Air conditioning noise
If noise from an air conditioner exceeds the following levels when measured at a neighbour's premises, the owner or operator may be issued with an on-the-spot fine.
| Time | Day | Noise limit |
|---|---|---|
|
7am to 10pm |
Every day |
Noise no louder than five decibels (A) above background noise |
|
10pm to 7am |
Every day |
No more than three decibels (A) above background noise |
In some circumstances, activities and equipment operating within the prescribed levels and times may still be deemed a nuisance when assessed against certain noise criteria. In this situation the responsible person may be issued a Direction Notice.
Exemptions
If a development condition is inconsistent with a noise level detailed in the Environmental Protection Act 1994 the person/company must comply with the development condition. In some cases you may need to comply with requirements imposed by the development condition and the noise levels detailed in the table above.
The noise limits detailed above do not apply if Council has issued an approval for specific equipment or activities under a local law and conditions regarding noise have been placed on the approval.
Ways to reduce noise
To help reduce air conditioning noise, you can:
- limit hours of use
- select a quieter air conditioner
- locate air conditioners as far away as possible from neighbours and away from sensitive areas, such as bedroom windows
- regularly service your equipment - lack of maintenance can cause higher noise levels
- erect a solid fence or barrier
- install an acoustic enclosure
- modify equipment - discuss this option with the manufacturer or installer
