Aussie man faces fine for using noisy airconditioning

The warning letter issued earlier this week by Willoughby City Council cited complaints from neighbors about the noise caused by the appliance used by the man, identified as George, according to 2GB, a radio station in Sydney.

As ruled by the council, he is now prohibited from using his air conditioner from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., or he will be fined AUD$10,000.

George called the council, asking "What do you want me to do about heating and cooling?," he told 2GB. They replied that he now has two options: operate the device within the restricted hours or replace it with a quieter model.

According to the Environmental Protection Operation Act of 2017, it is illegal to use air conditioners that cause noise disturbances.

The legislation states that any air conditioner audible from any room of another house, regardless of whether windows and doors are open or closed, constitutes a violation.

Noise violations are specifically identified during the hours of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays, and up to 8 a.m. on weekends.

In New South Wales, which includes Sydney, offenders may face a fine of up to AUD$11,000.

Michael Regan, a former mayor of the Northern Beaches area in Northern Sydney, reported to WhatsNew2Day that his office frequently received complaints about noisy air conditioners, particularly in densely built areas.