How to Reduce Generator Noise - 10 Most Effective Ways

An electrical generator is one of the few most useful pieces of machinery in the world. In today’s world, we are wholly dependent on electricity and can’t imagine our life without it. Sometimes when the grid is down, the generator is nothing more than a blessing for everyone.

But generators are also notorious for being loud and this could be happened because of a number of reasons. Hence, this is a matter of serious concern that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. A noisy generator can disturb the little ones in your house and also your neighbors.

If you are facing the problem of a noisy generator then don’t worry! We have brought a solution for you that how to reduce generator noise. Read all the methods carefully to make your power machine noise-free.

10 Most Effective Ways to Quiet Generator Noise

Try these effective ways to minimize generator noise:

Check This: How to Make a Generator Quiet

1. Construct a wall around the Generator

The easiest and simplest way is to construct a wall of cinder blocks around the generator. Make sure there is some room between the wall and the generator. You can leave a gap of at least 6 inches from the sides and above. The blocks will absorb maximum sound waves.

2. Use a vibration absorber in the motor

A generator’s vibrations are mostly responsible for its loudness. Vibration-absorbing material can be added to the motor of the generator to lessen that noise. Observe the screws holding the motor to the frame, and you will see that the silicone washers between the bolts and the frame are probably already present.

3. Use water as your generator Muffler

If the thought of replacing your muffler seems like too much work, you can also use water. But there are some changes that you must have to make first. A 5-gallon pail of water, a hose, and a clamp to fasten the nozzle to the exhaust system are needed for the alteration. Make sure to set the generator up higher than the water bucket.

The water shouldn’t be going back into the exhaust pipe of your generator. To be extra cautious about preventing water from backing up, you can also make a few tiny holes in the hose. It’s not too difficult to set up. By use of your clamp, attach the hose to the exhaust pipe. Next, insert the hose’s other end into the water-filled bucket. In this way, the sound of the generator’s exhaust will be muffled by the water.

4. Place a Rubber Mat underneath the Generator

Placing a high-quality, fluffy rubber mat underneath the generator will make your generator less noisy. However, it works slightly differently as the rubber mat absorbs maximum vibrations. You can buy this rubber mat online also.

Read It: How To Turn on Your Generator

Place a Rubber Mat underneath the Generator

5. Try changing your generator Muffler

Installing a bigger replacement muffler is one of the most widely used methods for making generators quieter. The purpose of a muffler is to mute the noise produced by the exhaust pipes connected to the generator’s motor.

There are porous tubes in the motor that are located inside the muffler and are intended to redirect sound waves from the motor and reduce noise that eventually leaves the exhaust pipe.

The motor itself is the loudest component of the generator. You will observe that there is a decrease of 10–12 decibels by upgrading the muffler’s quality.

6. Make an Acoustic enclosure around the generator

Another approach is to build an acoustic enclosure similar to making deflectors. Deflectors actually function effectively same as this enclosure. The barrier will contain the sound waves and significantly reduce the noise levels produced by the generator.

The best thing about an acoustic enclosure is that it is considered portable. Another excellent feature is that these enclosures are easy to make and also available on market.

7. Keep the distance between the generator and your living space

The distance between the generator and your living space is the most important thing. One of the most crucial elements is ensuring that your home or campsite remains quiet when using this powerful machine.

There are several factors that you must have to consider before setting your generator to a far-off place. For instance, you must certainly consider your neighbors. You don’t want your generator to be too loud so that it disturbs other people.

8. Try an Inverter Generator

This is the age of technology and with the passage of time, this technology upgrades. So, if you are still living old-fashioned you should change, otherwise, you are harming both the environment and yourself. Instead, switch to a new, environment-friendly ultra-quiet inverter generator that consumes less gasoline and produces less noise while providing more power.

Check More: How Does a Generator Work

Try an Inverter Generator

Time has moved on. Inverter generators, the second type of generator, are now used by everyone. They are more convenient, have more fuel options, and flexibility, are lightweight, ultra-quiet, and other benefits are available.

The inverter generators are now quite compact for your comfort, and their sizes also vary from 50 to 60%. Additionally, these inverter generators for cars and RVs are incredibly portable and make it simple to go camping.

9. Turn the exhaust pipe opposite to you

The generator itself should be the first place of consideration while using it, the generator’s exhaust ends in particular. Placing the generator with this facing side away from your home or camping site is always a good idea.

You may even direct the exhaust pipes of some generator models to aim upward and toward the sky. You will be kept away from the noise generated by the exhaust in either of these settings.

10. Buy a quiet generator

Last but not least, this is one of the best options you can choose if you want a generator for the long term. But if you don’t want to spend money on purchasing a new one, you can consider the other options.

Today, there are many quiet generators available in the market, you can purchase any one of them that suits you the most. These generators are high quality and have a long life span to use in power shortage time.

Low Noise Generators

We have a few recommendations for you for the low-noise generators, have a look at them:

1. WEN 56203i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator

Specifications

Brand WEN
Wattage 2000 watts
Item Dimension 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7 inches
Item Weight 39 Pounds
Color Ultra Lightweight
Engine Type 4 Stroke
Engine Displacement 79 Cubic Centimeters
Frequency 60 Hz
Runtime 7 hours
Output Wattage 2000 Watts

WEN 56203i Super Quiet Portable Inverter GeneratorWEN Inverter Generator is of very high quality and ultra-lightweight that making it easy to carry with you while camping. This brand is known for making high-quality generators since 1951.

To my surprise, this is really the quietest generator I have ever seen. On a quarter load, it has a voice of 51 decibels which is extremely low just like a normal human whisper.

This is an eco-friendly generator that reduces fuel usage without burdening your pockets. You can therefore enjoy hassle-free camping.

Pros
  • It is a portable generator
  • Extremely quiet
  • Reduces fuel consumption
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Plastic pull starter is not durable
  • The generator body is made of plastic

 

 

2. Champion Power Equipment

Specifications

Brand Champion Power Equipment
Wattage 2500 watts
Item Dimension 17.3 x 12 x 17.7 inches
Item Weight 39 Pounds
Color Ultralight
Voltage 120 Volts
Engine Displacement 79 Cubic Centimeters
Runtime 11 hours
Output Wattage 2500 Watts
Fuel Type Gasoline

Champion Power EquipmentThis Champion Power small dual-fuel generator is excellent and great value for the money. It shifts smoothly from propane to gasoline. You can run this generator for 5 hours under various loads but I would say the 5-hour oil change is very necessary!

This is a compact generator and you can carry it easily anywhere. These generators are most suitable for camping as they have 53-decibel noise which is extremely low compared to other generators.

The best feature of this generator is that you can charge your phone, light, and other appliances in a power crisis. What else do you want?

Pros
  • It is a portable generator
  • Extremely quiet
  • Environment-friendly
  • Easy to carry
Cons
  • Vibrates more
  • The generator body is not durable

 

 

3. DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Specifications

Brand DuroMax
Wattage 10500 watts
Item Dimension 30 x 29 x 26 inches
Item Weight 234 Pounds
Color Blue/Gray
Voltage 240 Volts
Engine Type 4 Stroke
Engine Displacement 500 Cubic Centimeters
Output Wattage 13000 Watts
Frequency 60 Hz

DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable GeneratorThis DuraMax Generator runs on 500cc OHV power. You can use both gasoline and propane to operate this quiet power engine. This unit can manage heavy loads from lights, refrigerators, air conditioners, and high amperage power tools thanks to its 13,000 beginning and 10,500 running watts.

Optimal power is provided by the power panel, which has a variety of outlets for maximum application compatibility, including two 120V 20A home outlets, one 120/240V 50A heavy-duty outlet, one 120V 30A twist-lock outlet, and one 120V/240V 30A twist-lock outlet.

This DuroMax generator is approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board) that make sure the eco-friendly nature of this unit.

Pros
  • Very eco-friendly
  • Less noise
  • Powerful build
Cons
  • Tires are not durable
  • The Manual is not up to date

 

 

4. Briggs & Stratton 30545 Inverter Generator

Specifications

Brand Briggs & Stratton
Wattage 3000 watts
Item Dimension 26 x 14 x 21 inches
Item Weight 84 Pounds
Color Gray
Voltage 120 Volts
Frequency 60 Hz
Runtime 10 hours
Tank Volume 1.5 Gallons

Briggs & Stratton 30545 Inverter GeneratorThis generator is very convenient to move because of its luggage-style handle. It comes with USB ports to charge other appliances in a power crisis.

The engine speed can be automatically adjusted using Quiet Power Technology to lessen noise, conserve fuel, and extend engine life with the flick of a switch. It is quieter than a regular conversation at only 58 dB while operating at a 25 percent load.

The power usage, total unit hours, and maintenance reminders, such as oil, air purifier, and spark plug changes, are all displayed on the simple-to-read LCD panel.

Pros
  • Very eco-friendly
  • Less noise
  • Powerful build
  • Easy to transport
Cons
  • AC doesn’t work properly sometimes
  • Customer support service is not so good

 

 

How to Reduce Generator Noise – FAQs

Can you soundproof a generator?
Yes, you can make a generator by following the ways mentioned above.
Why is my generator making so much noise?
Even the most costly types of portable generators have an engine that can produce a lot of noise when producing electrical energy. Decibels are used to measure sound levels and typically vary from 60 to 90, but they can even exceed 100dB. A generator will likely be noisier the more affordable it is.
What is the noise level of a generator?
Depending on the size of the generator and the manufacturer, noise levels can range from mid-50 to mid-80 dBA.

 

Conclusion

You may significantly reduce the noise level of your generator and, consequently, your camping site or your home by using all of these generator-quieting suggestions.

These are proven ways that will help you in reducing generator noise. We have also mentioned some top-notch inverter generators that are the quietest ones. However, we will give 5 stars to WEN 56203i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator because of its quietest features also it has a voice of 51 decibels which is extremely low just like a normal human whisper.

You can choose from any of them and could make your life hassle-free and peaceful even in a power shortage.

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