An air compressor is a noisy tool. It produces unbearable noise that disturbs the operator and nearest people. Instead of investing in a new one, you can take some steps to keep the air compressor quiet and the environment cool! So the question is, how to make an air compressor quiet?
You can keep the air compressor quiet by reducing its vibration, using some lubricant and soundproof accessories. Plus, repairing the internal issue can keep the air compressor quiet.This article will let you know why the air compressor causes noise and offer the 10 easiest and most effective solutions to fix the problem.
Despite this, you will learn the tolerable level of noise and some relevant information to ensure the quieter operation of an air compressor.
How to Make an Air Compressor Quieter
The operator can take plenty of steps to fix the air compressor noise issue. The following are some effective and easier methods to reduce air compressor noise and keep it at a bearable level:
Using rubber grommets
Rubber is a well-accepted and broadly used noise-absorbing material for various tools. Besides, it is available in most tool stores and online. Some stainless steel kitchen sinks are also designed with a rubber coating to reduce noise. The similar process thing can work for an air compressor.
You can place a rubber grommet between the surface and the air compressor to minimize the vibration as well as the noise level. But make sure the air compressor remains level after placing the rubber grommet; otherwise, it won’t reduce the noise.
Lubricant the Bearings
The movable part of the air compressor has some bearings which create friction. If the bearing gets a stain, it can cause heavy noise. Lubricating the bearings is a part of maintenance that not only makes the machine long-lasting but also reduces its noise level. Among a range of lubricating products, you can choose quality grease. Then put the grease into the bearing, wait for a while. Once you start the air compressor, you will experience quieter operation.
Cover the Intake with a Muffler
Another alternative way is to cover the air compressor intake using a muffler. The welded muffler is the most effective for such a job, and the Air Compressor Muffler Kit is affordable as well. Some mufflers are made of stainless steel and designed with a wide outlet and inlet opening with dual chambers.
So, how to wrap the intake of an air compressor with a muffler? Simply locate the compressor’s intake and plug in a two-sided air hose between the muffler and the intake. It will remarkably lower the noise level by up to four decibels.
Place the Air Intake Outside
During the air compressor intake, it can produce a higher noise. So, placing the air intake in an open area is essential for keeping the environment calm.
Many people the best air compressor for roofing or framing job but place in the basement, garage, or in a room, which increases the noise. But if you want to lower the noise level, place it on a lawn or other well-ventilated area.
Clean the Filters
The filter removes dirt from the air and the shirt through the compressor, which could be the source of the noise. Without checking the filter regularly, dust can build up and block the filter, making the reason for intolerable noise. A blocked air compressor doesn’t let the machine operate efficiently. To prevent such a situation, clean the air compressor filter periodically.
Sound Padding on the Wall
Place the air compressor close to the wall or in a small corner can echo the sound and increase its level. Conversely, using soundproof padding on the wall can effectively reduce the noise. Instead, sound blankets are also effective, which are also commonly available. More importantly, it isn’t necessary to put the padding all over the wall while placing the nearest wall air compressor is good enough.
Tighten the Loose Parts of the air compressor
It isn’t usually common, but sometimes loose parts can be the main source of noise from an air compressor. Parts like bolts and screws can come loose due to vibration and cause noise. So, as a routine check, make sure all the parts are tightened.
Using a Soundproof Box
It’s another superb solution to making an air compressor quiet. Even so, a soundproof box is one of the best pieces of equipment to lower the air compressor noise. From a variety of soundproof boxes, choose the one that matches the box and its dimensions.
Even so, you can create a soundproof box for air compressor at home by following a straightforward process. Take some pieces of plywood or cardboard, cut them into the dimensions of the air compressor. Now take a sound-absorbing material like rubber padding and surround the box with it. The box will absorb most of the noise and you will hear a tolerable noise.
Soundproof Blanket
If you are neither interested in attaching soundproof material to the wall nor in a soundproof box, a soundproof blanket can help you. Covering the entire air compressor using a soundproof blanket will prevent the sound from spreading outside. And you will experience a quiet operation.
Buy a Quieter Air Compressor
If the air compressor is older and its internal parts are unable to be repaired, you should invest in a new one. While choosing the new air compressor, make sure its maximum level of noise is less than 70 dB. Even you have to learn how to use an air compressor properly.
The noise level of an air compressor
Before proceeding, let’s learn how much the noise level is normally considerable. The sound level is internationally considered in decibels (dB).
The noise level below 70 dB from an air compressor is tolerable. From such a complex mechanism, this isn’t higher for the home environment. But using a cheap and older air compressor won’t offer you quite the performance. Such a machine can produce an extremely intolerable noise. The noise from an air compressor up to 95dB is considered intolerable.
Here is a question: how to measure the sound level of an air compressor? It’s a simple task. You can even use your Smartphone to calculate the noise stage. Simply download a noise measuring app online and identify the noise level of an air compressor. There are some professional tools, like the decibel meter, that can be used to measure the noise level.
The reason for causing noise in an air compressor
Likewise, learning the intolerable level of noise, knowing the reason for the situation can help make an effective step against certain causes. The air compressor can cause a loud noise due to many factors. Here is the list:
Vibration
The unstable fitting of an air compressor can cause excess vibration, which leads to higher noise. It isn’t among the main reasons, but the vibration can cause an unbearable amount of noise. Despite unstable fitting, assembling the air compressor in the wrong way can also cause lots of vibration.
Again, attaching the part of the compressor inaccurately and placing the machine on a hard surface also increases vibration. As a result, the air compressor produces a higher level of noise.
Materials of the Air Compressor
The raw material used to make an air compressor is responsible for producing loud noises. For example, using an air compressor made of thin metal can produce a lot of noise as the thin metal vibrates more.
Thus, it is recommended to use a top-quality air compressor that is made of thick, heavy-duty metal. This air compressor won’t vibrate more and reduce the noise level.
The placing area
The air compressor can produce a huge amount of noise because of its placement areas. For instance, keeping the compressor on a hard surface can make a lot of noise compared to a soft surface. If it is shaken consistently during run time, the operator will experience noise. An uneven surface is also responsible for making the air compressor noisy.
Intake and Exhaust
Sometimes, the intake parts of the air compressor create increased noise. Like vacuum cleaners, air compressors also intake air, which causes them to produce noise. Conversely, if the air compressor doesn’t have a good exhaust system, it will create intolerable noise.
FAQs on How to make an Air Compressor quiet
What is a quiet air compressor?
A quiet air compressor that produces tolerable noise is considered a quiet air compressor. The noise level of an air compressor is considered in decibels. The smaller the number, the air compressor produces calmer operation. Usually, oil-lubricated compressors are better and quieter than non-lubricated air compressors.
Which types of air compressor are quietest?
Among the different types of air compressors, dual-piston reciprocating air compressors are quieter than single-piston units. Besides, reciprocating compressors are noisier than Rotary screw air compressors. Overall, scroll air compressors are the quietest and incredibly efficient.
Why do air compressors get noisy?
Several factors are responsible for making an air compressor noisy. Among them, the friction between moving parts is more liable. During the runtime of an air compressor, its internal metal slides and hits against the other metal, which creates a loud noise. Usually, gas-powered compressors are noisier than other types as they have more moving metal and create combustion.
Final words
Apart from being effective for home improvement tasks, a noisy air compressor can be annoying for the operator and nearest neighbors. Learning how to make an air compressor quiet can ensure relaxing quality operation, allowing you to only focus on a task. More importantly, extreme noise can be an indication of danger if it is caused by internal parts.
So follow those above-mentioned tips and don’t hesitate to invest if it requires extra equipment. Finally, maintain the air compressor regularly and keep the machine quiet to enjoy long-lasting service.
