Stationary Noise

The rattle, buzz and roar of a residential air conditioner (RAC) or other stationary noise sources can create multiple disturbances all year long.

Stationary sources include heat pumps, fans, generators, compressors, and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems. These sources can be run 24-7 for months on end and tend to stop and start frequently, creating serious negative impacts on neighbours.

Current Situation

As cities become warmer with more heat events due to climate change, more air conditioners are being installed in residential areas. Additionally, with more high rise condos, and mixed use zoning,  bedrooms are more often at or above the rooftops of other buildings, impacting more residents. 

Currently, this noise source is only measured in dBA (which measures sound that we can hear) and not dBC (which measures lower frequency sound that we are more likely to feel). Like amplified sound, two measurements are required (one with the unit on, the other off) to understand the level of disturbance. The issue is that noise doesn’t have to be loud to be bothersome, so often the noise source is within the bylaw limits, even though the drone and hum of a stationary noise source invades peoples homes and bedrooms and is impossible to ignore.

Toronto Bylaws

City by-laws are most important, since they supersede the Provincial regulations. The updated regulations from the most recent noise bylaw review in 2023 include:

• reduced outdoor decibel limits at night (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.) from 50 dB(A) to 45 dB(A).
• reduced indoor limits at night dropping from 50 dB(A) to 40 dB(A), and daytime limits (7 a.m. to 11 p.m.) from 50 dB(A) to 45 dB(A).

Additionally, the definition of “point of reception”—the location where noise measurements are taken by by-law enforcement officers—has been refined to clarify that the listed examples are not exhaustive, allowing for broader interpretation in enforcement and hopefully providing a better experience for the resident.

Provincial Regulations

•  Environmental Noise Guideline – Stationary and Transportation Sources – (Publication NPC-300 
  • Mostly applicable to land use planning and commercial activities
•  Residential Air Conditioning Devices (Publication NPC-216  
  • Establishes basic sound level limits and sound emission standards

Make a Report

While making a stationary noise report may seem futile, it is important to do so.  Every report is a data point that the city will use to make future decisions. Plus, the more that people report a problem the more likely that the Noise Team will act. 

You have three options:

1. Click here to create a Stationary Noise Service Request
2. Phone call – dial 311 
3. Through the 311 mobile app – click the link to download

You can also send an email to mlsfeedback@toronto.ca and suggest how they can improve.

You can also contact your Councillor: 

• Find out who that is at this link 
• Tell them about the noise disturbance
• Present a solution 

You may not get a response from your Councillor, but they or their staff  read every email. Be polite and concise. 

Solutions

There are two major improvements that need to be made. 

1. The measurements must be taken in dBA and dBC, with appropriate decibel maximums that protect people’s health.
2. As we are all entitled to sleep with the windows open, we must  ensure that INDOOR LIMITS apply to measurements taken indoors with windows open. 

More generally, there is a lack of clarity about where noise measurements should be taken. Sluggish action/enforcement by MLS officers is common. Complaints can take a year, or many years, to produce action. MLS inability to make the offender turn their units off or on, makes the measurements a game of chance. This results in an intrusion that can be a waste of time and money. 

However, read on for a positive outcome resulting from a consistent and patient approach to the problem.