If a condensing unit is rated at 8 decibels, how would it be described?

A condensing unit rated at 8 decibels would be described as reasonably quiet because decibels measure sound intensity on a logarithmic scale, where lower values correspond to quieter sounds. A rating of 8 decibels falls significantly below the average threshold of human hearing, which is typically around 0 decibels, and is vastly quieter than standard levels that would be considered loud for mechanical equipment.

In practical terms, sounds under 30 decibels are generally considered very quiet, and anything above 70 decibels is typically regarded as loud. Therefore, a rating of 8 decibels indicates that the unit emitted sound levels that are comfortable and unobtrusive in a residential or workplace setting, thus making it reasonable to categorize the sound as "reasonably quiet."