Air compressors are devices that help compress air and run different types of power tools. Whether you are using an electric air compressor or just one that needs oil to start, they are famous for making loud noise levels.
Of course, air compressors come in for various projects around the house, but the noise is almost unbearable. Almost all air compressors can produce sounds between the ranges of 70 to 90 dB (decibels).
You know, the human ear can only handle around 80 decibels of sound range. Anything above that can cause damage to your ear, especially if one is exposed to the sound for a long time.
No wonder why people overthink making an air compressor quieter for their workplace!
Luckily, here are some easy steps to try on how to reduce air compressor noise.
How to Make an Air Compressor Quiet
- Use a Muffler/Silencer Box
- Use Sound Blanket
- Shift the Air Intake Outside
- Making a Noise Reduction Box
- Using Rubber Grommet
- Regular Maintenance of the Air Filter
- Using Lubricant for the Parts
- Using Quality Air Compressor
Now you have a full summary idea and need to know how to quiet an air compressor. Let’s dive into a full-depth review. Where we talked about more than 5 ways to do this task.
Use a Muffler/Silencer Box
This is an inexpensive way to deal with this air compressor noise issue. A muffler is often used in motor cars or bikes. It can install on the air intake to reduce the air compressor noise levels by 2 decibels. Some mufflers can have fewer noise levels up to 4 decibels and it’s a bit more expensive.
But considering your heart is at stake here, it’s a small investment that is worth making. You can connect a muffler to one end of an air hose. Then you can connect the other end to the air intake component. You can get a muffler or air compressor silencer box online or from your nearby shop. It will give heavy-duty to making your air compressor quieter than before.
Use Sound Blanket for Quiet an Air Compressor
Apart from the exhaust and intake, the air compressor’s piston cylinder is one of its common causes of much noise. Air compressor sound blankets can prevent that noise from being echoed or boosted up due to reflection from the walls in your room. You can put sound blankets on the wall, and it will prevent the amplification of sound.
Sound blankets can absorb medium to high-frequency sounds level. So they are pretty handy for quieting air compressors if you place them properly.
Shift the Air Intake Outside
Most of the noise comes from the air compressor intake component. To reduce the noise level, you should use an extended rubber hose. It let the machines suck the air from the free area outside and in turn, consumes the noise. You can also use a pipe, it will work as an air intake.
Likewise, if you can keep the pipe or hose out, you won’t be hearing the sound as loud as before when working indoors.
Make a Noise Reduction Box for Quiet Air Compressors
This is perhaps, the most effective way to deal with the noisy stuff when you’re using an air compressor in-house. This means, building a soundproof box for preventing unusual noise and reducing the air compressor’s throat. You can make a DIY soundproof enclosure for your power generator out of cardboard or foaming substance. And you can use fire-resistant materials like gypsum or hard concrete for creating the noise reduction box.
The unit of the compressor should be inside the enclosure, and there need to be openings for the exhaust and wires. If the power outlets and hoses are left trapped inside a confined space like the enclosure, there might be accidents.
These are the important materials you’ll need to make your air compressor quieter box:
- A saw (circular ones are better)
- Screws
- A Driller
- Foam
- Adhesive spray
Modifying such a soundproof enclosure box for your air compressor is an easy way to reduce noise drastically. If your air tool doesn’t produce earth-shattering noise, to begin with, this soundproof box might make the entire sound fall to a minimum.
Use Rubber Grommet
Rubber has sound level deadening capabilities, and it’s a probable solution. You can find rubber grommets on Amazon from around $2 to $10 or more prices. There are different sizes of rubber grommets available in the market so you can get one according to your machines.
If the motor is secured using this rubber, you can reduce the noise significantly. The vibration in the engines causes a lot of noise when air compressors start. As the rubber absorbs the vibrations, it reduces the noise levels to act as an air compressor’s sound deadening.
Regular Maintenance of the Air Filter
Air filters clean the air when the compressor sucks in. So if they don’t work properly and get dusty, the compression process will get noisy. In that case, before the filters get clogged, it’s good to clean them up and save your compressor.
Therefore, it’s recommended to clean up them at least once every 12 months though this does depend on where you live and its uses. The dusty environment calls for more cleaning.
Using Lubricant for the Parts
Oil-less air compressors tend to make more noise than others. If you are wondering to quiet an oilless air compressor, lubrication is your answer. The friction between the different types of parts is the reason behind all the annoying noises. That’s why it is essential to oil and lubricate the components to prevent friction and rust.
Accordingly, lubricating the moving parts with grease can reduce corrosion and make your air compressors more durable. But it is to be noted that too much grease can make the bearings of the machine difficult to move.
Hence, this might damage the compressor engine. So, you should use just the right amount of lubricant.
Using Quality Air Compressor
This is an obvious solution. If you get an air compressor of better quality materials after checking the decibel (dB) count, there’s less chance of having a headache due to crazy noises from your compressor. A cheap budget new air compressor will only cost more in the long run with all the parts needing touch-ups and replacements again and again.
How to quiet an oil-less air compressor?
If you own or use an oil-less air compressor, chances are you will eventually have to deal with a noisy unit. Though these compressors are designed to be more efficient and require less maintenance than their oil-based counterparts, they can still be quite loud when operating. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help quiet your oil-less air compressor.
- Check for leaks: One of the most common causes of noise from an oil-less air compressor is actually a leak in the system. If air is leaking from anywhere in the system, it will create turbulence and noise as it escapes. Be sure to check all fittings and connections for any signs of leakage before proceeding to other possible causes of noise.
- Inspect the intake filter: Another potential cause of noise coming from your oil-less air compressor is a dirty or clogged intake filter. If airflow is restricted through the filter, it can create turbulent airflow and increased noise levels inside the unit itself – not to mention decreased efficiency and performance overall!
- Listen for loose parts: Another common issue that can cause noise from your oil-less air compressor is loose or damaged parts inside the unit. If any screws, nuts, bolts, or other fasteners are loose, they may rattle around and create noise as the unit operates. Additionally, worn or damaged parts can also produce unusual noises as they try to do their job.
- Add sound deadening material: One way to help reduce noise coming from your oil-less air compressor is to add some sort of sound deadening material to the area surrounding it. This could be something as simple as a heavy rug or piece of carpeting placed underneath the unit (if it’s portable) or acoustic panels installed around it if it’s permanently mounted in one spot.
- Use an automated drain valve: Finally, one of the best things you can do to quiet your oil – less air compressor is to use an automated drain valve. These valves open and close automatically, which helps eliminate condensation buildup inside the tank.
Hopefully these tips will help you silence a noisy oil-less air compressor !
Can you make an air compressor quieter?
Yes, you can make an air compressor quieter by following the above steps.
What is the best way to quiet an air compressor?
Using an aftermarket muffler or silencer and enclosing the air compressor in a sound-proof box is the best way to quiet an air compressor.
Conclusion
Now you know enough about how you can reduce noise of an air compressor and save your health from unwanted damage.
It’s time to take action and make your work area a less polluted environment. We’ll help you further if there’s a problem with noise pollution. Thanks.