An air conditioner is a must-have appliance in an RV. We all desire to control our home’s environment for the best comfort and relaxation. However, with the small space within the trailer, the AC’s noise level is a crucial factor to consider.
You don’t want to be kept awake by the rumbling of your air conditioner.
When looking for a quiet AC, it’s essential to consider extra features.
Some vital AC considerations include remote control, size, weight, portability, and sleep timer. You’ll want to get your money’s worth when purchasing an AC.
With all these in mind, this article provides a detailed guide on the best quiet RV air conditioners.
We’ll help you choose the best AC that meets your needs perfectly. Here are the best ACs that provide comfortable temperatures in peace and tranquility.
1. Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner
Weighing 74 pounds, this AC is a lightweight and quiet rooftop model. The minimal weight is due to its EPP foam housing, which also improves cooling performance. Its intelligent design makes the AC among the best rooftop RV air conditioners.
It is easy to install and maintain.
The Dometic Brisk AC offers two options for cooling – 13,500 BTU and 15,000 BTU.
Amazingly, the two have exact weights and sizes. Respectively, their power needs are 1,670 and 1,725 watts.
- The AC is tested in extreme weather and unusual road conditions to ensure optimum performance and reliability.
- The company boasts that the Dometic Brisk was designed for NASA’s lunar electric rover.
- With proven reliability and durability and robust components such as its carbon steel base, you can trust that this AC will provide service for a long time.
- The design of the AC takes great care to ensure a quieter operation.
- The compressor and motor are bracketed together, and the AC uses dual rubber brushings to minimize vibrations and noise.
The AC offers multispeed settings, so you can choose the cooling and heating blower speeds that are best for you.
Another advantage of this air conditioner is its ducted or non-ducted installation features.
So, the Brisk II will meet your specific needs. Robust, quiet, lightweight, and environmentally friendly, the Brisk II won’t let you down.
Although it doesn’t have an official noise rating, most customer reviews show that the AC is somewhat quiet but not like other air conditioners on this list. Also, the AC doesn’t have a remote control.
Technical Details
- Manufacturer: Dometic
- Item Weight: 74 pounds
- Noise Level: Not rated
- Product Dimensions: 29.18 x 27.23 x 12.7 inches
- Capacity: 280 Cubic Feet
- Cooling Power: 13,500 or 15000 BTU
- Special Features: Rooftop
- Voltage: 115 Volts
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Warranty: two years
2. Black+Decker Portable Air Conditioner
The Black+Decker, a portable and compact AC, is perfect for a quiet RV air conditioner. At 53 pounds, the decker is light; thus, you can easily move around. Also, the AC is compact and energy-efficient, making it a great choice for your cooling needs.
The manufacturer recommends it is an ideal cooling appliance for rooms less than 250 square feet.
- The AC is pretty quiet, with a rating of 54dB. It has a sleep setting that makes it extra quiet while you sleep. Also, the adjustable fan speeds mean you can choose the correct setting for you.
- It is perfect for warm summer holidays.
- The air conditioner boasts numerous cooling ratings, with the lowest being 800 BTU and the maximum rating at 14,000 BTU. The AC is a floor-standing portable AC unit that is easily installed.
Just wheel the AC to any room, attach the exhaust hose and window adapter, and plug it in. Quick and easy, right?
You can select the temperature and fan speed with remote control and then enjoy a cool and quiet summer. An LED display shows the temperature and also has a 24-hour timer. The AC comes with a dehumidifier and an air filter, important features to your trailer. Cleaning the filter is straightforward; just slide it out, rinse it with water, and put it back.
The main drawback to some users is its top-mounted vents. So, if you need air to blow directly to your face, you’re at a disadvantage.
Technical details
- Brand: Black+Decker
- Item Weight: 52.9 lbs. for the 8,000 BTU to 68.3 lbs for the 14,000 BTU
- Noise Level: 54 dB
- Cooling Power: 8,000 BTU, 10,000 BTU, 12,000 BTU, 14,000 BTU
- Product Dimensions: 16.5 x 26 x 11.7 inches
- Special Feature: Remote Control and Portable
- Floor Area: 250 Square Feet
- Voltage: 115 Volts
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Warranty: one year and five years for the compressor.
3. De’Longhi Portable Air Conditioner
If you want an effective, compact, portable, and quiet RV air conditioner, the De’Longhi is another great pick. It is easily maneuverable and provides ideal comfort through energy-efficient cooling to rooms up to 600 square feet.
The portable AC comes with durable castor wheels and side handles so you can easily move around the unit to where you need it.
With a noise rating of 52dB, this AC is among the most silent air conditioners, making it a great choice if you are easily irritated by noise.
The AC’s whisper setting makes the De’Longhi a suitable option if you desire to enjoy quiet nights.
The AC features a 3-1 function with air ventilation, dehumidification, and fan-only function. It offers airflow control to select the best configuration for maximum comfort. Setting it up is easy, and you only need 5 minutes.
Attach the window bracket and exhaust hose, and plug the AC into an electrical outlet; then, using a remote control, set your desired temperature, fan speed, and airflow mode.
The AC’s maintenance is easy too. The air filters are easily accessible and washable. These features make the De’Longhi an ideal and quiet RV air conditioner.
Technical details
- Brand: De’Longhi
- Item Weight: 72.1 lbs.
- Noise Level: 52 dB
- Cooling Power: 14,000 BTU
- Product Dimensions: 14 x 16.25 x 31.5 inches
- Special Feature: Remote Control and Portable
- Floor Area: 600 Square Feet
- Voltage: 115 Volts
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Warranty: 1 year
4. Furrion FACR14SA-PS RV Air Conditioner
The Furrion is a roof-mounted RV air conditioner offering a 3-fan speed setting. With a 14,500 BTU rating, the AC is ideal for most trailers. Even with remote control, you must manually adjust the speed setting.
The AC features a VibrationSmart unit, a technology that dampens the vibrations within the system. This feature and the dual fan technology lowers operating noise to 62 dB.
The sleep mode setting allows the AC to operate even quieter while you sleep. The ultra-quiet nature and improved efficiency make the AC great for RV.
The manufacturer boasts that Furrion has 40% more efficiency (EER) than competitive brands, making it more environmentally friendly. The unit is easy to install, upgrade existing systems, and maintain with easily cleanable and replaceable air filters.
The AC can fit into both the ducted and non-ducted cooling systems.
It can be used in extreme weather conditions and still provide efficient cooling with stable temperature controls. The unit’s aerodynamic design provides better airflow, and its UV coating offers durability.
Technical details
- Manufacturer: Furrion
- Item Weight: 88.2 lbs.
- Noise Level: 62dB
- Cooling Power: 14,500 BTU
- Product Dimensions: 35 x 28 x 14 inches
- Special Feature: Rooftop and Remote Control
- Voltage: 115 Volts
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Warranty: 2 years
5. Atwood 15027 Ducted A/C unit
This ducted Atwood AC unit has an equivalent non-ducted 15026 unit, so you can consider it if your RV has a non-ducted air conditioner system. The Atwood 15027 impressive 16,000 BTU will efficiently and quickly cool most RVs.
With a remote-control feature, you can select your desired temperature and fan speed. Featuring a low-speed setting, the unit makes minimal noise. Although it doesn’t have a noise rating, most users praise the AC for being ultra-quiet.
The manufacturer says it’s 2X quieter than most competition.
The AC features a sleep timer so that you can enjoy your sleep. Its innovative design with a separate condenser and blower fan motor ensures it runs more quietly. The condenser fan runs at a constant speed regardless of the blower fan speed.
However, the fan runs all the time, even when the condenser is turned off, which can be annoying.
Technical details
- Manufacturer: Atwood
- Item Weight: 84 lbs.
- Noise Level: Not rated
- Cooling Power: 16,000 BTU
- Product Dimensions: 21.82 x 15.6 x 6.36 inches
- Special Feature: Rooftop and Remote Control
- Power Source: Air Powered
- Warranty: 2 years
6. Low-Profile Coleman-Mach 10 Plus Air Conditioner
The Coleman-Mach provides a quiet comfort while also providing ideal heating and cooling. With this AC, you’ll enjoy a cool interior within your trailer with minimal AC distractions. Coleman designed Mach 10 critically with noise reduction in mind.
The company fails to provide the operational noise reduction methods they employ to make Mach 10. However, numerous positive reviews praise this AC for its quiet operation and efficient cooling.
This rooftop AC comes with ducted and non-ducted installation features. However, it doesn’t provide many accessories due to its modest and low-profile nature.
Technical Details
- Manufacturer: Coleman-Mach
- Item Weight: 82 lbs.
- Noise level: Not rated
- Cooling Power: 13500 BTU
- Package Dimensions: 38 x 26.2 x 11.8 inches
- Special Features: Rooftop and Remote Control
- Power Source: Air Powered
- Warranty: 2 years
How Many Decibels is a Quiet AC
The AC’s decibels (dB) rating is a vital factor to consider before purchasing one. Different air conditioners have varying noise ranges depending on their design and cooling power.
Typically, the higher the cooling capacity, the bigger and louder the condenser will get. Special technologies, including rubber dampeners, can help reduce the noise.
Most residential air conditioners operate in the 72-82 dB range. However, most people find 65 dB moderately irritating, and the frustration compounds when in a smaller space like an RV.
The lowest an AC unit can get is usually between 50 and 60 dB. This will be your range if you’re looking for a quiet air conditioner.
To help you understand and have a reference for the different noise levels:
50 dB – a normal conversation
60 dB – Loud conversation within a crowd
70 dB – Vacuum cleaner or washing machine
80 dB – Garbage disposal
So, an AC unit with less than 60 dB is ideal for most people.
How to Reduce AC Noise in RV
A noisy AC unit can disrupt your comfort in the RV. Luckily, there are a few proven ways to dampen the noise of your air conditioner so you can enjoy a quieter vacation.
A noisy unit could result from loose parts that vibrate. It’s essential to tighten all screws and nuts and fasten any rattling connections. Refer to your AC’s manual to learn how to open the unit and safely diagnose any loose fittings.
Be extra careful to avoid damaging the AC and voiding its warranty.
If self-diagnosing feels like a difficult and tedious task, schedule an inspection. The technician will assess any issues within your AC, such as faulty and damaged motor blades, damaged compressors, or loose and damaged screws and clips. After a thorough examination, the technician should determine most issues and recommend a solution.
Also, check the rubber gasket. The rubber between the air conditioner and the RV’s roof dampens most noise. Over time, it deteriorates and fails to eliminate noise and vibrations efficiently. Replacing the damaged rubber gasket can help reduce AC noises.
You can also try an AC silencer. One essential component is a compressor blanket. It is specifically designed for noisy air conditioners assisting in dampening the compressor sounds.
Have a qualified AC technician install one on your unit.
Quality soundproofing technologies can effectively dampen AC noise by 10 dB. Insulate your AC ducts with cotton silencers. They are easy to install, so you can do it yourself.
Lastly, consider replacing your old AC. Newer and modern ACs are more efficient and quieter than their older counterparts. To maximize efficiency, install the right air conditioner size to your RV.
An AC technician can recommend the best AC for your needs, avoiding situations where you have a loud and highly powered AC that you don’t really need.
Bottom Line
Background noise from an RV air conditioner is a significant disadvantage, hence the need for a quiet AC. Choosing the ideal silent air conditioner can make your vacations more pleasurable and memorable by providing a relaxing atmosphere.
It is a wise investment, so follow our considerations to make the right choice for your needs.
