What noise level should a refrigerator have?

Often, when choosing a new refrigerator, the buyer does not pay attention to such a criterion as the noise level of the refrigerator. An annoying rumble can be an unpleasant surprise. Noisiness is the value of the hum expressed as a digital value. Measured in decibels (dB). The device with the lowest value produces less hum.

Refrigeration equipment noise standards

In accordance with GOST 16317-87, the established noise level for a refrigerator should be no more than 53 dB. The state document has approved a scale according to which the noise of devices is divided into three levels:

• low – from 25 to 34 dB;
• average – from 35 to 44 dB;
• high – more than 45 dB.

Devices of a certain modification have an individual noise level.

• the norm for refrigeration equipment with the noFrost system is from 44 to 47 dB;
• devices with a different system operate with a hum level in the range of 34-42 dB.

The operating hum level of the selected refrigerator model is stated in the technical data sheet and on a sticker on the back surface of the equipment.

What to remember when choosing a refrigerator.

1. The more complex the model, the more additional functions and technical capabilities, the more difficult it is to achieve minimal noise. For example, the noFrost system has a fan that operates with a certain hum. You can reduce the impact of noise on humans by installing the refrigerator at the maximum distance from living rooms.
2. Two-compressor refrigerators operate in succession; in this case, it is impossible to completely eliminate noise. Manufacturers minimize noise levels by choosing low-power compressors. In this case, the refrigerator will make noise when each compressor turns on and off, but the overall noise level may be even lower than with single-compressor equipment.

For comparison: the noise created by a conversation in a loud voice is 50 dB, the hum from a clock is 30 dB, the noise from the keys of a typewriter is from 51 to 70 dB, the noise of tree leaves is approximately 25 dB.

Why is it noisy and dependent on the cooling system?

Technical developments by manufacturers are aimed at reducing operating noise. Noise in the refrigerator can be created by a compressor that pumps liquid through a closed system. During the cooling process, it is normal to hear minor sounds. When the relay is activated, clicking and cracking sounds are made.

When choosing a unit, it is recommended to take into account that the presence of a large volume of chambers and additional optional features affect the sound level. The freezer compartments of units with an automatic defrosting system are equipped with a fan. When working, it emits a monotonous hissing sound.

Compressor

Absorption units operate without secondary sounds, in which refrigerant circulation is ensured by heating. The noise level in a refrigerator with a pressure blower is in the range of 34-42 dB. The sound source is:

• start relay;
• motor;
• fan;
• refrigerant;
• ice generator;
• freezer compartment evaporator.

Household appliances, the operation of which is ensured by 2 compressors, the noise level is minimized through the use of low-power pressure blowers.

Total No Frost System

A refrigerator with dry freezing technology has a sound level of 44-47 dB. To distribute the cold evenly across the compartments, a fan is provided, which makes a hum when operating. Sound vibrations can be reduced by installing the unit at a distance from living rooms.

View » How to choose a surge protector for a refrigerator and whether you can connect it yourself

Methods for measuring noise levels

You can determine the noise level of the selected device using special equipment - a sound level meter. The cost of the device is quite high, so there is no point in buying it for household needs. If you want to find out what the noise level of a refrigerator is in an apartment, just invite a specialist.

If you have a sound level meter, you need to set it to read between 50 and 100 dB and point the microphone towards the refrigerator, maintaining a distance of approximately 50 cm. After a few seconds, the measurement results will be displayed on the screen.

Expert advice: if the value is greater than that specified in the technical data sheet, most likely the refrigeration equipment is installed unevenly. It is necessary to check the vertical and horizontal levels, twisting the legs to adjust the position of the refrigerator. If the indicator has not changed after repeated measurements, you should invite a specialist.

Who makes what noise: noise levels of household appliances

Sounds reaching the ears are the result of changes in air pressure, causing vibrations in the eardrums. The degree of sound pressure is indicated in decibels (dB) and determines the noise levels that are comfortable for the ears. For example, the maximum permissible noise level according to sanitary standards should not exceed 45 dB at night (from 22 to 8 o’clock) and 55 dB during the day (from 8 to 22 o’clock)

. When sound level meters are used to evaluate the volume of household appliances and power tools, the sound pressure level is measured in acoustic decibels (dBa).

10-20 dB

So, the least noisy is the household climate control equipment: decentralized recovery systems (breathers) and inverter air conditioners in a quiet night blowing mode. The noise from their operation does not exceed 20 dB

, which is comparable to the quiet rustling of leaves on trees or human breathing.
This is often covered by the crunch of the plastic housing of the air conditioner in no-name models from the Middle Kingdom, etc. Quiet inverter air conditioners Royal Clima Prestigio Inverter RCI-P31HN from RUR 15,990. LG Eco Smart PC-09SQ from 36,000 rub. Mitsubishi Electric Classic MSZ-BT25VG/MUZ-BT25VG from RUR 51,990 LG Mega DUAL P-09SP from RUR 32,800 LG Mega DUAL Inverter P-07SP from 30,700 rub. LG Mega DUAL P-12SP from RUR 36,999 Mitsubishi Electric Premium MSZ-LN25VG/MUZ-LN25VG from RUR 84,300 LG Artcool Mirror AM-12BP from RUR 34,511 Zanussi Barocco ZACS/I-09HB/N8 from RUR 34,500 Mitsubishi Heavy Premium SRK25ZS-W from RUR 31,000 Panasonic Standart CS/CU-BE25TKE from 35,300 rub. Funai Emperor Inverter RACI-EM25HP.D03 from RUR 43,584 Mitsubishi Electric Classic MSZ-BT20VG/MUZ-BT20VG from RUR 49,800 Panasonic Standart CS/CU-PZ25WKD from 40,000 rub. Toshiba Seiya RAS-B07J2KVG/07J2AVG from 41,200 rub. Midea BreezeleSS+ FA-12N8D6-I/FA-12N8D6-O from RUR 52,300 LG Mega Plus P-09EP from RUR 33,570 Panasonic Standart CS/CU-BE20TKE from 34,600 rub. LG ArtCool Mirror AC12BQ from RUR 58,500 Panasonic Standart CS/CU-BE35TKE from 38,800 rub.

20-30 dB

Split systems with non-inverter control produce noise in the range of 20 to 30 dB. In this case we are talking about the internal units of air conditioning systems.

. Inverter split systems make approximately the same noise in normal fan modes and computer coolers at low fan speeds. Many wall clocks “tick” at a volume of about 30 dB; it can be compared to a human whisper. In reality, this category can be divided into two more sub-camps: up to 25 dB (faintly audible moments) and above 26 dB (clearly audible background noise).

30-40 dB

Refrigerators with the newfangled inverter drive and dishwashers fit into the sound pressure range of 30 to 40 dB.

This corresponds to the volume of human speech in muted tones. Of course, powerful refrigeration units can be much noisier, but for small studio apartments with a single space, quiet inverter models are better suited. We'll talk more about whether the inverter motor makes the difference below.

Quiet dishwashers

Midea MFD 60S970 X from RUR 34,780 Hotpoint-Ariston HFC 3T141 WC SB from 48,000 rub. Asko DFS 244IB S/1 from RUR 68,900 Asko DFS 244IB W/1 from RUR 61,655 Whirlpool WFO 3T141 PF from 44,000 rub. Whirlpool WFP 5O41 PLG X from RUR 62,490 Smeg LVFABCR from RUR 152,390 Whirlpool WFP 4O32 PTG X from RUR 41,000 Smeg LVFABBL from 146,000 rub. Smeg LVFABPB from RUR 143,990 Smeg LVFABRD from RUR 143,990

40-50 dB

Dehumidifiers and humidifiers, refrigerators and freezers with traditional drives, powerful laptops and system units under load make noise within the range of 40-50 dB.

If you turn up the heat in games and demanding applications, some computers “take off” and become many times noisier than usual. In terms of volume, this is a normal conversation between two people.

50-60 dB

Sewing machines, kitchen hoods, external air conditioning units and washing machines (only in washing mode) fall within the sound pressure range of 50-60 dB.

Parallels in this case are drawn with a conversation of a group of people or flushing a toilet.

Interesting fact.

The internal equipment of air conditioning systems is rightfully considered one of the quietest in the category of household appliances. However, the outdoor unit of air conditioners is quite loud. The hum from it can be heard from the street through a closed window, and the vibrations can be transmitted along the wall.

60-70 dB

When watching movies and TV shows at an average volume level, a conventional TV produces a noise level of 60-70 dB.

Loud conversation sounds the same in everyday life. An atmosphere similar in terms of sound pressure level is observed in a typical office.

70-80 dB

Vacuum cleaners make a noise similar to screaming or laughing from a distance of 1 m, as well as talking in a raised voice. Moreover, they used to be even louder, but thanks to the optimization of engine operation and the introduction of new filtration systems, vacuum cleaners now emit a sound pressure level of 70 to 80 dB.

80-90 dB

The loudest household appliances are washing machines in spin mode and all kinds of kitchen appliances for grinding food: blenders, food processors, coffee grinders, etc.

In terms of noise level, they are equated to a motorcycle passing nearby or a loud scream.

90-100 dB

We left the most delicious thing for last - everyone's adored neighbor with a hammer drill. While he's hammering another hole in the wall, you can feel like you're in a subway car or imagine the sound of thunder

— in terms of volume, the sounds from the hammer drill will be identical to the above examples. Also, the lawnmower makes noise at levels up to 100 dB.

You can clearly assess the differences between different noise levels of household appliances in the infographic:

According to sanitary standards, the entire cavalry of household appliances is divided into 5 large groups according to noise level:

• Up to 40 dB
  - round-the-clock operation of such devices in residential premises is allowed.
• Up to 55 dB
  - equipment aimed at round-the-clock use in auxiliary non-residential premises (for example, in the kitchen).
• Up to 75 dB
  - products for the mechanization of household and kitchen work, operated from 1 to 6 hours during the day.
• Up to 85 dB
  - devices that are turned on for less than 1 hour.
• Over 90 dB
  - particularly noisy industrial and household equipment; Its long-term use is expected with hearing protection.

Does the inverter motor make the difference?

All other things being equal, in terms of low-noise operation, inverter-controlled equipment looks preferable

. You can read more about it in the article “Inverter drive in household appliances: what is it, pros and cons.”

The key advantage of any inverter motor compared to a traditional motor is quieter operation. As a bonus, the user receives energy savings and durability of the components of such equipment. It is advisable to give preference to refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers with inverter drives, provided that priority is given to the silent and economical operation of an arsenal of home appliances, and the financial side of the issue is relegated a little to the background.

When choosing the same refrigerator with a low noise level, think about whether this parameter is so important.
It’s one thing if it stands in the kitchen behind a closed door, and quite another thing when the storage of food supplies is supposed to be located in a tiny smart apartment, where you can hear absolutely everything that’s happening. The situation is similar with washing machines, drying units, and split systems. Good to know.
To reduce noise, air conditioners usually have a quiet night mode. Also, the noise of the internal unit of a home split system can be affected by the quality of plastic in the materials used to manufacture the indoor module - when temperature changes, mediocre plastic creaks, crunches or clicks loudly. In general, you can choose a quiet air conditioner using the corresponding “decibel” filters in the catalog section of the same name.

Washing machines with inverter motor

Samsung WW65K42E08W from 24,000 rub. LG F1096SDS0 from 22,300 rub. LG F1096ND3 from RUR 23,590 LG F1096SD3 from 22,000 rub. LG F1296CDS0 from RUR 31,470 Bosch WLP 20265 from RUR 24,980 LG AI DD F2V5HG0W from RUR 37,200 Haier HW 60-BP10929A from RUR 22,600 Bosch WLR 245H2 from RUR 35,400 Samsung WW65J42E0JW from RUR 21,660 LG F2J6WS0W from RUR 26,410 LG F2H5HS6W from RUR 25,970 Samsung WW65K42E00S from RUR 26,990 Bosch WAT 286H2 from RUR 50,800 LG FH0C3ND from RUR 19,250 LG F1296HDS0 from RUR 23,990 LG AI DD F2V3GS6W from RUR 29,600 LG F2M5HS6W from 24,100 rub. Samsung WD70T4047CE from RUR 36,703 LG F2M5WS4W from 25,000 rub.

Low noise guarantee

A lopsided refrigerator that does not have all its legs firmly in contact with the floor will hum louder than usual. And an incorrectly installed washing machine can even “go on a journey” through the bathroom during the spinning procedure. Of course, even the neighbors will hear the jumping washing machine. The placement of such equipment must be approached responsibly.

Extraneous noise, growling and uncharacteristic vibrations also indicate possible malfunctions of household appliances. If atypical sounds are detected, it is necessary to call the specialists involved, and you should not postpone their visit “until later” - in the early stages, repairing many units will cost less.

Quiet and durable operation for your household appliances!

Causes of noise

1. Compressor operation. If two compressors are installed in the device, the level will be higher accordingly. Despite the fact that two-compressor devices are additionally equipped with noise-reducing devices, they operate louder than single-compressor devices.
2. Noise is created by parts that come into contact with the compressor during operation.
3. The hum is created by the refrigerant as it moves through the condenser and evaporator.
4. Additional sounds - characteristic clicks - are heard when the relay is activated.
5. The presence of cooling fans creates a hum; the more of them, the louder the refrigerator operates.
6. As a rule, small refrigerators are noisier than larger ones. This is due to the fact that the compressor is installed on the outer wall of the device.
7. New devices are somewhat louder in the first days, as the moving parts are grinding in.

The noisiest are large-volume devices, the design of which includes a fan installed in the motor part. The main criterion for a device to be noisy is a restful night's sleep. If you feel that the equipment is loud, but you do not wake up at night, this means that the device is working properly and is functioning within normal limits.

Note: when choosing a specific model, you need to correctly prioritize. It should be borne in mind that a single-compressor refrigerator is quieter, but produces less cold in hot weather. At the same time, a two-compressor device operates louder, but freezes much better.

Ways to reduce noise

• First of all, you need to check the surface on which the refrigerator is installed - it must be perfectly flat. If necessary, rubber layers are placed under the legs.
• It is important that the appliance does not come into contact with kitchen furniture.
• Do not place dishes close together inside the refrigerator.
• If possible, use only one camera.
• Use sound insulation to isolate the noisiest parts. Rubber, which is fixed between the wall and the back surface of the device, effectively absorbs the noise.
• The inside of the chamber is lined with Shumka.
• If the compressor and fan are located outside the refrigeration equipment, mastic can be applied around them.

Noise standards and measurement method

Every sound is a wave that propagates in an elastic medium. Mechanical energy is created by oscillating bodies and is perceived by the eardrum. A sound of 0 dB corresponds to the level at which the human ear ceases to hear mechanical vibrations. A sound level meter is used to measure loudness.

In accordance with the State Standard, the noise level set for the refrigerator should not be higher than 53 dB. The range of 25-34 dB is considered low, the average is 35-44 dB, and high is when the upper limit of the previous range is exceeded.

How to reduce noise levels

Sometimes excessive sound indicates a system malfunction. If the equipment starts to make noise, then you need to measure the sound indicator and compare it with what is stated in the documentation.

The unit can operate more quietly if the surface on which it is installed is leveled using a construction tool.

If one of the cameras is not in use, then it is better to disable it before loading. To isolate sound, you can install panels that absorb sound. To eliminate vibration, the refrigerator can be installed on a porous surface, and the unit can be moved away from the wall, furniture, or pipes.

Review of the quietest refrigerator models