Air compressors are phenomenal machines. They can power pneumatic tools, inflate tires, spray paint, and perform several other useful tasks.
But there’s almost nothing more annoying than a noisy compressor.
A lot is going on; between the air intake, compressing, and expelling of air, you’ll hear some noise.
A silent air compressor doesn’t exist, but it also shouldn’t be ear-splittingly loud. So a low-noise air compressor is feasible.
When the noise level of your compressor becomes an issue for your family, neighbors, or yourself, you’ve got a problem on your hands. There are a few reasons your compressor may be making more noise than usual, ranging from an easy fix to a serious issue.
Here at Air Power Equipment Co., we’ve broken down some tips and solutions for a noisy air compressor. If you have any questions or are interested in looking at our selection of air compressors, feel free to look around the rest of our site.
Can an air compressor be quiet?
Yes, depending on your definition of quiet. Could you sleep next one? Well, probably not. But can you work comfortably in a room with a compressor while not wearing ear protection? Yes!
A quiet air compressor produces around 60 decibels of sound, well within the safe sound range for human ears.
Do quiet air compressors perform better than regular air compressors, or vice versa?
To a certain extent, a quiet air compressor should be just as high quality as a regular one.
Quiet air compressors operate off of electricity, helping keep them quiet. A regular air compressor is typically gas powered. The sound of combustion in the engine contributes to its louder sound.
But a quiet air compressor can only be so powerful. Industrial air compressors are almost exclusively gas-powered to match the size and power necessary for industrial jobs.
And with such power comes some noise.
But for most home projects or small-scale businesses, an electric-powered, quiet air compressor can perform well enough.
Can you make an air compressor quiet?
Yes! To get an air compressor quiet, you can do a few things. But first, we must understand the leading cause of noise in a compressor.
Vibration
Vibration is the leading cause of noise in a compressor. An air compressor vibrates quite a bit when it fills up with air. It could loosen parts or break them outright if it vibrates too much.
How to Reduce Noise for an Air Compressor
If you have a fixed air compressor, like one mounted to a wall in your garage or maybe on the floor, it’s likely secured by mounting bolts.
If they are loose, which can happen over time, the compressor will have more room to vibrate. Even if one bolt is loose, it will cause more vibration.
Tighten the bolts! You may have to do this now and then. Make it a part of your regular maintenance routine. Tightening bolts are great for noise reduction in your compressor.
If a bolt is screwed in unevenly, it won’t have a proper attachment to the stable ground.
If you notice a bolt is uneven, unscrew the uneven bolt all the way, then screw it back in correctly. Have someone or something hold the compressor in place while the bolt is out to ensure it doesn’t fall.
Attaching your air compressor to a wall is usually a good idea. But if the wall is thin and moves around easily, it won’t make a suitable mounting place for your compressor.
Consider where you have your compressor installed. You may have to move it if the surface isn’t stable enough. If it’s a fixed one, your compressor needs a tight, complete seal on whatever even, stable surface it’s attached to.
Rust weakens the structural integrity of the metal brackets. Rust can also spread to other parts of the compressor. Mounting brackets are easily replaceable, so replace them if they’re rusty before it spreads.
A crankshaft helps bring air into the compressor. Since it moves around in a circular motion, it is prone to vibrations.
A bent crankshaft puts the compressor off balance. An off-balance compressor vibrates more than usual. Remove the compressor’s encasement to see if the crankshaft is bent. If so, it needs replacing.
Rust often grinds up against metal, causing vibrations and the deterioration of parts. Unfortunately, if rust has reached your crankshaft, it will likely spread to other, more integral parts of the compressor. As a result, you may need an all-out replacement.
Belts, much like an engine belt in a car, are critical to the overall function of the compressor.
A tight belt can put too much tension on the internal parts of the compressor. If belt tightness is an issue, then the belt is too short. Simply swapping out for a longer belt will solve the problem.
Conversely, a loose belt allows the parts to move around too much – swap for a shorter belt to fix this problem. New compressors don’t usually have belt issues since they come straight from the factory.
Used compressors, where someone may have swapped with an off-fitting belt, are typically where belt issues come up.
An air hose delivers compressed air into pneumatic systems, often air tools. A new, properly functioning air hose will reduce noise while using air tools.
Air doesn’t come into your compressor without passing through a filter. But old filters can strain your compressor to force air through. This strain can add noise to an air compressor.
New filters will allow for the smooth passage of air into your compressor’s tank.
A soundproof or sound-resistant room can help prevent noise from leaking into other parts of your home and disturbing your family. In addition, some foam, insulation, and tight seals on doors and windows will go a long way to prevent noise leakage.
A sound blanket wraps around a compressor while allowing easy access to holes and parts necessary for work. It will absorb excess sound from a compressor without impeding your ability to use it.
Air Compressor Still Too Loud?
If you have any questions or are interested in how we can help you find solutions to make your compressor quieter, please give Air Power Equipment Co. a call or visit the rest of our website!
Air Power Equipment Company in Oklahoma City (OKC), is the leading source for new air compressor sales and used air compressor sales throughout the country. We specialize in rotary screw air compressor sales and reciprocal air compressor sales. Air Power Equipment Company is also the best source for air compressor service and air compressor parts in Oklahoma. If you are looking for new air compressors, used air compressors, air compressor parts, or air compressor service call Air Power Equipment Company OKC. We are experts with all brands of air compressor equipment and we are a stocking distributor of air compressor brands like FS Curtis Air Compressors, Champion Air Compressors, Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressors, Kellogg Air Compressors, American Air Compressors, Quincy Compressor and many more. Call us at (405) 445-1216 – we have what you need, and at the best price you will find.