Central Air Conditioning

[Genesee Hill]

Kootch:

On a regular heat pump, those with the large outdoor compressors, as well as the mini-splits, the refigeration inspector for the City of Seattle has to approve the noise level. My understanding is, if there is any doubt about the noise level exceeding 45 decibels at the property line, they measure the Db level.

Kootch, I should emphasize that almost ALL outdoor compressors exceed 45 decibels, particularly the NON mini-splits. You simply could not pass the test (on a large heat pump) if it was 10 feet or so from the property line.

The great thing about the mini-splits is they run at just a little over 45 decibels. One could mount one on the roof of a house 10 feet or so from the property line. The sound level diminishes enough to be acceptable.

Bottom line:

The large heat pumps that use existing, or new, duct work, in the house are much noisier than mini-splits. The City of Seattle DOES NOT accept the manufacturer’s Db level. As stated earlier, if the inspector has doubt, they will measure the noise level at the property line! Honestly, the large two-ton, and over, compressors are SIGNIFICANTLY over 45 Db. IF THERE IS DOUBT, they measure the sound level. If it is excessive they require a sound barrier to be constructed to bring it into compliance. If it cannot be brought to code, it will not pass the inspection!

I have had two heat pumps pass inspection in the last seven months. A mini and a regular one. Believe me, I WAS SWEATING BULLETS ABOUT THEM PASSING INSPECTION, as they are very expensive.

Do your homework BEFORE installing them. This will help you avoid SLEEPLESS nights!

I have had extensive talks with City of Seattle Noise Abatement Specialists about these. The mini-splits are, by far, the most quiet!

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[KittyCat]

Hope it is not against the rule to revive old thread :)

Hi everyone, I am also living in a condo and after reading this thread I was concerned about restrictions for installing a mini split so i called the City and wanted to share the information I received.

What I was told was they rarely have any issue with mini split. And the noise measurement is measured from our property (the entire building) to the next property, instead of from our unit to our neighbor units in the same building. He basically told me i would have no issue.

Genesee Hill, I am looking into installing a York mini split heat pump. Am very insterested to knwo how are you liking yours so far?

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[Genesee Hill]

Hi KittyCat,

I have a York heat pump (for the main house) that replaced the oil burner. I am totally happy with it. No issues with it. Very efficient.

The mini-split ductless heat pump was installed on a new addition. It is a Mitsubishi. Absolutely flawless performance. Cools super quick and is mind-boggling efficient for heat and cooling. I just turned it on ten minutes ago. The ductless system is the way to go.

The City of Seattle has to approve all installations for noise issues. The mini-splits are easier to get approval for because they do not have the huge outdoor compressor. Don’t sign a contract with a HVAC company until you know the unit(s) will pass City of Seattle inspection.

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