2. amps-preamps
  3. 193763-150037

New split AC System impact on sound.

I need to purchase a New split ac System (ie air handler in attic, Compressor outside). As with anything in this world so many complexities and my focus is to make things quiet when I’m listening to things.

Unfortunately, the compressor will be located outside of the room of my equipment. And I could choose a one stage or a variable stage heat pump that might be quieter. Anyone have recent experience and thoughts on how best to proceed for a moderately humid Area in the north east.

The problem with newer systems that I see is that the cooling coils don’t get as cold as they used to. Older R22 freon Systems which I currently have were more favorable toward reducing humidity in the home and the newer more environmentally friendly Freon varieties such as 410 and the newest 454b keep the coolant coil a little warmer which isn’t the greatest.

 

emergingsoul
ghdprentice
7,492 posts
 

OP,

That is great. Congratulations on such a great long run. We sold our last house with an ancient heat pump.

 

You are in for a treat. The new heat pumps are unbelievably quiet and efficient in comparison to older technology. Out exterior unit is right off our porch... as in I could drop something on it from my porch. Generally I can’t hear it in lower cooling modes... we can talk easily at full on. Now the neighbor’s unit is about thirty years old and on the other side of the wood fence thirty five feet away and that is MUCH noisier.

erik_squires
16,554 posts
 

Not sure how it works, but if memory serves, a slightly warmer coolant means more dehumidification.  The problem with very cold AC is it cools quickly without removing humidity.  I think.

I'll leave this to actual experts. :) 

But this is why they recommend you do not oversize your AC unit/heat pump. 

thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian
4,986 posts
 

I think the main problem with oversizing your AC/heat pump is if it’s bigger than the house requires, it cools your home too quickly and cycles on and off too much instead of running for a longer duration. It’s the cycling on and off that wears it out faster. I believe the rule of thumb is one ton per 1000 square feet.

emergingsoul OP
1,240 posts
 

the bosch heat pump can be set to become a 2 ton unit from a 3 ton and from a five to 4 ton via dip switch but I think there's some automatic features that automatically adjust capacity between the Compressor and the air handler. And the air handler comes with two speeds so it's not fixed so that's a good thing.  It seems it's a lot of simple things going on with a lot of fancy words they sprinkle on.  Like super cooling and suction and saturation points - my favorite is liquid slogging. 

When I initially sought out a replacement thought I could just get a one stage and call it a day but then temptation grows and you learn about this new stuff on the market and it sounds compelling.  Further if I enable the heating side of the heat pump it can be supportive to my existing heating system which might be ideal on those not so cold days but I don't get ventilation into my basement but still it's kind of a neat feature.  

rlj
63 posts
 

I have the Mitsubishi HyperHeat HVAC and it is very quiet.  

https://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/products/heat-pumps

Paul McGowan of PS Audio complains about how loud his HVAC is....

https://www.psaudio.com/blogs/ask-paul/what-are-the-best-air-conditioners-for-music-rooms

Ron

More to discover