The difference between 49db and 54db is roughly double the energy in the sound. 3db is a 100% increase in sound energy, that equates to about 25% louder subjectively. So not a small difference.
Sure, but it's still quiet was my point. The way it was written above makes it sound (no pun intended) like a quiet washing machine is something exclusive. Almost anything you can buy now will be A++ or A+++ energy rated and be nice and quiet, even right at the cheap end of the price range.
The difference between 49db and 54db is roughly double the energy in the sound. 3db is a 100% increase in sound energy, that equates to about 25% louder subjectively. So not a small difference.