When most people shop for a wall AC with heat, they’re thinking about power, BTUs, and cost savings. But comfort isn’t just about temperature — it’s also about sound.
Imagine this: you’re trying to sleep, watch TV, or finish a Zoom call, and your AC/Heater is rattling away like a box fan on high. Suddenly, it doesn’t matter if the room is the perfect 72°F — you’re distracted, annoyed, or kept awake.
That’s why today, I (Savvy) am diving deep into how quiet the Amana 9,300 BTU through-the-wall AC/Heater really is, how it compares to alternatives, and what you can do to keep it running smoothly and silently.
🔊 Why Noise Matters in HVAC
When HVAC experts talk about “comfort,” they’re not just referring to temperature. Comfort is a combination of:
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Temperature (is the air at a pleasant level?)
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Humidity (is it too dry or damp?)
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Airflow (is the circulation even and consistent?)
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Noise (is the system quiet enough not to disturb daily life?)
According to Consumer Reports, noise is one of the top complaints homeowners have about room air conditioners
If you’re using a wall AC in:
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🛏️ Bedrooms: Noise impacts your sleep cycles.
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💻 Home offices: Noise can disrupt concentration and calls.
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🛋️ Living rooms: Noise competes with TV or conversation.
This makes sound levels just as important as BTUs when choosing the right system.
📉 Understanding AC Noise Levels (Decibels Explained)
Noise is measured in decibels (dB). The scale is logarithmic — meaning every 10 dB increase sounds about twice as loud.
Here’s a quick guide:
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20 dB = Whisper
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30 dB = Library quiet
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40 dB = Quiet office
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50 dB = Normal conversation
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60 dB = Busy office / background chatter
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70+ dB = Vacuum cleaner or louder
Most through-the-wall ACs (including the Amana 9,300 BTU) fall between 50–55 dB at low fan speeds and 55–60 dB at high speeds.
👉 This means they’re about as loud as a conversation in the same room, but the tone of the sound (steady hum vs. rattling) determines whether it’s tolerable or irritating.
📊 How Quiet Is the Amana 9,300 BTU Wall AC/Heater?
The Amana 9,300 BTU model (PBE093J35AA) doesn’t advertise itself as “whisper-quiet,” but it’s designed for residential comfort.
Manufacturer Performance (Typical Ranges)
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Low fan speed: ~50–52 dB
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Medium fan speed: ~53–55 dB
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High fan speed: ~56–58 dB
These levels make it:
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✅ Quieter than many window units
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✅ Comparable to hotel-style PTAC units
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❌ Louder than ductless mini splits (which can go as low as 19 dB)
User Feedback
Many owners report that the Amana 9,300 BTU is quiet enough for bedrooms and offices when installed correctly. Noise complaints often trace back to installation issues (loose sleeve, poor insulation, unbalanced fan) rather than the unit itself.
🏠 Comfort in Different Spaces
Let’s look at how noise feels in practical, everyday spaces.
Bedrooms 🛏️
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Low fan speed is recommended at night.
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Produces a steady “white noise” hum, which some people actually find helps with sleep.
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If you’re sensitive to noise, you may notice cycling sounds (when the compressor kicks on/off).
Home Offices 💻
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At medium fan speed, noise is noticeable but not overwhelming.
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Some homeowners use the hum as background “focus noise.”
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For Zoom or phone calls, noise reduction headsets easily mask it.
Living Rooms 🛋️
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High fan speed during heating or cooling can reach ~58 dB, similar to a conversation.
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Generally not intrusive over TV or music.
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Works best when paired with a wall sleeve that prevents vibrations.
🛠️ Installation Factors That Influence Noise
A well-installed Amana wall unit runs quietly. A poorly installed one? It can rattle, buzz, or hum.
Wall Sleeve Sealing
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The sleeve acts as a “housing” for the AC.
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Gaps or loose fits create vibration and air leaks = extra noise.
Foam Strips & Insulation
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Adding foam insulation strips around the unit cushions it.
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Reduces vibrations against the wall.
Screw Tightness
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Loose screws on grilles or panels cause rattling.
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A simple tightening often resolves noise complaints.
Leveling
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A tilted unit (too much inward or outward slope) can stress the fan.
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Proper leveling keeps airflow smooth and noise down.
👉 ENERGY STAR emphasizes that poor installation increases noise, drafts, and energy loss
🔄 Maintenance & Noise Control
Like any machine, maintenance affects sound.
Clean Filters
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Dirty filters block airflow.
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Fan has to work harder = louder operation.
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Solution: wash or replace filter monthly.
Clean Coils & Fan
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Dust and debris buildup cause fan imbalance.
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Unbalanced fans create humming or rattling sounds.
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Solution: clean coils and fan blades 1–2 times per year.
Inspect Drainage
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Water backup can cause gurgling or dripping noises.
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Check tilt and drainage holes to prevent water sounds.
Seasonal Check-Ups
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Annual professional inspection ensures fan motor and electrical parts aren’t worn (common noise source).
⚖️ Noise Comparison: Amana vs. Alternatives
Here’s how the Amana 9,300 BTU stacks up against other systems:
| System Type | Typical Noise (dB) | Comfort Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Amana 9,300 BTU Wall Unit | 50–58 dB | Acceptable for bedrooms, quieter than window units |
| Window AC Units | 55–65 dB | Louder, especially on high; compressor inside window frame adds vibration |
| PTAC Units (Hotel-Style) | 55–60 dB | Comparable to Amana; steady hum noticeable in quiet rooms |
| Mini Split Heat Pumps | 19–30 dB | Ultra-quiet, nearly silent in bedrooms |
👉 Consumer Reports consistently ranks mini splits as the quietest option, but notes that wall units like Amana are a strong compromise between cost and comfort
🧰 Savvy’s Tips for a Quieter Experience
If your Amana feels louder than you’d like, try these tricks:
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Use low fan speed at night for quieter operation.
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Enable Energy Saver Mode to reduce compressor cycling.
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Check installation seals — foam strips are cheap and effective.
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Tighten all screws on the grille and sleeve before winter.
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Keep filters and coils clean so fans don’t strain.
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Add an exterior grille to reduce outside noise intrusion.
✅ Conclusion: Savvy’s Take
The Amana 9,300 BTU wall AC/Heater is quiet enough for most households, provided it’s installed and maintained properly.
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✅ Quieter than window units
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✅ Comfortable for bedrooms and offices
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❌ Not as silent as ductless mini splits
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⚖️ Middle-ground choice: solid performance + acceptable noise
For me, the noise is more of a gentle hum than a disruption. In fact, I think of it as background white noise — a steady reminder that my room is staying cozy and comfortable.
If you want whisper-quiet, a mini split is the gold standard. But if you want a reliable wall AC/Heater that won’t disrupt your comfort, the Amana 9,300 BTU hits the sweet spot.
In the next topic we will know more about: Wall Sleeves, Grilles & Accessories: What You Need for Your Amana 9,300 BTU Install
