Oilless air compressors have become very popular in recent years because they are easier to maintain and can produce more psi than traditional air compressors.
This makes them ideal for heavy-duty industrial use. But sometimes, they are also more complex and can be a lot louder.
Have you ever noticed an oil-less air compressor that used to be quiet but started to produce a loud noise? Generally, air compressors produce 80 dB to 90 dB of noise that can be quite annoying and even harmful to your ears with prolonged exposure.
This can be very frustrating when the job that needs to be done is urgent. The last thing you want to do is turn down a job for a noisy air compressor. But don’t worry, it can be fixed easily. We will share tips with you on how to quiet down an oilless air compressor so you can get back to work.
Before we get into the tips to quiet an oilless air compressor, let’s first take a look at why they become louder in the first place.
Why does the oilless air compressor become louder?
Oil-free air compressors become noisier for a variety of reasons, but the most frequent causes are:
Air compressor size
There are different types and sizes of motors in air compressors. The size of the air compressor is a major contributor to the noise level it produces.
Before buying an air compressor, you always need to know how it is powered and what size motor is needed for the pressure required. This information can usually be found on the specification sheet or the manufacturer’s website.
Vibration
The vibration of the compressor is the number one cause of noise in oil-free air compressors. It is usually caused by pistons, bearings, and valves. The best way to reduce vibration is to use quality parts when assembling the compressor.
If you notice your compressor making bearing noise, there’s probably something wrong with its bearings. You might not properly lubricate or maintain its bearings. So make sure to keep it well lubricated so it can run smoothly. You can also add rubber mounts between the compressor and the frame to reduce vibration.
Air Intake
The air intake can also be a major source of noise in oil-free air compressors. It can be caused by the air intake tube rubbing against the side of the tank or by leaks in the tubing. Intake silencers are a solution to this problem, which pass air through soft tubes to reduce the noise before reaching the air filter.
Exhaust
Improper sealing of the oilless air compressor will allow additional noise to escape. Make sure all bolts are tight, and there is no leakage.
How To Quiet An Oilless Air Compressor
Now you know all the reasons why air compressor becomes noisy, So let’s begin the step-by-step guide on how to quiet down an air compressor.
One of the most common and effective ways:
To the intake hoses, connect the air compressor muffler.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to silence your air compressor, attaching an air compressor muffler to the intake hoses is the way to go.
Pneumatic mufflers are a great way to keep your engine and surrounding area safe while allowing proper ventilation. They can be installed on any valve and cylinder that needs pressurized airflow silenced, so you do not have unnecessary noise from happening around them.
Covered it: The air intake of your compressor will determine which side connects to the muffler. You can use either one, but it is recommended that you connect both ends together first in order for there not to be any leaks or disconnections later on when installing everything properly at home.
There are a variety of mufflers on the market, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Just make sure that it is compatible with your air compressor.
Cover the oil-less compressor motor with sound-deadening material
Wrapping the compressor motor with sound deadening material is another effective way on how to quiet down an oilless air compressor. This will help to reduce the noise that is created by the vibrations of the motor.
It is very important to use a good quality material because some of the cheaper ones will not do a good job.
The most common and affordable is acoustic foam. When wrapping the motor, make sure to cover all of it, including the sides, top, and bottom.
Isolate your compressor
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you can isolate the compressor with a noise-proof box. This will completely enclose the compressor and stop any noise from escaping.
To insulate the air compressor, you must build a separate enclosure for it and use sound-deadening materials like acoustic foam in the walls so that you may enjoy a silent operation.
While doing this, keep in mind that it’s essential to make a substantial box with sufficient ventilation to avoid the air compressor from getting too hot.
Install Rubber Grommets
If you’re hearing a lot of noise coming from your air compressor, it might be because the motor is rubbing against the metal casing. This can be easily fixed by installing rubber grommets on the motors.
Grommets are pieces of rubber that will help to reduce the noise and vibration that is created by the motor. They come in a variety of types and sizes, so you have to choose one that matches your compressor.
Lubricate The Bearings
Bearings are the part of the compressor that helps to reduce the friction between the rotating and stationary parts. If they are not lubricated, friction will make noise if it isn’t properly maintained. You must lubricate your bearings regularly to reduce friction. This will help to reduce the noise that is created by them.
Set the Air Intake Outdoors
You cannot avoid placing the air intake outside if you want a calm workplace.
In general, we usually see people like to place the air intake in their shop or garage because it’s more convenient, but it’s not the best idea if you’re trying to reduce the noise. Because those places will naturally generate more noise due to the air intake. So the better option is to place the air intake in the well-ventilated area.
Once you place the intake outside, you will need to pass a hose. Now you will notice everything is more silent than before. If your workplace’s air intake still bothers you, there is a remedy for it. A silencer should be installed on the air intake.
Use a Sound Sheet
A sound blanket is a type of insulation that is designed to absorb noise and reduce vibration. It comes in a variety of types depending on the material used. Here are some of the most common types:
Rubber Foam – This is one of the most economical sound blankets available on the market. It’s made of rubber foam which makes it durable and easy to clean.
Fiberglass – This type of sound blanket is good for smaller air compressors. It will help to deaden the sound that is produced by small appliances like washers and dryers.
Acoustic Blanket – This is a sound blanket that can be used on small and large appliances. It’s the most common type of insulation because it offers good sound absorption.
Read Our Latest Comparison of: Oil-lubricated vs. oil-free air compressor
Regularly Maintain Your Oilless Compressor
It’s important to keep in mind that an oilless compressor is easier to maintain than a traditional compressor. You don’t have to worry about air leaks, having to drain the oil or replace the seals. And you won’t need to deal with as much noise.
That doesn’t mean you can neglect your compressor, though. You still need to perform regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly and quietly.
Sometimes you might experience a slight increase in noise as your compressor ages, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to replace it. A little bit of maintenance can go a long way.
Air filters
One of the most common issues you’ll have to deal with is the air filter getting clogged. This will prevent your compressor from functioning properly and can also lead to a decrease in air quality. Be sure to check your filter regularly and clean or replace it as needed.
Lubricating
Another thing to keep an eye on is the lubricant level. If the level gets too low, the compressor will start to overheat. Be sure to add lubricant to the compressor as needed to maintain the correct level.
Loose belt
And finally, make sure the belt is tight and turns freely. A loose belt can cause the compressor to overheat, leading to malfunction and breakdown. Be sure to replace the belt as needed and tighten it if necessary.
Final words
In this informative article, I discussed how to quiet an oilless air compressor. In addition, I provided a list of tips you can use to reduce the noise level. These tips include placing the air intake outside, using a sound sheet, and installing a silencer on the intake.
I also provided a list of regular maintenance tasks that you can perform to keep your compressor running smoothly. You will also need to regularly change the air filter, maintain the lubricant level, and tighten the belt if necessary. I hope this article was informative and enjoyable to read. For more informational on air compressor read our latest articles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is Better Oil Or Oil-Less Air Compressor?
Although oil-less compressors are often promoted as being more environmentally friendly, they are not necessarily better overall.
Both types have their pros and cons, and it comes down to personal preference and the requirements of the application.
Oil-less compressors are a great option for those who want to save money on their monthly utility bill.
They’re lighter, cheaper, and require less maintenance. However, at higher pressures, the sound level of this sort of compressor is louder.
Oil compressors are quieter in comparison, but they are heavier and more expensive to buy. They require regular oil changes, which means more maintenance work.
What type of lubricant should I use on my compressor?
You should check the type of lubricant required by your compressor. Generally, experts recommend using a synthetic 20 or 30 weight instead of mineral oils, and you will notice an increase in system performance.
This is because these types contain additives that help reduce friction and prevent wear when operating at higher temperatures for longer periods without stopping.
What is a sound blanket?
A sound blanket is a type of insulation that offers good sound absorption. It’s often used on oilless and traditional air compressors.
My compressor is making more noise than it used to. What could be the problem?
There are a few things that could be causing the compressor to make more noise than usual. One possibility is that the air filter is getting clogged. Another possibility is that the lubricant level is too low. Finally, a loose belt can cause the compressor to overheat and malfunction. Be sure to check all of these things regularly and take care of any necessary repairs.
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