New split AC System impact on sound.

You are not getting a heat pump? New heat pumps are an order of magnitude quieter than they used to be. Also, you can put sound absorption panels either outside or inside. I use a variable speed air handler with variable heat pump... so much of the time it is on really low. All this makes sense. Look at specs when you choose your system. There is a lot of difference in how much sound they make. 

@ghdprentice

Actually I’m looking at a bosch heat pump three tons. Concern I have is the complexity of future maintenance and ability to eliminate humidity when it’s on lower speeds. Although a lot depends upon the installation which can make or break the outcome. I do hear the freon cooling point can be adjusted lower to mitigate this problem so that fan speed can be reduced which enhances dehumidification effectiveness. But I have heard these units do have issues with humidity although the settings might be able to overcome this.

I’ve had heat pumps for at least 35 years. The heat pumps have been very reliable. The condenser on my last one not so much (the external radiator core).. only lasted 11 years. I simply have a maintenance contract with the company that installed it. They charge ~$20 / month and come out once a year (pre summer) and spend several hours and check everything.

I like outside Portland Oregon… so high humidity in winter… but never a problem. The variability of the air handler and pump… is great… much overall less noise.

I research the highest reliable unit… buy it, then don’t worry about it. I’m retired… I try not to worry about anything.

can you have the outside unit moved a little ways away from being right outside your listening room?

Also, I got the thermostat that I can control from my Iphone. So I can shut it off during a listening session. Also, when on a trip and having forgotten to put it in the “away” state… I can do that from anywhere… and warm up the house before returning. 

@ghdprentice

I’ve had a basic one stage AC since 1992, tempstar, and I’ve had no maintenance except to change out a few fuses which I did myself, no annual visits for fear freon would gradually be released. Capacitors never been changed out. Only thing I’ve done is to change out the filters which are exceptionally important to not interfere with airflow as a clogged filter could lead to freezing of coils which could lead to the death of a system via leaks, etc.

10 years ago I added 3 pounds of Freon and since then everything has cooled really well but after a lot of cycling last year cooling robustness has diminished and at this point decided to replace it I think outcome of selling the house Will improve with a new AC otherwise I’d have a mark down to the closing cost.

In today’s world all the systems have a db rating. 
While not a heat pump last summer a new Trane (air conditioner/furnace) hvac system was installed. The a/c unit sits right below a large window on the rear of the house. No clue when it is running.