A Guide From Expert on How to Make a Generator Quiet
**Articles may contain links that I earn compensation for if clicked and you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These earnings do not actually impact the price of the product or service.
Making a generator quiet is no easy task. In fact, it takes quite a bit of know-how and engineering to make sure that the generator runs smoothly without making too much noise.
There are a few different ways to make a generator quieter. Some people might use sound-absorbing materials to help muffle the sound, while others might try to dampen the machine’s vibration.
Whatever method is used, all parts must work together to create an effective and quiet unit. So if you’re looking to create a generator that’s as quiet as possible, use this guide as a starting point.
Things You Need to Know Before Making Your Generator Quieter
Having a generator that isn’t as loud is a great thing, but before you start building anything, it’s important to know the basics of what makes generators noisy.
Buy Air Vents and Rubber legs
Buying items like rubber legs and air vents can help reduce the amount of vibration that your generator makes. Furthermore, installing these parts correctly will ensure that you don’t lose any power because of the added weight and vibration.
Use Sound-absorbing Materials
Using sound-absorbing materials is a good way to muffle the generators’ noise. One of the best ways to reduce the amount of noise in your generator is by adding insulation to some parts. Insulation will help prevent vibrations from being heard outside of your generator. A great material to use for this is Roxul insulation, which is lightweight and easy to attach to just about any part of your generator.
Use Noise-reducing Fans
Noise-reducing fans are another great way to make generators less noisy while not losing any power or efficiency. You can purchase different types of noise-reducing fans designed to be effective and efficient.
These types of fans will reduce the amount of noise that your generator makes in a number of different ways, including by reducing vibrations and balancing out pressure.
Vibrating is not only bad for the outside of the generator; it’s also bad for the inside. It can disrupt internal components, which can lead to parts wearing down faster than they should. By reducing vibrations, you can protect your generator’s components and increase the unit’s life.
The Energy Level Of The Generator
The much-advertised “Energy Level” of a generator is a measure of how low the engine speed can go before it stops providing power to your home. Typically, the lower the number, the quieter (and less efficient) the unit.
If you need an extremely quiet generator but don’t mind sacrificing energy efficiency for reduced noise, choose a generator with an Energy Level of 10, for example. If your goals are the opposite, stick with an Energy Level of 5 or higher.
Where Your Generator Is Located
Where your generator is located can affect the noise level of the device. If you plan to place it right next to your home, for example, that may cause issues for some people who live in close quarters.
If possible, try to put the unit somewhere where they won’t be heard as easily.
The Size Of Your Generator
The size of your generator can also affect the amount of noise that it makes. For example, if you have a larger unit, you’ll have to deal with more noise.
Additionally, generators are noisier when plugged into an outlet because this electrical activity produces extra vibrations—because of this, plugging your generator into a power strip can help you reduce the amount of noise that it makes.
The Technology Used In The Production Of The Generator
The last thing to consider is the technology used in the production of the generator. Some devices have built-in controls designed to reduce noise levels, for example. If possible, choose a machine with one of these technologies so you can lower your noise level even more.
13 Ways to Make Your Generator Quieter
Compared to most devices, generators are extremely loud. However, with the proper preparation and installation of certain parts, you won’t have to worry about turning them on in your backyard or next to your house.
Installing Sound Deflectors
Sound deflectors are a great way to make your generator quieter. Sound deflectors work by helping to reduce the noise that generators typically emit from their exhaust ports.
One of the best ways you can reduce the amount of sound made by your generator is by installing noise-reducing fans. These types of fans will decrease how loud generators are, but they will also help maintain their energy level and protect internal components.
Building An Enclosure For Your Generator
An enclosure is a great way to limit the noisy generator. While it may take some extra work on your part, enclosing your generator will help reduce how much sound it emits.
If you have the tools and skills to do so, try building an enclosure for your generator. This can reduce how much noise your unit creates from 25-30%.
Face The Exhaust Pipes Up or Away From You
It may seem obvious, but you can lower the sound your generator makes by pointing its exhaust pipes in a different direction. If you live in an area where your generator will be easily heard, make sure you point the exhaust noise pipes up or away from where they can be most likely seen.
Some portable generators come with built-in technology that helps reduce noise levels maintain energy efficiency and protect internal components. If possible, try to buy a device with one of these technologies to make your generator run as quietly as possible.
In short, you should avoid placing your generator in a location where it will be easily noticeable by other people, which will also reduce how loud it is.
Purchase a Generator That Fits Your Needs
If you want to make your generator run quieter, purchase a unit with an Energy Level of 5 or lower. If the opposite is true and you’d prefer a product that’s more powerful but loud, choose one with an Energy Level of 10+.
Putting A Rubber Flap Into A Good Use
If you plan on putting your generator behind a wall, make sure to put a rubber flap in front of the ventilation ports. This will help reduce the unit’s noise by up to 80%.
Move Your Generator Further Away
Ever notice how animals can hear much better at night than during the daytime? This is why you should move your generator away from where people sleep. If you set up the device in a place where it will be harder for people to find and further away, it will help reduce how loud it is.
Adding Sound Dampeners
Sound dampeners will help reduce the noise your generator emits, and they won’t affect how it runs. They work by absorbing some of the sound waves sent out from their exhaust ports.
Place The Generator On a Soft Surface
In addition to making your generator run quieter, placing it on a soft surface will also protect its internal components.
The vibrations caused by these types of surfaces can damage your generator, so to avoid this, you should place it on something like a rubber mat or even grass.
Use Water As Your Generator Muffler
If you’re at a camping site where running water is nearby, place your generator’s exhaust pipe into the stream and let it run for a few minutes. Doing this will help reduce the device’s noise by up to 40%.
Sound Absorbing Mat
A sound-absorbing mat is a great way to help make your generator quieter. These mats use unique materials and designs that make it easier to absorb noise rather than let it pass through.
During high humidity, place your generator on top of a sound-absorbing mat to help reduce how the loud generator is.
Make Sure All Hoses Are Tight
One reason generators are so loud is that loose hoses are connected to the unit itself. This will make noise escape through these openings, making it easier for people to hear.
Luckily, it’s easy to fix this problem. Simply make sure all of the hoses are as tight as possible, and you’ll see a noise reduction in how loud your generator is.
Install a Generator Silencers
A generator silencer is a device that’s specifically designed to help reduce the noise levels of your unit. You can purchase this product for any size generator, and it will work effectively in making it run quieter.
Buy a Quieter Generator
Finally, if you don’t want to take any steps to make your generator run quieter, the only other option is to buy one that comes with features that will help reduce its noise. There are specific generators out there known for their quietness, so take advantage of this and try buying one of them.
That’s it! By following these simple steps, you should reduce how loud your generator is and enjoy the peace of mind that this will bring you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are Generators So Noisy?
A generator is a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. During the process, there are many moving parts and components to create this electrical energy, and as such, it can make a lot of noise.
Does a generator need to run at full capacity to work?
No. A generator can work with as little as 10% of its total capacity and will still provide the same amount of electricity as working at full power. This is because a generator works differently than an electric motor; they rely on voltage, not amperage, to work.
How much power do I need for my home?
This will depend on the number of appliances that you plan to plug into your generator at any given time. Generators come in different wattage sizes, so choose one that will serve all of your needs.
Is it okay to store the fuel for my generator inside my garage?
Yes, but only if you are using gasoline. If you plan to use the generator for extended periods, store it far away from open flames or heat sources.
Does loud noise make your generator more efficient?
No. There is no connection between the noise level and its efficiency; choosing one that makes less noise will not affect its performance in any way. What’s more important is choosing a generator with the wattage capacity you need for all of your appliances.
Conclusion
The noise levels of inverter generators can vary depending on the product you choose and where you intend to use it. If possible, try to keep these factors in mind when shopping for your portable generator so that you can buy one that is not overly noisy.
No matter what, however, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding maintenance and safety measures because this will ensure you are using your generator correctly.
