How loud is my air conditioning unit? Air conditioner volume How loud is my air conditioning unit: noise level explained and real world examples. The decibel (abbreviated dB) is the unit used to measure the intensity of a sound. The decibel scale is a little odd because the human ear is incredibly sensitive. Your ears can hear everything from your fingertip brushing lightly over your skin to a loud jet engine which, in terms of power, the sound of the jet engine is about 1,000,000,000,000 times more powerful than the smallest audible sound. That's a big difference!     On the decibel scale, the smallest audible sound (near total silence) is 0 dB. It is worth noting that decibels (dB) are measured logarithmically therefore a sound 10 times more powerful is 10 dB. A sound 100 times more powerful than near total silence is 20 dB. A sound 1,000 times more powerful than near total silence is 30 dB. Here are some common sounds and their decibel ratings: ·   Near total silence - 0 dB ·   Normal breathing – 10 dB ·   A mosquito or rustling leaves - 20 dB ·   Typical library / dripping tap / fridge – 40 dB ·   Normal conversation / quiet office - 50 dB ·   Laughter / bird sound – 60 dB ·   Vacuum cleaner / hairdryer – 70 dB ·   A lawnmower - 90 dB ·   A car horn - 110 dB ·   A rock concert or a jet engine - 120 dB ·   A gunshot or firecracker - 140 dB   You know from your own experience that distance affects the intensity of sound -- if you are far away, the power is greatly diminished. All of the ratings above are taken while standing near the sound. Have questions? Aircon247 are experts in Air Conditioning solutions so please feel free to either call, or contact us on the social forms below.         Post by Intelligent Climate.     Read more about our Author