Air compressors are a necessity and an integral part of our lives, we all can agree on that. But, the noise may become extremely overbearing sometimes.
Now, I know it is basically how they function. Still, the last time I was having a nice dream, I was woken up quite badly with the earth-shaking voice of an air compressor! And, that’s when I decided to put an end to this.
After researching a lot, I came across some ways that did work out for me. So, let’s see some of the best ways to make an air compressor quiet and definitely, less annoying.
8 Methods to Follow For Silencing An Air Compressor
- Build a Soundproof Air Compressor Box
- Lubricating the Joints Regularly
- Tighten Any Loose Parts in the Compressor
- Cover the Air Compressor With the Soundproof Blanket
- Maintain the Air Filters
- Use Soundproofing on the Wall
- Move the Air Compressor Far from You
- Installing and Making Use of a Intake Silencer
Method 1: Build a Soundproof Air Compressor Box
What if you put your air compressor in a soundproof box? Sounds like a true hack, right? A soundproof box is one of the most effective ways to reduce air compressor noise.
It is a tool that you can pretty much find in any nearby store or shopping center. However, I would recommend that you make the box at home as a DIY (Do it yourself) activity.
Materials Needed:
The materials to start your crafting are also extremely easy to find and affordable. It consists of plywood, screws drills, foam, and a saw.
How To Make a Soundproof Box
Step 1: Taking Measurements
Firstly, you have to take the measurement of your air compressor. Once you have taken them properly, you can then proceed to build a cubicle shaped-box with the plywood.
Tip: The size of the cubicle must be slightly bigger than your air compressor measurements. I highly advise you to do this as it will prevent overheating.
Step 2: Drilling Holes
Talking about heat, you should consider making some extra holes on the box to allow both the air and the heat resulting from the machine to escape.
Step 3: Adding an Extra Foam Layer
You should consider the option of adding an inner layer of acoustic foam inside your box. This can increase the efficiency of your soundproof box.
And, you’re all done! Not only will the box help with the air compressor noise, but you will also have a productive and fun time building it.
Method 2: Lubricating the Joints Regularly
The metal parts that compose the air compressor are in constant movement. These movements can affect the machine by making some parts weak.
Moreover, this might also be the reason for the loud and annoying sound as the weakened parts will start producing more sound.
So, it is necessary to regularly lubricate the joints to make the air compressor work smoothly and silently.
Materials Needed:
You just require a tissue and a basic lubricant to lubricate the joints properly.
Process of Lubricating the Joints
You can take any tissue, soak it with basic machinery lubricant, and start the lubrication process. It won’t take a lot of time or effort and hopefully will be the solution to your problem.
Additionally, it will also prevent the machine from developing any problems. Thus, lasting longer and performing as effectively as it did initially!
Method 3: Tighten Any Loose Parts in the Compressor
All machines are made up of different parts joined together with screws and bolts. So, I have often found that the noise is mainly because of the loose screws and bolts in the air compressor.
They can get loose due to the vibration the machine produces when it’s working. Also, almost every machine, with time, develops this problem. Fortunately, it is an issue that can easily be fixed.
Materials Needed:
You may require some tightening tools such as screwdrivers and wrenches.
Process of Tightening Any Loose Screws or Bolts
Step 1: Checking For Any Loosened Bolts and Nails
Firstly, I recommend regularly checking whether some of the air compressor parts are loose or not. So, you don’t end up dismantling anything!
Step 2: Tighten the Loosened Parts
If you happen to find any parts loose, then you can easily pick tightening tools that you usually use for your car motor. With the help of those tools, you can simply tighten the screws and bolts.
Or you can pick the easy option and have a technician do it for you.
Method 4: Cover the Air Compressor With the Soundproof Blanket
I, honestly, never heard about a soundproof blanket before doing my research on this issue, but it does sound like a life savior.
The sound blankets can ultimately reduce the compressor roaring since its main purpose is to absorb the noise escaping from the machine. Keep in mind that it won’t silence the compressor fully but it can reduce the sound by 30-40%.
Materials Needed:
You require a soundproof/acoustic blanket (available in stores) and a soundproof box (optional).
Process of Covering and Using a Soundproof Blanket
Step 1: Locating the Noisiest Part of the Compressor
If you can spot the noisiest part of the compressor you can directly cover it with a soundproof blanket.
Keep in mind that you can try to listen carefully for a few minutes to the sound of an air compressor and realize where it is being the noisiest.
Step 2: Making Use of a Soundproof Box
If you have made use of a soundproof box as suggested above, you can simply cover it up with a blanket.
This can provide additional help in lowering the sound of an air compressor.
Method 5: Maintain the Air Filters
When the air is taken into the compressor, the air filter’s duty is to remove the dirt present in the air rather than simply absorbing it. Over time, this may damage the machine, especially if you don’t take the time to clean the filters.
The accumulation of dirt can result in clogging that will reduce your machine’s performance and increase noise. So, it becomes necessary to maintain and clean the air filters.
Materials Needed:
You mainly require a screwdriver for this process.
Process of Cleaning an Air Filter
Step 1: Turn Off the Compressor and Let it Cool
Before you begin cleaning the air filters, it is necessary that you turn off the compressor and let it cool.
Step 2: Removing the Filter Top Cover
With the help of a screwdriver, unscrew the filter top cover. Then, remove it from the filter base.
Step 3: Inspect and Clean the Top Cover
Firstly, check for any faults or damages in the top cover of the filter. If you notice any, consider replacing it.
Step 4: Inspect and Clean the Filter Element
In this step, remove the filter element found in the base. You can check this part for any damages or dirt.
If you notice any dirt or debris, remove it by blowing low-pressure compressed air. If there’s any damage, consider replacing it.
Step 5: Reattach the Filter Top Cover
Once everything’s good, put the element in the designated place. Then, close the filter by reattaching the top cover.
Method 6: Use Soundproofing on the Wall
Sometimes, even the walls can amplify the sound of an air compressor and give you a headache. So, if your air compressor is located near the walls, the best way to make them quiet is by using soundproofing.
Materials Required:
For soundproofing the walls, you may require materials such as an acoustic foam or even a soundproofing blanket can do the job. You may also require an adhesive spray, scissors, command strips, and cardboard.
Step 1: Spray the Foam With Adhesive Spray
The first step is to apply adhesive spray on the backside of your acoustic foam. This will help in sticking them to the walls.
To do this, keep the foam on the floor, and spray the backside. Make sure that you don’t apply spray on the edges in case you want to cut them later on.
Step 2: Glue the Cardboard to the Foam
In this step, you have to glue the cardboard piece to the acoustic foam. This will help in easily hanging the foam to the walls.
Step 3: Allow the Glue to Dry
Wet glue can definitely make things sticky and messy, quite literally. So, make sure that you let the foam sheets sit in a nicely-ventilated area for about 1 to 2 hours.
Step 4: Cutting the Extra Cardboard Piece
Once the glue is dry, make use of scissors and cut through the extra cardboard piece. However, make sure that you don’t accidentally cut the acoustic foam!
Step 5: Make Use of Command Strips
You can easily find command strips online. All you have to do is stick one on each corner of your cardboard piece.
Now, when I had to face a few issues while hanging the acoustic foam. So, I recommend pressing the strip for at least 10 to 15 minutes, in a way that it sticks properly to the cardboard.
Step 6: Hang the Acoustic Foam
Lastly, hang the acoustic foam around the walls near the air compressor. To do so, press them against the wall.
Then, hold it for at least 30 to 40 seconds to ensure that they stick properly to the wall with the help of command strips.
Method 7: Move the Air Compressor Far from You
Moving your compressor to a far place is a simple idea, yet I never thought of it. It could be because I didn’t have enough space.
But, if you do have a room where you can put it or even a backyard, then I highly suggest you consider this option.
You would want to add as many walls as possible between you and the air compressor. Distance is the key to solve this issue because it can reduce the noise of the machine by almost 25%.
Materials Needed:
All you need is a good quality long air hose for this process.
Process of Moving the Air Compressor
This method doesn’t require a lot of work. You just have to attach the long air hose to the air compressor and move it as far away from you as possible.
Isn’t it easy, effective, as well as an economic solution?
Method 8: Installing and Making Use of a Intake Silencer
Did you check the air intake of your machine? The pulsating noise, having a high-frequency, produced by the air compressor comes mainly from this small device.
The compressor’s rotations rush the air inside and make it draw past a flapper which vibrates to each pulse. You can realize now that it is logical for the machine to produce such a loud noise.
However, the intake silencer installation will significantly reduce or even prevent the pulsating noise that the air intake system creates.
Materials Needed:
You need to purchase a reliable intake silencer for this method. You also need a bell reducer and a short pipe nipple.
Process of Installing Air Intake Silencer
Step 1: Know the Pipe Thread Size
First of all, you need to know the pipe thread size on the intake head of your compressor.
Knowing the intake head’s pipe thread size of your compressor is extremely necessary. So, make sure you do it. Know that Most of the silencers have a silent NPT thread like ¼”, ⅜”, ½”, ¾”, 1”, etc.
Step 2: Make Use of Bell Reducer and Short Pipe Nipple
A bell reducer and short pipe nipple can definitely assist you in installing a larger silencer.However, prevent using an undersized intake filter as it can affect the airflow to your air compressor by restricting it.
Step 3: Replace the Old Intake Silencer
Simply get your intake silencer and proceed with the replacement process. Take off your old air intake silencer and replace it with the new silent one. This will guarantee you a noise-free home for sure.
I would recommend looking carefully for the intake silencer with the best quality and price.
Other Methods
If you’re not much into technical methods for reducing the sound, then you can also try to block out the sounds of an air compressor. For this, you can make use of earplugs. If you’re constantly exposed to such loud noise, protective gear can help too.
Additionally, if your air compressor has become too old, consider buying a new one that features a silent, noise-free operation.