AACG provides air conditioner noise assessments for residential properties across New South Wales.
Assessments are prepared in accordance with:
- NSW EPA Noise Policy for Industry (NPfI)
- Local council requirements and enforcement practices
We deliver measurable, compliant, and defensible acoustic outcomes for development approval and noise compliance.
When You Need an Air Conditioner Noise Assessment
A noise assessment is required where:
- Installing or relocating an air conditioning unit (AC)
- Submitting a development application (DA)
- Council requires an acoustic report
- A noise complaint has been raised by neighbours
- Verifying compliance with EPA noise criteria
This applies to:
- Houses and duplexes
- Townhouses
- Small residential developments
NSW EPA Noise Criteria
Noise emissions in NSW are typically assessed using intrusive noise criteria.
This involves:
- Measurement of background noise levels (LA90)
- Assessment of equipment noise at affected receivers
Typical requirement:
- Noise level ≤ background + 5 dB(A)
This applies across:
The objective is to ensure equipment noise does not dominate the environment.
Council-Specific Requirements (Important)
Local councils may apply stricter interpretation of noise limits.
In sensitive areas (e.g. Woollahra and similar councils):
- Lower background environments require tighter control
- Noise may be required to be at or near background level
- In practice, this can result in effective limits of background + 0 dB(A)
Councils may also enforce:
- No audible noise at the boundary
- Nuisance-based criteria beyond numerical limits
AACG ensures assessments reflect:
- The applicable council approach
- Real enforcement conditions
- Defensible compliance outcomes
What This Means in Practice
NSW noise limits can be restrictive, particularly at night.
Typical background levels:
- Quiet residential: 35–45 dB(A)
This means:
- Small increases can result in non-compliance
- Standard AC installations may fail without treatment
Compliance depends on:
- Equipment selection
- Location relative to neighbours
- Shielding and barriers
- Installation quality
Noise Assessment Methodology
AACG applies a structured process:
- Measurement of background noise levels (LA90)
- Identification of affected receivers
- Measurement or prediction of AC noise levels
- Comparison against EPA and council criteria
Where required, we undertake:
- On-site monitoring
- Acoustic modelling
- Worst-case operational assessment
Development Applications (DA) and Council Reports
AACG prepares acoustic reports for NSW councils.
Reports include:
- Site-specific noise assessment
- Applicable EPA and council criteria
- Compliance evaluation
- Clear recommendations
Reports are suitable for:
- DA submission
- Council approval
- Planning compliance
Noise Complaints and Compliance
AACG provides assessment for:
- Air conditioner noise complaints
- Council investigations
- Compliance verification
We provide:
- Measured noise levels
- Comparison to applicable limits
- Clear compliance position
- Recommendations for resolution
Reports are suitable for:
- Council response
- Legal or tribunal processes
- Dispute resolution
Noise Control and Mitigation
Where noise exceeds allowable limits, AACG defines practical solutions.
These may include:
- Relocation of outdoor units
- Acoustic barriers or enclosures
- Selection of lower-noise equipment
- Shielding and orientation adjustments
Solutions are:
- Buildable
- Targeted
- Aligned with compliance requirements
Our Reports
AACG NSW noise reports are:
- Prepared for EPA and council compliance
- Suitable for DA submission and complaints
- Structured for clear regulatory review
Each report includes:
- Background noise measurement
- Equipment noise assessment
- Compliance evaluation
- Practical recommendations
Our Process
AACG applies a controlled methodology:
- Review of site and equipment
- Identification of applicable criteria
- Measurement and assessment
- Development of compliant solutions
Outputs are:
- Suitable for approval
- Defendable in disputes
- Practical to implement
Our Quality
AACG reports are defined by:
- Accurate field measurements
- Alignment with EPA and council requirements
- Consistent documentation standards
- Compliance-focused outcomes
Each assessment is site-specific and performance-driven.
Our Commercial Approach
Air conditioner noise issues can result in:
- Council refusal or delays
- Neighbour disputes
- Costly redesign
AACG ensures:
- Compliance is achieved early
- Council-specific requirements are identified
- Solutions are practical and cost-effective
Our Guarantees
AACG provides:
- Council-ready acoustic reports
- Clear and defendable compliance outcomes
- Consistent, professional documentation
We also provide:
- Support for DA approval
- Assistance with noise complaints
- Ongoing advice where required
Request an Air Conditioner Noise Assessment (NSW)
AACG will:
- Review your site and equipment
- Identify applicable EPA and council requirements
- Provide a clear pathway to compliance
