split, but what of the value of the square footage lost in the process? :roll: I hope to have my mini-split operating in the next couple of weeks. --Keith :mrgreen:

sharward wrote:

That's an interesting point about the chiller room concept: it might be cheaper equipment-wise than a mini-split, but what of the value of the square footage lost in the process? :roll: I hope to have my mini-split operating in the next couple of weeks. --Keith :mrgreen:

Please post how it ends up working for you--esp if you can find a cooling/fan speed level that is liviablewhile mixing. Philip Perkins

No mixing here... Just rehearsing and jamming. Also, it will probably be months before I'll really know how well it works as I haven't even gotten to insulating or drywalling the room yet.

sharward wrote:

No mixing here... Just rehearsing and jamming. Also, it will probably be months before I'll really know how well it works as I haven't even gotten to insulating or drywalling the room yet.

For that the minisplit should be great, and way easier and cheaper to do than where I'm at. Philip Perkins

FYI, we've been using mini-split ductless systems by Hitachi 1.5 horse power. We have measured the air handler (indoor) unit's noise as going from 36 to 40 dB, with the sweep/oscillator on. We use a Radio Shacke sound level meter. Our control room's total noise is 42 to 45 dB (with the computers and other equipment turned on).