When Tony replaced his old, rattling window unit with the GE 14,000 BTU 208/230 Volt Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Electric Heat (Model AJEQ14DWJ), the first thing he noticed wasn’t just the cooling power.
It was the quiet.
For years, Tony had grown used to raising the TV volume just to hear over his AC. At night, the hum and rattle of his old system made it hard to sleep. Switching to the GE AJEQ14DWJ changed that.
But just how quiet is this unit compared to window ACs, mini splits, or even central air? And does “quiet” mean the same thing to every homeowner?
Let’s break down the science of air conditioner noise levels, what to expect from the GE AJEQ14DWJ, and how you can make your home even quieter.
📊 What Are Decibels (dB), and Why Do They Matter?
Noise is measured in decibels (dB), a logarithmic scale that can be tricky to interpret.
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Every 10 dB increase sounds roughly twice as loud to the human ear.
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That means 60 dB isn’t just a little louder than 50 dB — it’s about double the perceived loudness.
Here’s a quick reference chart:
| Sound | Decibel Level (dB) |
|---|---|
| Whisper | 30 dB |
| Quiet library | 40 dB |
| Normal conversation | 60 dB |
| Vacuum cleaner | 70 dB |
| Busy traffic | 80–85 dB |
Most residential AC systems fall somewhere between 40 and 70 dB, depending on the type, size, and mode of operation.
🔗 Reference: CDC – Understanding Noise Levels
🔲 The Noise Profile of the GE AJEQ14DWJ
According to manufacturer specs and user feedback, the GE AJEQ14DWJ operates at roughly 55–60 dB indoors.
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Low fan mode: closer to 55 dB (comparable to a quiet office).
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High fan mode: up to 60 dB (like normal conversation).
Tony reported that at low to medium settings, he barely noticed the unit while relaxing in his living room. At night, he could sleep comfortably without needing white noise to mask the sound.
That makes it noticeably quieter than most window ACs, though not as whisper-quiet as ductless mini splits.
🔗 Reference: GE Appliances – Through-the-Wall ACs
🪟 Why Through-the-Wall Units Are Quieter Than Window ACs
Tony’s first reaction after installing the GE unit was, “Wow — this is so much quieter than my old window AC.”
That’s not just perception — it’s by design.
Here’s why through-the-wall ACs like the AJEQ14DWJ are quieter than window units:
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Better insulation around the unit: The wall sleeve and caulking help block vibration and sound leakage.
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No rattling window sash: Window ACs often vibrate against the frame, amplifying noise.
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Stability: A snug fit in the wall prevents movement that creates extra hums or rattles.
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Thicker walls: Exterior walls naturally block more noise than thin glass windows.
In short, the installation method itself helps keep noise levels down.
🔗 Reference: Energy Star – AC Installation Tips
❄️ GE AJEQ14DWJ vs. Other Cooling Options
Tony wanted to be sure he was making the right choice, so he compared his GE through-the-wall unit to other systems.
📊 Noise Comparison Chart
| System Type | Typical Indoor dB | Noise Experience |
|---|---|---|
| GE AJEQ14DWJ | 55–60 dB | Comfortable, audible but not disruptive |
| Window AC | 60–70 dB | Noticeably louder, can disrupt TV/sleep |
| Mini Split | 25–40 dB | Nearly silent indoors |
| Central AC (blower) | 50–65 dB | Varies, depends on duct noise and blower size |
From this comparison:
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Window ACs are the loudest.
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Mini splits are the quietest, but at a much higher cost.
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GE AJEQ14DWJ sits comfortably in the middle — affordable and quiet enough for everyday comfort.
🔗 Reference: HVAC.com – Quiet AC Options
🎧 Tony’s Real-World Experience
Here’s Tony’s take after living with the GE AJEQ14DWJ for six months:
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TV time: “I can keep the volume at a normal level without shouting over the AC.”
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Sleeping: “On low fan mode, it fades into the background. It’s quieter than my ceiling fan.”
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Heating mode: “Even in heat mode, the sound is steady — no loud compressor kicks like my old system.”
For Tony, the unit passed the “comfort test.”
💡 Tips to Make Your GE AJEQ14DWJ Even Quieter
Even though the GE AJEQ14DWJ is relatively quiet, Tony picked up a few tricks to make it even better:
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Proper Installation
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Ensure the wall sleeve is level and sealed.
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A poorly sealed unit can cause whistling or vibration.
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Clean Filters Regularly
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Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing the fan to work harder (and louder).
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GE recommends monthly cleaning.
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Use Energy-Saver or Low Fan Mode at Night
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This reduces fan noise and cycles the compressor less often.
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Add Soft Furnishings
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Rugs, curtains, and upholstered furniture absorb sound and reduce echo.
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Check for Loose Parts
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Over time, screws may loosen — tighten to prevent rattling.
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🔗 Reference: This Old House – AC Maintenance Tips
📉 The Trade-Off: Noise vs. Cost
Mini splits are the quietest option, but they cost 3–5x more upfront than a through-the-wall unit like the GE AJEQ14DWJ.
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Mini split: $3,000–$6,000+ (installed).
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GE AJEQ14DWJ: ~$1,000 + installation.
For Tony, the GE struck the perfect balance: affordable, efficient, and quiet enough for his needs.
🔗 Reference: Home Depot – Air Conditioner Buying Guide
✅ Final Verdict: How Quiet Is the GE AJEQ14DWJ?
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At 55–60 dB, it’s quiet enough for everyday living, whether you’re watching TV, working from home, or sleeping.
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It’s quieter than a window AC, though not as silent as a mini split.
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With proper installation and maintenance, you’ll barely notice it running.
For Tony — and for many homeowners — the GE AJEQ14DWJ provides the ideal mix of performance and quiet comfort.
Or, as Tony sums it up:
“It cools the room, keeps me comfortable, and doesn’t drown out the ballgame. That’s a win in my book.”
In the next topic we will know more about: Energy Efficiency & Operating Costs: What to Expect from a 14,000 BTU GE Unit
