Compressor Soundproofing

Air compressors are an essential part of many people’s toolset. Whether you’re a construction worker, a mechanic or a DIY home repair enthusiast, having an air compressor is crucial to completing tasks and staying productive. But as someone who relies on an air compressor for your work, you know that they can be one of the noisiest tools in your arsenal.

Quiet air compressors could make your work much more pleasant, but does such a thing even exist? The good news is there are plenty of air compressor noise solutions available to make your air compressor quieter and more enjoyable to use. Every little bit of soundproofing helps, so keep reading to learn how to soundproof your air compressor.

Industrial Compressor Soundproofing Products

Industrial Compressor Sound Absorption Products

Portable Compressor Soundproofing Products

Portable Compressor Sound Absorption Products

Reasons Compressors Are Loud

To soundproof your air compressor, you should first understand what makes an air compressor loud in the first place. There are many factors at play, including the following:

• Size and type of compressor: Generally speaking, larger air compressors will have larger motors than smaller ones, translating to louder noises. Some air compressors will also be quieter than others, depending on the manufacturer and any noise-reducing measures taken during production.
• Vibrations: As your air compressor runs, it will vibrate. These vibrations can cause components to bang together and make your air compressor bump into surrounding surfaces and objects, leading to loud noises.
• Location: Where you put your air compressor will affect how much noise you perceive. Rooms with flat, hard surfaces will reflect and amplify noise. The closer the air compressor is to you will also affect how loud it sounds.
• Air intake and exhaust: The air intake and exhaust are two of the loudest parts of any air compressor. Noises from sucking in air and discharging byproducts of the air-compressing process create quite the racket.
• Malfunctions: Your air compressor can make other unusual, loud noises if it’s experiencing a malfunction. It’s vital to ensure your compressor is in good working order to reduce noises and keep you safer during use.

Why Soundproofing Compressors Is a Good Idea

Soundproofing compressors is important for reasons beyond having a more enjoyable working experience. In some cases, soundproofing your compressor can be the difference between preserving your hearing and permanently damaging it. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies compressors as a potential noise source that workers should take safety precautions against to protect their hearing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that noises above 70 dB can damage your hearing if you subject yourself to them for prolonged periods. For comparison, a normal conversation will reach around 60 dB. Something like an air compressor can reach beyond 80 dB. Therefore, soundproofing your air compressor is essential to protect your hearing.

Ways to Reduce Compressor Noise

Now that you know why soundproofing your compressor is so important, it’s time to turn that knowledge into action. Here are some of the best ways you can reduce compressor noise:

• Adjust the intake component: You can install a muffler to reduce the sound of the intake component. Or, you can extend the intake with a pipe so the end is outside or in another room, taking a large amount of the noise with it.
• Soundproof the compressor’s mount: Add rubber grommets or feet to the bottom of the compressor’s mount to absorb some noisy vibrations. You can also soundproof the surface under the mount with a rubber or cloth material to absorb sounds.
• Build a soundproof box: With some wood, the right soundproofing materials, the proper hardware and a little math, you can make a soundproof box to surround your air compressor. This will significantly reduce the sound you hear from your compressor, even in the same room.
• Install a temporary partition: For an easy soundproofing solution, you can set up a temporary partition to section off the location of your air compressor. Then, you can take down the partition when you’re finished or ready to move to another room.
• Cover the air compressor with soundproofing material: Use a soundproofing material like carpeting or soundproofing blankets to cover your air compressor and muffle the noises. Be sure not to cover any intake or exhaust points.
• Tighten loose components: Tightening loose components will reduce noises caused by vibrating hardware moving and banging together.
• Put the compressor in another room: If you have a long enough compressor hose, you can put the compressor in another room. This will significantly lower the sound you hear in your workplace location.
• Clean air filters: Clogged air filters can also contribute to louder noises as the compressor exerts more energy. Keep your filters clean to promote quieter operation.

Best Products for Air Compressor Sound Deadening

To try some of the tips mentioned above, you’ll need the right sound deadening products. Here are some products from Soundproof Cow that can help reduce the sound of your air compressor:

• Barriers: Soundproofing barriers from Soundproof Cow can help you isolate your air compressor to make your work environment easier on your ears. Try a temporary soundproof barrier to make your workspace quiet.
• Soundproof coating: Use Silent Running Soundproof Coating to absorb vibrations caused by the operation of your air compressor. It goes on like paint, so feel free to coat surrounding surfaces.
• Acoustic cotton: Soundproof Cow’s Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Cotton is the perfect solution for hanging up around your workspace or inside a soundproof box. It will absorb sounds and prevent echoes, which can have a huge positive impact on the audio levels where you’re working.
• Sound deadening material: Soundproof Cow offers several sound deadening products you can place under your air compressor to absorb vibrations, including Vibra Block® Sound Deadening Material.
• Soundproofing panels: Try Quiet Board™ Water Resistant Panels as a durable option for soundproofing your workspace or your air compressor’s soundproof box.

Buy Sound Deadening Products From Soundproof Cow Today

Whether you’re planning to do some DIY soundproofing or looking for commercial soundproofing solutions, Soundproof Cow has the products you need. We know how loud air compressors can get. That’s why we offer a full range of products that can help you find the solution that works for your needs.

Contact us today for more information about our products or some soundproofing advice. You can also browse our website for educational articles on sound and soundproofing to help you get started. You can also tell us a little bit about the room you want to soundproof, and we’ll get you a free acoustic analysis.

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