You can make an air compressor quiet in different ways like –
- Using a sound blanket to wrap the air compressor.
- Placing the air compressor in a soundproof box/enclosure.
- Installing an air compressor noise suppressor/ intake silencer/intake muffler.
- Placing rubber grommets and some other easy yet effective ways.
Bear with me as I am going to elaborate the steps in the easiest way possible.
What is the level of air compressor noise?
Before I start letting you know how to make an air compressor quiet, let me give an idea about the air compressor noise level in the first place.
This will certainly help you decide on the noise level you should keep to consider it to be a quiet air compressor.
If you need assistance in measuring the sound level, I recommend using a quality tool like .
A decibel meter will eventually help you in the noise-reducing process by letting you know the current sound level. Consequently, you know how many more steps to take to get the desired sound level.
Typically, if an air compressor generates below 75DB sound, it is considered a quiet compressor. However, anything more than 80 DB is a noisy air compressor for sure.
Just for your reference, 80 DB is twice as loud as 70DB and four times as loud as 60 DB.
Most of the large units generate sound ranging between 70DB to 90DB. Nonetheless, the smaller ones could produce only 40DB, which is quite a low noise level.
So, consider reducing the noise if it’s above 75DB. Otherwise, you better focus on other tasks rather than making the unit quieter.
How to Make an Air Compressor Quiet? – a Few Simple Steps to Apply
Using a sound blanket to wrap the compressor
Wrapping up the compressor with a sound blanket is probably one of the easiest ways to reduce a considerable amount of noise. Mostly the air compressor motors, intake, and air exhaust are responsible for creating noise. So, wrapping the compressor with a sound blanket would be an effective solution. The company claims at least 5DB noise reduction using the blanket.
Placing the air compressor in a soundproof box/enclosure
Yes, you heard it right! Placing the whole unit inside a soundproof enclosure or box is another way to make loud air compressors quiet.
You can either buy an off-the-rack or get ready to do it yourself, as it’s not that hard to make an enclosure.
Making a soundproof box requires a few tools like screw drill, plywood, soundproof foam, and saw.
I’ve decided to write a separate article on making a soundproof box from scratch in the coming days.
The idea is to make a bit larger box than the unit size to protect the whole from overheating. Additionally, you need to make sure it has holes to pass the air outside.
This technique is perfect for electric and oil-less units.
Installing an Air Compressor Noise Suppressor / Compressor Intake silencer / Intake muffler
Installing an air compressor noise suppressor or intake muffler helps to reduce the noise quite a bit, at least 4 DB in most cases. I know it’s not a game-changer technique, but it helps for sure. Moreover, it’s quite straightforward to implement and cost-effective.
Particularly, when you need the unit to run continuously for lengthy jobs like painting, sandblasting, etc., you need a lot of air volume; this technique will help you work with less noise.
To implement an air compressor intake muffler, you need one or two heavy-duty air hoses depending on the number of intakes and a quality muffler/silencer.
You have to connect one end of an air hose to the compressor unit and the other end to the muffler.
When it’s about buying a handy-dandy muffler, I recommend a welded unit like a , which is cost-effective and quite efficient in reducing the noise level.
Placing Rubber Grommets
Placing rubber grommets around the compressor motor is another inexpensive way to eliminate the vibration noise resulting in a lower noise level.
It’s quite effective in absorbing sound if placed correctly. You will want to place the rubber grommets between the compressor unit and the surface.
offers some quality grommets of different sizes, costing under $10.EVA pads and rubber matting are some of the other useful alternatives to grommets that cost low.
Some Other Useful Ways to Reduce Air Compressor Noise
Cleaning the air filter – Cleaning the air filter regularly helps in multiple ways, including noise reduction. It also helps to maintain efficiency, ensures longevity.
Keeping the air intake outside – The air intake causes noise when sucking the air. It’s better if you place them somewhere far from your workspace.
Use soundproofing material on the wall – The air compressor noise hits the wall and echoes to make a noise. Using some sort of soundproofing material on the wall surrounding the unit reduces the noise.
Stay away from the unit while working – While working in the garage, try to keep the compressor unit far from the place you are working.
Wear ear defenders – Wearing ear defenders is another effective way to get rid of high-level noise produced by the unit.
Regular maintenance – Overall, regular maintenance helps to reduce the noise. Consider lubricating the joints regularly.
Buying a quiet unit – I always recommend buying the quietest air compressors to get the best results.
Final Words
It’s quite essential to reduce the air compressor noise level as low as possible.
Why?
Look, prolonged use of units that are between 80 DB to 90 DB could lead to hearing damage gradually. No doubt, if you are a professional, prolonged use of an air compressor is quite obvious for you.
I tried to describe the ways to make the air compressor quiet in the simplest way possible.
Now it’s your turn!
Try to implement any of those or all to reduce the noise level.
Image From: AIRPSI