How much noise does a mobile air conditioner make?

Thijs7 JULY 2025

Content

How many decibels of noise is a mobile air conditioner allowed to make?
The amount of decibel for different mobile air conditioners
Why does my mobile air conditioner make so much noise?
What do you do if your aircon makes a rattling or bubbling noise?
How can you make a mobile air conditioner quieter?
Can you choose a silent mobile air conditioner?
Is there a quieter alternative for a mobile air conditioner?
Our advice on the noise level of your mobile air conditioner
FAQ

Bright room with a chair by a window, a table with plants, a floor plant, and a portable AC unit.

A mobile air conditioner – or portable air conditioner – is a smaller, movable unit in which the compressor and fan are housed in a single casing. Mobile air conditioners are very convenient on hot summer days and can cool large rooms effectively, but they can sometimes be louder than expected. In this article, you'll learn everything about mobile air conditioners, how to reduce their noise, and some alternative cooling options.

How many decibels of noise is a mobile air conditioner allowed to make?

A person in bed controls a Dyson fan with a remote, next to a glass of water on a small table.

A mobile air conditioner typically has a noise level of 50 decibels or more. That’s roughly as loud as a normal conversation. Depending on the power and model, the noise produced by mobile air conditioners can range from very quiet to quite loud. In addition to mobile air conditioners, there are also split-unit air conditioners. These systems consist of both an indoor and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit usually produces between 20 and 45 decibels, while the outdoor unit ranges from 40 to 60 decibels. This makes split-unit air conditioners significantly quieter than mobile air conditioners – ideal if you want to place one in your bedroom but have trouble sleeping with background noise.

Hoe werkt een mobiele airco?

The amount of decibel for different mobile air conditioners

Mobile air conditioners come with different noise levels depending on the model. This overview, with helpful comparisons, will help you choose the air conditioner that suits you best.

Property name	Amount of decibel	Comparable with
Very quiet	< 50 dB	Fridge
Quiet	50-55 dB	Rain
Average	56-65 dB	Normal conversation
Loud	66-70 dB	Washing machine
Very loud	> 70 dB	Vacuum cleaner

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Why does my mobile air conditioner make so much noise?

A Domo air purifier is in front of a grey sofa with yellow blanket and plants, in a bright modern living room.

A mobile air conditioner is louder than a split-unit air conditioner because the compressor (which produces cold air) and the fan (which circulates cold air) are housed in a single unit. With a split-unit system, one unit is installed indoors and the other outdoors. In addition, other factors can make mobile air conditioners louder:

Dust or dirt: dust or dirt build-up inside the air conditioner can cause buzzing or rattling noises.
Loose parts: loose components in the unit can create rattling or banging sounds.

A woman pushes a Duux air conditioner in a modern room with an orange wall and light flooring.

Uneven surface: if the air conditioner isn’t placed on an even surface, for example on a slope, it may cause vibrations.
Dirty filters: clogged filters can produce a buzzing noise as airflow is blocked.
High fan speed: when the room gets very warm, the portable air conditioner works harder and blows air more forcefully to maintain the set temperature.

What do you do if your aircon makes a rattling or bubbling noise?

A flexible hose is attached to a Duux air conditioner; ridges and ventilation grilles are clearly visible.

If your air conditioner is making a rattling or bubbling noise, this could indicate various issues such as loose parts or dirt buildup. You can resolve this with a few simple steps:

Check for loose parts: are there any loose screws?
Remove dust, dirt, or leaves that may have accumulated inside the air conditioner.
Clean the filters: clean filters ensure good airflow.
Inspect the compressor or fan: sometimes rattling noises come from a faulty compressor or fan. Consult a specialist for repairs.

If your air conditioner still makes rattling or bubbling noises after these steps, call in a specialist for a thorough inspection.

How can you make a mobile air conditioner quieter?

Black wheels on a Duux device allow easy movement; shiny surface and clear reflection are visible.

There are several ways to make your mobile air conditioner quieter:

Place it on a rug: this absorbs vibrations.
Ensure the air conditioner is levelled: an uneven surface causes vibrations.
Close curtains during hot weather and avoid placing the air conditioner in direct sunlight or near other heat sources: this prevents the unit from working harder.
Set the air conditioner to a lower power setting: this reduces the need for strong airflow and therefore less noise.
Keep up with maintenance: regularly clean the filters, remove dust and dirt from surfaces, and check for any loose parts.

To minimise disturbance from the noise your air conditioner makes, you could use earplugs when working or sleeping or place the mobile air conditioner further away so it’s less intrusive than having the cooler right next to you.

Can you choose a silent mobile air conditioner?

A hand holds a De’Longhi remote; in the background, a black De’Longhi Pinguino air conditioner with hose is visible.

There are no completely silent mobile air conditioners due to the fan and compressor. However, some mobile air conditioners produce between 30 and 50 decibels, making them quieter than others. When choosing a quiet mobile air conditioner, consider several factors:

Room size: think about the space you want to cool. In a bedroom, the air conditioner usually needs to be quieter than in a living room because of sleeping.
Noise level: pay attention to the number of decibels the air conditioner produces. If you want a very quiet unit, choose one with a lower decibel rating compared to others.
Special modes: some models have a ‘night mode’ or ‘sleep mode’ that reduces the noise from the air conditioner, although this sometimes means it cools less effectively.
Compare different models: review various models to find the right one for your needs.

Is there a quieter alternative for a mobile air conditioner?

A Philips tower fan stands by a light sofa in a bright living room with curtains and a large window.

Besides mobile air conditioners, there are other alternatives that produce little noise and can cool a room. As mentioned earlier, a split-unit air conditioner is quieter than a mobile air conditioner because the 2 separate units are installed indoors and outdoors. These air conditioners cool the space and often also provide heating. They tend to be slightly more energy-efficient than mobile air conditioners because the 2 units work separately, allowing for more efficient energy use. The downside of split-units is that they cannot be moved and require a complex installation. Additionally, they are relatively expensive compared to mobile air conditioners and require more professional maintenance.

A Duux fan with blue light is on a black table beside a plant and grey sofa in a modern room.

Another alternative is a fan. Fans are much more affordable than mobile air conditioners and split-units and consume less energy. The downside of fans is that their cooling is limited; they only circulate air but don’t actually cool it like a mobile air conditioner does with a compressor. They are also less effective in larger rooms. However, fans are quieter than mobile air conditioners. So, if you want silence in the bedroom while still enjoying some airflow, a fan is a good, cost-effective option.

Ventilators: soorten, verbruik en plaatsing

Our advice on the noise level of your mobile air conditioner

Mobile air conditioners are very useful when you need strong cooling in your space. They are easy to move around and don’t require complicated installation. However, they are not the quietest devices, although quieter mobile air conditioners do exist. To minimise noise as much as possible, you should maintain your air conditioner well by cleaning it regularly and checking for loose parts. Looking for an even quieter cooling option? Then a fan or split-unit air conditioner is a good choice.