Sounds reaching the ears are the result of changes in air pressure, causing the eardrums to vibrate. The degree of sound pressure is indicated in decibels (dB) and determines the levels of noise that are comfortable for the ears. For example, the maximum permissible noise level according to sanitary standards should not exceed 45 dB at night (from 22 to 8 hours) and 55 dB during the day (from 8 to 22 hours). When using sound level meters to assess the volume of household appliances and power tools, the sound pressure level is measured in acoustic decibels (dBA).

10-20 dB

So, the least noisy is the domestic climatic equipment: decentralized recuperation systems ( breathers) and inverter air conditioners in a quiet night blowing mode. The noise from their work does not exceed 20 dB, which is comparable to the quiet rustle of leaves on trees or human breathing. Often this is covered by the crunch of the plastic case of the air conditioner in no-name models from the Middle Kingdom, etc.

Quiet Inverter Air Conditioners

20-30 dB

Split systems with non-inverter control emit noise in the range from 20 to 30 dB. In this case, we are talking about indoor units of air conditioning systems. Inverter split systems make about the same noise in normal blowing modes and computer coolers at low fan speeds. At a volume of about 30 dB, many wall clocks “tick”, you can compare it with a human whisper. In reality, this category can be divided into two more subcamps: up to 25 dB (weakly audible moments) and over 26 dB (clearly audible background noise).

30-40 dB

Refrigerators with a newfangled inverter drive and dishwashers fit into the sound pressure range from 30 to 40 dB. This corresponds to the loudness of human speech in muted tones. Of course, powerful refrigeration units can be many times noisier, but for small studio apartments with a single space, quiet inverter models are better suited. We will talk more about whether the inverter motor decides below.

Quiet dishwashers

40-50 dB

In the range of 40-50 dB, dehumidifiers and humidifiers, refrigerators and freezers with a traditional drive, powerful laptops and PC system units under load make noise. If you turn up the heat in games and demanding applications, some computers “take off” and become many times noisier than usual. In terms of volume, this is a normal conversation between two people.

50-60 dB

Sewing machines, kitchen hoods, external units of air conditioners and washing machines(only in washing mode) fall within the scope of sound pressure of 50-60 dB. Parallels in this case are drawn with the conversation of a group of people or the flushing of water in the toilet.

Interesting fact. The indoor equipment of air conditioning systems is rightfully considered one of the quietest in the category of household appliances. However, the outdoor unit of air conditioners works quite loudly. The rumble from it can be heard from the street through a closed window, and the vibrations can be transmitted along the wall.

60-70 dB

When watching movies and TV shows at an average volume level, a conventional TV produces a noise level of 60-70 dB. Loud conversation sounds the same in everyday life. An atmosphere similar in terms of sound pressure level is observed in a typical office.

70-80 dB

Vacuum cleaners make noise akin to screaming or laughing from a distance of 1 m, as well as talking in raised tones. Moreover, they used to be even louder, but thanks to the optimization of the engines and the introduction of new filtering systems, vacuum cleaners continue to emit a sound pressure level of 70 to 80 dB.

80-90 dB

The loudest of household appliances are washers in the spin mode and all kinds of kitchen appliances for grinding food: blenders, food processors, coffee grinders, etc. In terms of noise level, they are equated to a motorcycle passing by or a loud scream.

90-100 dB

Finally, we left the most delicious - everyone's adored neighbor with a perforator. While he is hammering another hole in the wall, you can feel like you are in a subway car or imagine peals of thunder - in terms of volume, the sounds from the work of a perforator will be identical to the above examples. Also, at a level of up to 100 dB, the lawn mower makes noise.

You can visually assess the differences between different noise levels of household appliances in the infographic:

Noise levels of household appliances. Infographics.

According to sanitary standards, the entire cavalry of household appliances is divided into 5 large groups according to the level of noise:

  • Up to 40 dB - round-the-clock operation of such devices in residential premises is allowed.
  • Up to 55 dB - equipment with an eye for round-the-clock use in auxiliary non-residential premises (for example, in the kitchen).
  • Up to 75 dB - products for the mechanization of household and kitchen work, operated from 1 to 6 hours during the day.
  • Up to 85 dB - devices that turn on for less than 1 hour.
  • Over 90 dB - especially noisy industrial and household equipment; its prolonged use is expected with hearing protection.
Groups of household appliances by noise level and duration of operation during the day.

Does the inverter motor solve?

Ceteris paribus , it is preferable in terms of low-noise operation that inverter-controlled equipment. You can read more about it in the article "Inverter drive in household appliances: what is it, pros and cons".

The key advantage of any inverter motor compared to a traditional motor is quieter operation. As a bonus, the user receives energy savings and the durability of the components of such equipment. It is advisable to give preference to refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers with an inverter drive, provided that the silent and economical operation of the arsenal of home appliances is a priority, and the financial side of the issue is relegated a little to the background.

The inverter motor in household appliances really decides!

When choosing the same refrigerator with a low noise level, consider whether this parameter is so important. It's one thing if he stands in the kitchen behind a closed door, and quite another - when the food storage is supposed to be located in a tiny smart apartment, where you can hear absolutely everything that happens. The situation is similar with washing machines, and with drying units, and with split systems.

Good to know. To reduce noise, air conditioners are usually provided with a quiet night mode. Also, the quality of plastic in the materials of manufacture of the room module can affect the noise level of the indoor unit of a home split system - with temperature changes, plastic of a mediocre level creaks, crunches or clicks loudly. In general, you can choose a quiet air conditioner using the corresponding “decibel” filters in the catalog section of the same name.
Inverter Washing Machines

The pledge of low noise

A skewed refrigerator, in which all the legs are not firmly touching the floor, will buzz louder than usual. And an incorrectly installed washing machine can even “go on a journey” through the bathroom during the spin procedure. Of course, even the neighbors will hear the jumping washing machine. The placement of such equipment must be approached responsibly.

Proper installation and reliable fixation is the key to silent operation of household appliances.

Extraneous noise, growling and uncharacteristic vibrations also indicate possible malfunctions of household appliances. When identifying atypical sounds, it is necessary to call the involved specialists, and it is not worth postponing their visit "for later" - in the early stages, repairing many units will be cheaper.

Quiet and durable work to the arsenal of your household appliances!