If you’re reading this, you probably know how useful air compressors can be. They are used worldwide to efficiently operate various tools and machinery. Whether gas or electric, compressors have become an essential piece of the operation for many industries. One of the only real drawbacks of many air compressors is the noise.
How Loud Are Air Compressors?
To power the devices they do, air compressors are by no means quiet. If you’re lucky, your compressor might be 40 decibels. Bigger, heavier units can be more than 90 decibels.
For your reference, most conversations you have are on average 55 to 65 decibels, so a 40-decibel air compressor is pretty darn quiet. Even a vacuum cleaner is anywhere from 60 to 85 decibels.
Most lawn mowers are 90 decibels, while an airplane lifting off from the ground and taking flight is about 140 decibels. It’s at that volume that hearing damage becomes a risk. Still, even the prolonged use of items that are between 80 and 90 decibels could eventually lead to hearing damage. It won’t happen overnight, but if you run your air compressor often enough, you could lose your hearing early.
What Makes Air Compressors so Loud?
There are a few reasons why air compressors make loud noises. Sometimes it is a really simple problem that takes less than a minute to fix while others might require repair.
Loose Mounting
When air compressors are installed they are levelled on a sturdy base and anchored in place. Sometimes vibration pads get out of place, become worn, or go missing. The bolts holding the air compressor down can also become loose and might just need to be tightened.
Parts Are Loose
If the parts inside your air compressor are loose, it will make a lot of noise. You should check to see if your cooler, pulleys, clamps, flywheel, belt, or any other accessories are loose and need to be tightened.
Crankcase Issues
Your crankcase may be the source of the noise and might need oil, new bearings, or might need to be replaced entirely. Check to make sure it's bolted in tightly and if that doesn’t fix it, call for service. There are times where you might just need to fill up the crankcase oil, and others where you’ll have to replace the crankcase itself.
Compressor Is Vibrating
If your compressor is excessively vibrating there’s a chance you just need to tighten some bolts or tighten a belt. Other problems that cause vibration include misaligned flywheels and pulleys, the compressor not being mounted properly, or a bent crankcase.
Piston Issues
If the pistons are dirty there is a chance they can hit the valve plate. To fix this you will need to take the cylinder head out, ensure it’s clean, and then put it back in with a new gasket.
Many industrial air compressors, especially older models, produce a lot of noise while operating. While advances in technology have enabled many compressor OEMs to reduce overall operating noise in newer models, air compressor users should be familiar with their compressors' typical operating noise under normal conditions. Any increase in operating noise should be investigated as soon as possible. Bearing noise should always be addressed as soon as possible, and any unexplained clicks, rattles, or rumbles can indicate the presence of a larger problem. Call a professional service company for troubleshooting and repair if a specific noise cannot be identified or corrected.
Need Help Repairing Air Compressor Noises?
Have an air compressor that makes loud noises or rattling noises in New South Wales? All Air Compressors offers air compressor repair services in NSW. If you need help getting your air compressor quieter again give us a call today at 0435166474.