Want to learn how to make your generator quiet as a cricket?
Well, stick on to the end, because I’ll be showing you different ways to soundproof your generator.
Generators play an important role as backup power options in our homes.
They also help power small appliances like RV air conditioners, or quiet mini fridges for camping enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, traditional generators can be quite loud, and this can be irritating to the human ear. (Source)
For this reason, you need to implement different hacks to ensure that you minimize noise emitted by your generator to the lowest possible.
Ways on How to Make Your Generator Quiet as A Cricket
Below are different methods on how to make your generator quiet as a cricket. Try different methods to see which one works best for you.
1. Place the Generator Away from Your House
If your generator is near your home, the louder it will be.
The best solution is placing the generator further away from your home, at least 20 feet away.
However be careful when doing this as not to become the noisy neighbor.
This explains why big businesses build separate rooms for their generators.
For this reason, you should find a good place further away from your home where you can safely place the generator.
If possible, put a wall between you and the generator to counter the noise.
2. Build Soundproof Generator Box
One of the most effective ways of soundproofing a generator is building a box around it.
This method is ideal if you don’t intend to move the box around as it can be quite heavy when combined with the generator.
You can purchase a generator box, but it is much easier and cheaper to build a box at home.
You’ll need these cheap soundproofing materials; foam mat, mass loaded vinyl, green glue, ventilation duct, and MDF (medium-density fibreboard).
If you can’t get Green Glue in your local store, then I would recommend you to get one of these Green Glue Alternatives.
You can purchase all these products online at an affordable price.
Also, ensure you purchase enough MDF so that you have at least 6 for each side of the generator.
The procedure to build the box includes:
- Start by measuring the generator and ensure you add a few inches of the dimensions to prevent storing the generator in a tight space.
- Cut the MDF to six equal pieces such that each side of the generator has one.
- Measure the ventilation duct and use the measurements to cut the ventilation holes.
- Cut the holes diagonally such that one hole is at the top.
- Apply the green glue on the mass loaded vinyl, then attach it directly to the MDF, then seal the edges using the glue
- Add the foam mats on top of the MVL and seal the edges.
- Assemble all the box parts, then use screws and glue to hold the panels in place.
- Don’t forget to attach a door and hinges to help you gain access to the generator when the need arises.
- Add the ventilator and seal them using the duct tapes and the glue.
Keep in mind that a generator box is will not soundproof the generator completely but will make a noticeable difference.
Also, ensure that the box is not completely sealed as it can overheat and damage the generator, so ensure you leave a small space for easy flow of air.
3. Move the pipes Away from you.
Another way you can make a generator quieter like cricket is by moving the pipes away from you.
You should know that the exhaust pipes are the number one contributor to noise in the generator, especially if placed horizontally.
You can change this by changing the position of the generator pipes by placing them vertically.
When the pipes are in a vertical position, the noise emitted will be released into the air, which will disperse easily, thus reducing the noise getting into your home.
Besides, the generator should place on top of a raised concrete surface or any other surface as long as it is raised.
Also, placing the generator in a raised place reduces the generator’s vibrational noise, which is also a major contributor to noise.
Use a vibrational mat beneath the generator to reduce the noise produced by the generator.
The mats also absorb noises and vibrations, making the generator quieter.
4. Buy a Bigger Muffler
You also have the option of purchasing a quiet performance muffler for making the generator quieter.
Generators come with a muffler; if yours doesn’t have one, you can buy it.
When purchasing one, ensure you go for a big muffler as it has better chances of noise reduction.
Remember that even if your generator came with a muffler, it could still produce noise, especially if it is damaged.
Therefore, you should consider purchasing a new quiet muffler that is bigger.
A muffler reduces the noise from the exhaust; however, you may need to combine it with other noise reduction methods.
5. Install Sound Deflectors
Sound deflectors are also good at minimizing the noise coming from the generator.
The deflectors are best, especially if you don’t intend to move the generator any time soon.
One thing you should remember that sound deflectors don’t soundproof the generator but deflect the noise away from your home.
The deflectors reduce the airborne noise from the generator.
Many stores have them, so it will not be hard for you to get one.
6. Install a Generator Silencer
Generator silencers are also good at minimizing noise from the generator hence making it quieter.
A good example of a silencer is GenSilencer.
The silencer comes in different sizes and it’s up to you to choose the one that works well for you.
These silencers are also easy to install, and you can do it yourself without a professional’s help.
7. Place the Generator in a Shade
You could also place the generator in the shade then cover the walls using mass loaded vinyl.
Mass loaded vinyl is easily available though it can be a bit pricey.
However, if you have the money to afford it, then it won’t be a problem to fix it by yourself.
Before installing the MVL, ensure you the walls are clean and free from any nail protrusion that may interfere with the MVL.
8. Purchase Quieter Generator
If all else fails, you should consider purchasing a quiet generator.
Many stores sell quite generators; however, they can be a bit costly.
With a quiet generator, you won’t need to use soundproofing methods since they have a technology in place that prevents it from generating annoying noise.
A good type of generator you should consider is eco-mode generators.
The generators are quite cheaper compared to WEN 56200i, which is considered the quietest generator in the market.
They are also fitted with sound deflectors, and they are also environmentally friendly.
You may think that these generators are pricey, but at the end of the day, the prices are worth it since you want to have a piece of mind in your home.
On How to Make Your Generator Quiet as A Cricket
Above are some of the best methods on how to make your generator quiet as a cricket.
The best method I would recommend would be building a soundproof generator box.
However, ensure that you leave enough ventilation around the box to allow cool air to enter and hot air emitted by the generator to escape the box.
Failure to leave sufficient vents will cause the gen to overheat hence compromising its integrity.