How to Make an Air Compressor Quiet?
“How to make an air compressor quiet?” a pretty easy question to answer if you ask me. But when you’re applying it practically it becomes a bit harder. Having an air compressor for DIY, Garage, and Shop Owners like you and us is a blessing.
Unless you’re not compromising with some of the crucial aspects, these features or endpoints should be maintained with care to keep your compressor as a blessing, not your worst pain or regret when you look at it. Here is a small checklist for you:
And I’ll be discussing the final point in our today’s epic air compressor session. So, we come it to again “how to make an air compressor quiet”. As I have said before at the beginning that it’s “pretty easy to answer but, a bit of a workout when you’re working on it.” But first of all you have to learn some key point.
“Quieter Operation” refers to the noise level of an air compressor. The noise level is measured in decibels (dB). And there is a pretty small list of air compressors with different noise levels.
So, the lower the better, and the higher it is the worse.
Actionable Tips on How to Make an Air Compressor Quiet?
Below are some of our personal actionable tips, that’ll help you make your air compressor quieter. They are sequenced based on the amount or type of work they require. You can follow them step-by-step. So, let’s get to it:
Rubber as you know is pretty awesome when it comes to suppressing noise. That’s why it is used in different machines, tools, and places to beef up the barrier for reducing noise.
So, in the case of air compressors, rubber grommets are used. These little buddies will remove most of the generated vibrational noise when the compressor starts.
These are ringed-shaped structures with various sizes for different air compressor sizes. They are fitted between the air compressor frame and the mounting bracket of the motor.
After using the grommets, you can further slice up your compressor’s noise level at least up to 4 dB by using the “Intake Muffler” also, known as Intake Silencer.
Now, this little, handy dandy bud doesn’t play the boss role in noise reduction. But, using it does helps you a lot in the longer run.
Also, attaching it with your air compressor is a little bit hassle. It requires 2 reinforced heavy-duty air hoses. Attach the 1st end of both air hoses to the air compressor while the 2nd goes into the air muffler.
Here is a tip for you: Before attaching the muffler, 1st check the noise of the air compressor. Then turn-off and attach the muffler to finally see the before and after difference.
Now, after doing the Muffler job, the 3rd tip is a bit of a messy job because of the inner joints and bearings of air compressors.
These joints and bearings produce noise when they run and work simultaneously. And if they are not properly lubricated, then friction is born which is the worst enemy of your air compressor.
The same friction between these joints and bearings produces excessive noise and heat. Plus, the icing on the cake, the same friction also damages your compressor by overheating. Let alone the noise you’re worried about.
So, proper lubrication keeps the joints up and running smoothly. I suggest you should keep a tab on changing the oil of your air compressor at regular intervals.
After doing the greasy job, let’s move to an easy and much cleaner tip. Tip no 4, place your compressor at a distance and make sure the Air Intake is outside.
It’s an easy-peasy job for those guys who don’t have portability issues with their compressors. In a close shack or small rooms like garages, this becomes a pain if the compressor is inside. Because sound waves don’t get enough room to disperse.
Thus, noise level boosts up and for you is the pain in the head, and no concentration in work as well. While when you place it outside, the sound waves are dispersed in the air. So, keep it simple.
The next tip is a type of DIY job. At this point, I’ll say you can use the “Tip 4” or Tip 5. Tip 4 is a bit easier than Tip 5. Either you can build your own DIY Soundproof Box, or you can buy from the market. When you’re shopping from the market make sure to measure your compressor’s dimensions.
Or if you have decided to build your own DIY Soundproof Box then I say there is checklist that you need to cover. But do keep in mind that this one is bit on the expensive side.
Below are items that you need to am your own air compressor soundproof box.
Use plywood to make the outer walls. Make sure to measure your compressor dimensions. After cutting to proper lengths, attach them by screwing up with bolts and finally, attach the acoustic foam with adhesive.
The next thing is to attach the exhaust fan to one side of the wall. Make sure the airflow moves from inner to outer direction. So, the generated heat can be blown out by the fan.
Also, attach an extra drain valve outside of the box with the compressor’s drain valve. So, you don’t need to open the box again and again just to drain your compressor out.
Finally, the last tip I advise is to get a quiet air compressor for yourself if your compressor is pretty worn out. The reason is that the above methods will not be that effective on the worn-out compressor as you’re thinking.
There are many powerful air compressors in the market that are much quieter with a noise level of 50 to 60 dB i.e., the California Air Tools. The CAT is one of the major players manufacturing really quiet air compressors.
Here is a checklist of their quietest air compressors. These are all ultra-quiet series compressors.
Read Also:
How To Use An Air Compressor
How Does an Air Compressor Work
At the End!
So, in the end, by combining all these tips with your air compressor, the noise will be reduced to a greater extend. Not to mention, the angry neighbors which it will keep away from you.
Also, don’t forget the air compressor safety measures in all the air compressor quieting conundrum. Be productive and work effectively in your garage and workshop.
And let your compressor doctor know if your own compressor is not working properly. Or if you have any suggestions, or want to know something then feel free to comment in the comments section.
