Air compressors are essential for home improvement, repairs, and construction. They are versatile tools that can be used for various purposes, making them a worthwhile investment. You can use it to fill airbags, balloons, staplers, and Nailers. It is also used to clean and repair air conditioning systems and can be helpful in a variety of DIY projects. It is also advised to choose the quieter air compressor or make it quiet by using some tips, which we will discuss below but first, let’s discuss why your air compressor is so loud.
Why does an air compressor make noise?
When making an air compressor quiet, it is essential to consider the various types of noise it creates. Most air compressors produce both mechanical and electrical noise. Mechanical noise is created by the compressor’s moving parts, including the intake, exhaust, and the type of materials it has been made of. In contrast, electrical noise is created by the electrical motors and their vibration.
What are the types of noise?
The two main categories of noise are nuisance and harmful. Nuisance noise is noise that is not essential for the function of the compressor. It is usually not very dangerous for health. On the other hand, harmful noise can be hazardous and cause hearing loss or other health problems.
Generally, it is crucial to make the compressor as quiet as possible to reduce the harmful noise it produces. In some cases, however, it may be necessary to compromise on the noise level to keep the compressor functioning properly.
How much dB noise makes an air compressor quiet?
We measure the noise level in dB(decibel), which is the energy in a sound, and it should not cross the threshold of human hearing. Mostly one question is frequently asked by users how loud an air compressor should be? Ideally, an air compressor making around 65-70 dB of noise could be the best for you as they are quieter than many.
If you go to the marketplace, you can find various compressors, from cheaper to premium. More affordable air compressors have high decibels and can damage your ear.
How to make your air compressor quieter? Follow 7 Steps
As we have already discussed, why an air compressor produces loud noises, and how loud can a compressor be bearable for human hearing? It is now easier to understand how to make your air compressor silent and avoid disturbance.
You must remember that if the compressor is not made to be quiet, you are left with very few methods. I have tested many ways to make the air compressor quiet and found success in many of these. Here are some of the verified and valid tips to follow.
Step 1: Use hearing protection equipment
Whenever you start any DIY protection or any work with the help of an air compressor, it is always recommended that you take care of yourself. The first piece of me you to reduce the noise level of a loud compressor is to use devices and equipment specially designed for hearing protection. It will include headphones and earplugs that are designed for this purpose.
If you are constantly working in a noisy area surrounded by heavy noises, then this could cause damage to your eardrums in the upcoming years. These devices can reduce the machine’s sounds and noise levels around you. You can find the earplugs near your hardware store and can easily carry this in your pocket.
Step 2: Isolate the air compressor
If you love the idea of DIY projects, then an air compressor is necessary for you. But the one thing that might irritate you that how much these portable and household air compressors can produce noise and loud they can be. To resolve this issue, we can separate the air compressor from our workplace/home so that other people can avoid the noise. You can also place the air compressor in the garage. But this may also lead to an expensive way.
Step 3: Cover the air compressor with a blanket
Have you ever used blankets to make your mechanical machines quitter? If not, you might have missed a great hack and have yet to learn how effective it could be.
There are two significant ways to wrap the blankets around your air compressor to reduce noise. One method is to cover the mechanical motor part of the compressor, including the piston cylinder. As you know, the piston is the main cause of producing noise around, so if you cover it with sound-absorbing blankets, it can drastically reduce the frequency and amplification of sound. Now, wrap it around both sides of the cylinder and ensure no gap remains to cover.
The second method may be a more straightforward solution and could profoundly impact reducing the air compressor’s noise. You just have to cover all parts of the air compressor with the help of sound-damping material such as blankets. But you had to ensure that the blanket did not cover any inlet, cord, or valve of the compressor. Covering any of this may damage your air compressor, so be careful.
Step 4: Install an intake silencer
The benefits of using an intake silencer are many. The most obvious benefit is that it will minimize the noise level that comes from the air compressor. By redirecting the airflow through a series of baffles, the intake silencer helps to muffle the noise the air compressor makes as it pulls air into the unit. This is a huge advantage for people living in places where noise pollution is an issue.
Step 5: Use Rubber Gourmets
One way to reduce the noise level of an air compressor is to use rubber grommets. By doing so, the compressor will not be in direct contact with the ground, which will help to reduce vibrations and noise. Additionally, the rubber grommets will help to isolate the compressor from the surrounding environment, which will also reduce noise levels.
Step 6: Use a soundproof box
Whether your air compressor is located inside or outside your home, soundproofing is a great way to reduce the amount of noise it emits. There are various ways to soundproof an air compressor, but one of the most effective is to use a soundproof box.
A soundproof box is a specially designed enclosure that helps to trap noise inside, preventing it from escaping and causing disturbance. There are many different types of soundproof boxes available on the market, so choosing one specifically designed for air compressors is essential.
The air compressor soundproof box has a good noise reduction effect, can reduce air compressor noise effectively, and is easy to install, which is very convenient for people to use. It is made of thick, sound-absorbing materials with good sound-absorbing and soundproofing effects.
Once you have your soundproof box, place your air compressor inside and close the lid. This will help reduce the amount of noise emitted by your air compressor, making it more pleasant for you and your neighbors.
Step 7: Regular maintenance of the air compressor
Regular air compressor maintenance can help keep it operating more quietly. By ensuring that the air compressor is adequately lubricated and that the air filter is clean, you can help reduce the amount of noise the air compressor emits.
Additionally, regularly checking the tightness of all the bolts and nuts on the air compressor can help to prevent rattling and other noise-producing issues. Regular air compressors’ maintenance helps keep them quiet by reducing the build-up of dirt and debris. In return, it will decrease the vibration and noise produced by the compressor. The following actions can be taken to assist in lowering the noise level:
- Inspecting the air compressor regularly for air leaks
- Lubricating the air compressor regularly
- Making sure that the air compressor is mounted correctly
- Checking the air compressor for any loose parts
FAQ’s
How many dB is a quiet air compressor?
It mainly depends upon the brand, model, and type of air compressor. However, an air compressor with a noise level of roughly 40 dB is often the quietest. If it has around 60db noise level, it is considered to be safest to us, but having around 80db noise level can be dangerous.
How can I make my oilless air compressor quieter?
We have already covered many methods above in the article. Still, you may make your oilless air compressor quieter by adding sound-dampening materials to the surrounding area or enclosing the compressor in a sound-dampening box.
Are pancake compressors louder?
Yes, pancake compressors are generally louder than other compressors because they have a smaller housing. This means that the internal components are closer together, which can create more noise.