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How to Make an Air Compressor Quiet? 9 Effective Tips

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Most people would agree that an air compressor is not the most pleasant of machines. It can be loud and disruptive, especially if you are working in a home workshop or garage. If you have ever considered how to make an air compressor quieter, then this blog post is for you!

In this article, we will discuss the primary causes of air compressor noise. We will also discuss quieting the air compressor and what safety measures you should take before you make any changes to the air compressor. 

Air Compressor Noise Levels

The compressor can make noise for many reasons, such as friction, vibration, or intake noise. If all of these factors happen simultaneously, you’ll probably find it quite upsetting. 

The smaller components of 1HP produce less noise (around 80 to 90 dB).

OSHA warns that sound levels above 85-90 dB can cause hearing loss. To protect your hearing, you must wear hearing protection. It is a device that compresses air. It compresses the gas to increase the pressure. Any part of the machine can generate noise. 

Below 70dB of noise is bearable. In the market, some low-cost products end up creating a lot of noise. Normal, home air compressors can make 90db of sound, which is unbearable. 

How to Make an Air Compressor Quiet

4 Reasons for Noise In Air Compressors

There can be other factors in your case apart from the air compressor quality causing your compressor to sound.

1. Air Compressors Material

The material of an air compressor’s construction is very critical to its efficiency. The air compressor will likely be noisy if you purchase a low-cost product. It may be due to the thin metal used in its construction. If there is thin metal, it is going to vibrate and produce noise. 

2. Depends on the Location of the Air Compressor

The location of air compressors is very significant because the noise or working of the compressor depends upon or is affected by its location. Keeping the compressor on a hard surface will make a lot of noise, even if the compressor is good. 

Furthermore, if they are placed on a surface that is not even, they will make noise. Because of the shake, the machine will be noisy when it works. 

3. Vibration can Make Air Compressors Less Quiet

Vibrations forming in the machine can be the cause of its noise. Although it may not be the critical factor, it is still a substantial factor. Vibrations are affected by the compressor’s fitting. If while assembling the machine you did something wrong, it will vibrate, which will cause noise.

You might have assembled the compressor incorrectly, but there could be a problem with the machine. It may have loose-fitting, or it may be broken, so it’s making noise while it’s working. 

4. Intake and exhaust can Cause Noise in Air Compressors

The air compressor’s intake mechanism can also cause noises. This is also considered a noise-inducing factor. It makes the same amount of noise as a vacuum cleaner. It takes in the air as it operates, which is why it makes noise. 

The exhaust is considered the loudest part of an air compressor. An air compressor without an exhaust system makes noise.

How to Make an Air Compressor Quiet.

Sound Reduction for Air Compressors

Some louder compressors are of the reciprocating variety and these may emit noises as high as 85 decibels. Such machines should only be operated in isolated work areas without a significant insulation factor from surrounding floors and adjacent structures inside a building.

Rotating Screw Compressors have quieter properties because the designs incorporate the sounds of the enclosure which provides protection. Without further ado, we’re finally going to reveal tips on how to make an air compressor quiet.

How to Make an Air Compressor Quiet? 9 Tips

How to Make an Air Compressor Quiet

Below are some ways to make the air compressor quiet. You can make a loud air compressor more peaceful by following these:  

1. Rubber Grommets

Rubber grommets are often used to reduce noise. They are noise-absorbing materials. There is a rubber coating under the sinks in the kitchen that keeps them away from making noise. It is the same for air compressors

You have to place it between the air compressor and the space. This will minimize the noise in the air compressors

The placement of rubber is a very critical factor to consider. Consider the location of the air compressor when measuring the rubber. After placing it, make sure the surface remains flat. It will not be silent, but it will indeed reduce the noise.

2. Proper Lubrication of Air Compressor Bearings

Bearings are part of every machine with movable parts. When you run the air compressor, the bearing will move in different directions. This will cause friction between the metals. 

If the friction between the metals is not maintained, the noise will increase. A compressor that runs for a long time will not function if the metal decays. 

So, what can you do? Lubricating the bearing will minimize friction as well as noise levels. 

You can buy top-quality grease from the market, apply it and let it rest for a while, then turn on the compressor. 

3. Air Intake Placement

When the compressor works, it takes in the air as a vacuum does. This is the most common problem. You should put the intake outside if you want peace. In your room, your house, or anywhere else.

It is usually kept in a garage or basement. Place it where you do not think the noise will bother anyone. For placement outside, you need a hose. Attach it to a bracket so it will stay in place

Check whether or not it works without any issues after completing the steps. Keeping it at a distance will reduce the noise. 

4. Air Intake Silencers or Mufflers

How to quit an air compressor? If your air compressor is still making noise, then you need to install the air compressor silencer. Although it is going to cost you some extra money, you will be able to enjoy calmness.

A significant amount of noise gets produced by the air compressor from the air intake. As the compressor works, it starts rotating.

Devices for muffled air are constructed by combining air silencers. Air is routed through tubes and sound material to reduce noise. Installing intake or mufflers such as the Solberg silencer model can reduce the noise produced by intake systems. 

5. Soundproof Box or Blanket

Soundproof:

It can be one of the effective solutions for making a compressor quiet. You will find different kinds of soundproofing variously on the market. Check out what’s on the market and make sure it matches the box. 

You can use cardboard to make your soundproof box. Prepare the box according to the compressor. When this is done, place rubber pads or other sound-absorbing material on each side of the box. 

By placing the compressor in the box, the noise will be reduced, and you won’t have to spend a lot of money. 

Cover an Air Compressor with Sound Proof Blanket

If you cannot attach the sound-absorbing material to the wall or build a soundproof box. Use a soundproof blanket, then cover the compressor with it. This will cause air compressor noise reduction. 

Noise absorber sound blankets are useful in multiple ways to reduce noise particularly when they are used around the most noisy machine. When draped on walls within an area that contains a compressor or an instrument whose sound is louder than most, the frequency is comparatively low.

Sound Blankets are becoming a popular anti–noise aid in home recording studios and band rehearsal areas where their fibers absorb amplification. With their use at a distance or with earplugs, sound blankets can render compressor noise safe even for sensitive hearing users.

6. Use Hearing Protection

If your compressor is still not quiet and no other solution is effective, then you can use PPE (personal protective equipment). Long-term continuous noise exposure can cause hearing problems. 

Using earplugs and muffs, you can protect yourself from the air compressor. It cannot entirely remove the volume but definitely can cause air compression noise reduction. 

7. Tighten the Screws on the air Compressors.

There could be any loose parts or screws in your air compressor. Maybe you did not tighten the screws when assembling it. Possibly, it can make a noisy air compressor quieter.

8. Regular Maintenance of Air Compressors

If someone asks me how to make an air compressor quiet, I will tell them it depends on how often you maintain it. Noise could be coming from your compressors’ filters, which prevent dust from entering the compressor. In other words, if you fail to check and clean the filters regularly, the filters will get clogged, resulting in noise. 

When the filters are clogged, the machine will have difficulty operating. In a clogged filter, dust will accumulate all over the place, causing the compressor to move from section to section, creating noise.

Maintaining a compressor can make it operate well for many years. It can run quieter for a long time if you clean, filter, then have specific tasks done by professionals. 

9. Distance from the Compressor

The further you are from the compressor, the more dB drops. When you move away from the source of the noise, the dB drops. To avoid the noise, move your compressor as far away as possible. 

What are the safety precautions while making any change to air compressors?

  • Make sure that safety measures are installed and functioning.
  • Make sure that the pressure switch’s maximum PSI does not exceed
  • Make sure the air intake is not restricted too much. Keep the compressor’s cooling and airflows undisturbed.
  • Unplug it when you are no longer using it. Make sure to store it somewhere dry and clean.
  • Do not use it indoors, especially if it is a gas air compressor.
  • While it is operating, wear eye protection and hearing protection. While it is running, don’t add oil to it.
  • A cord that is longer than usual may damage the unit. Do not expose your cables.
  • Do not breathe directly through the air compressors. Use only pressure vessels that meet national and international standards. 

Always choose a high-quality air compressor.

Our recommendation for someone who wants to know how to make an air compressor quiet is to purchase a quality air compressor. As the high-quality air compressor will last longer and usually produce less noise. Less expensive air compressors are generally louder. Investing a lot of money is not a wise idea, but for this purpose, purchasing a low-quality, substandard product for its low price is not a sensible idea.

Before acquiring an air compressor, check the maximum noise level. A loud sound will disrupt your peaceful life and cause damage to your eardrums. In case your compressor is old and cannot be repaired, buy a replacement. 

Read feedback before purchasing air compressors. The maximum noise level of an air compressor must be 70 dB

Sound is an enormous issue in factories, manufacturing areas, grates, grates, and compressors. It is not only disturbing but makes it challenging to communicate. It is sensible to install noise-absorbing methods on air compressors, but it is equally important to maintain them.

How to Make an Air Compressor Quiet

How to Make an Air Compressor Quiet? Final Remarks

How to make an air compressor quiet? Air compressor noise can be caused by any number of factors, material, location, or vibration. Some louder compressors can produce a noise of about 85 decibels.

What can make a loud compressor quieter? It is possible to make an air compressor quiet in several ways: rubber grommets, proper lubrication, placement, air intake silencers and mufflers, soundproof boxes and blankets, using hearing protection.

While you were assembling the air compressor, there is a chance that a screw was left loose. Alternatively, you can avoid the noise by inspecting your air compressor regularly because the clog filters can be the reason behind the noise. You should take safety measures before using it or even getting near the compressor. 

You should also buy high-quality air compressors, as low-cost compressors can be dangerous to the safety of the house, factory, or other places where they are installed. Always check the maximum noise levels of the air compressors and the maximum should never be above 70 decibels. 

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We’re a team of engineers, contractors, technicians, and woodworking experts who use power tools daily and share fact-based information, tips, and recommendations. At thetoolgeeks.com, we debunk myths about power tools and share methods to use them effectively.

The Tool Geeks Team

We're a team of engineers, contractors, technicians, and woodworking experts who use power tools daily and share fact-based information, tips, and recommendations. At thetoolgeeks.com, we debunk myths about power tools and share methods to use them effectively.

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