Abington, PA Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)

Section 106-3.L(1) makes it unlawful to operate air-conditioning equipment 'or any other type of mechanical equipment or apparatus installed or attached to premises' so as to cause excessive noise, defining 'excessive' by a tiered decibel scale tied to the Zoning Ordinance's district map: 55 decibels in recreation-conservation and residence districts, 70 decibels in PI Planned Industrial Districts, and 60 decibels in every other zoning classification. This covers rooftop condenser units, heat pumps, and similar attached mechanical apparatus, not just window units. If a test shows equipment exceeds its district's limit, Section 106-3.L(2) requires the owner to discontinue operation immediately, though the Abington Health Department can grant an extension of up to 30 days to bring the unit into compliance, for example by adding sound baffling or relocating the compressor.

The Health Department, jointly with the Police Department under Section 106-4, has authority to measure and enforce, using a calibrated sound-level meter positioned five feet above ground at the property line. A homeowner whose new HVAC condenser draws noise complaints in a residence-zoned neighborhood is measured against the 55-decibel figure, not the higher industrial-district thresholds.