How to Make Your Generator Quiet as a Cricket

Undoubtedly, generators come with a myriad of benefits for households and campsites. In case of an emergency, these generators are no less than a life savior. Although power blackouts have become infrequent recently, it’s still handy to have a generator. 

However, owning a generator is not going to be as trouble-free as you think. That power beast can give you the comfort of enjoying TV and airconditioning, but it also takes away the peace from your ears. 

The loud noise can make you reconsider your decision to buy a generator. But wait, the good news is that it is pretty easy to fix that loud noise. Keep yourself glued, and we’ll tell you how to make your generator as quiet as a cricket! 


Why Do Generators Make Sound? 

Are you wondering why and where that generator sound comes from? Here are the six primary sources of noise in the generator: 

  • Engine exhaust pipe
  • Cooling fan
  • The engine’s vibrations and noises 
  • Induction
  • Alternator
  • Mechanical operations 

The sound levels of the generator also vary from one type of generator to the other. For example, a portable generator usually produces exhaust sound and engine sound. This sound is an outcome of a tedious operation structured to deliver power. 

Generators with high power capacity are generally noisier. Because of the power production, the generator heats up. Therefore, generators should have a cooling system to combat overheating. 

Old generators have worn-out mechanical parts. These parts tend to produce noise as you operate the unit. 

Technology also has a significant contribution toward hushing your loud generators. In terms of the reduction of operational sounds, the inverter generators know to do their job. An inverter generator houses mufflers and sound deflectors to make the unit less noisy. 

The bottom line here is that the generator’s engineering is the primary culprit behind all the noise. 

Another aspect that leads to more noise production is the placement spot of the generator. Wood, metal, concrete, asphalt, and other hard surfaces are a big no-no when it comes to noise reduction. The hard surfaces amplify the noise level of the generator. 

Instead, try placing your noisy generator on flat soil. However, if you don’t have that option, we’ll offer you an alternative later in this piece. 


How Loud Can Generators Get? 

You may be wondering, how loud can a generator be? Well, the decibels levels indicate the sound range of the generators. Ideally, it’s better to bring home a generator with a rating of 60 decibels or lesser. This sound level will not disrupt your peace. 

A key point to remember is that the inexpensive generators usually turn out to be noisier. It is because the built-in sound technology is costlier and is generally not present in low-end models. 

Some generators are as quiet as 49 decibels. Honda generators are famous for their low decibel rating and nearly soundless operation. 

On some days, the generator might be producing more noise pollution than usual. It is better to have a professional look into the situation. If a low decibel generator is off the grid, it’s a fantastic opportunity to try out the below tips! 


10 Ways to Hush a Noisy Generator 

If you plan to buy a generator, do your research work and look for the quietest ones. It’ll save you from the hassles. However, if you already have one, worry not! We present to you ten effective methods to zip up the sound. 

Use Rubber Feet

Are you finding a way to reduce the generator’s noise and prevent havoc with your neighbors? The best and the most cost-effective fix here is installing rubber feet. Noisy generators are no stranger to rubber feet. 

Rubber feet will enable your generator to stand safely on all fours. In this way, your generator will not be moving around much. Rubbers are usually excellent sound absorbers and reduce a large part of the generator’s noise. 

You can also use this method along with other soundproofing tricks. 

Set the Exhaust’s Angle Away 

You can also try to move your power generator away from your house to reduce the challenging sound. The good news is that this trick can make a phenomenal difference in the staggering sound levels. 

We also suggest you angle the exhaust hose away from the direction of your house. If you point the pipe towards your home, it’s natural that the sound waves will travel in the same direction. 

Even if you place them in the garage, the sound can still travel across the roof, door, or wall. For the best results, you can set the generator away from your abode in a soundproof box. 

Place a Sound Absorbing Mat 

Another trick that you can try is to place a sound-absorbing mat underneath your generator. The sound-absorbing does a similar job to rubber feet in reducing vibrations. Generally, the sound-absorbing mats use rubber as the primary material. 

If you don’t have a rubber mat, you can also use a foam mat, heavy blanket, rugs, or carpets. These elements use materials or fabric that can optimize the sound levels of your extra loud generator. 

Use Larger Mufflers 

Mufflers are already a part of the generator. The main function of the generator’s muffler is to reduce sound and suppress vibrations to a great extent. You should know that inexpensive generators usually do not have an adequate muffler in place. 

However, if this muffler does not make a cut, it’s time to buy a more oversized muffler for your generator. However, the muffler may not make your generator completely noiseless. It will do a great job at bringing down the decibels by a few points. 

Add an Exhaust Muffler 

It is very much possible that an inexpensive generator might not have a muffler at all. Also, the muffler might be at fault and demands replacement. The muffler’s compact area traps the noise from the generator’s exhaust pipe. 

The generator exhaust muffler works similarly to a vehicle’s muffler. However, you might need some mechanical skills to fix a new muffler. Also, note that mufflers are available in different shapes and sizes. Make sure that the muffler you pick fits your generator’s model. 

Get Sound Deflectors 

Sound deflectors aim to divert the noise path from the intended area. Remember that sound deflectors do not ensure soundproofing. Sound deflecting materials are readily available around departmental or mechanical stores. 

If you are going to use the generator at a campsite, take drywall and four plywood sheets. You should also ensure the dimensions are correct. Since drywalls are fire-resistant, they have excellent sound deflecting properties. 

You can also pair up these deflectors with other soundproofing tricks. 

Time to Build a Baffle Box! 

Now, this trick requires some DIY-skills. The baffle box is one of the most effective soundproofing tips that you can use for soundproofing generators. On an important note, you must get the measurements of the baffle box right. 

The baffle box seconds as an effective sound barrier. You also have to understand to consider the space for ventilation ducts. There are tons of videos on YouTube promoted by companies like The Marketing Heaven that can guide you to make a good baffle box. 

Store It in a Soundproof Generator Box 

If you search for a permanent method to soundproof your generator box, try out this trick. However, the generator box is quite challenging to tackle, and it’s heavy too. You’ll require an MLV, foam mats, acoustic caulk, vent duct, and MDF. 

A soundproof box for a generator is like a baffle box. You’ll need to follow the same process and buy nearly the same material to make one. 

Keep the Generator Away From Home 

The farther you place the generator, the lesser sound will reach your home. Distancing the generator from your house will give you the tranquility and peace to enjoy your time. You can also use this tip for campsites. 

Make sure that your generator has a long extension cord for this purpose. If you have a storage shed or a detached garage, you can move the generator there. You can also use soundproofing tricks like rubber feet, soundproof mats, and baffle boxes with this tip. 

Submerge the Exhaust Pipes in the Water 

Have you ever tried submerging the exhaust pipes of your generator in the water? Though this sounds unusual and tricky, it does an excellent job keeping the sound levels at bay! To implement this tip, you’ll require a hosepipe and a bucket of water.  

The water will do a perfect job of muffling the noise of your generator. It is a cheap yet effective trick that is worth a shot. 

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Specifications:

Power: 2300 Watt
Dimensions: 21 x 11 x 19 Inches
Weight: 51 Pounds
Tank Volume: 1.36 Gallons
Engine: 79 Cubic Centimeters
Perks: Ultra Quiet, RV & Camper Friendly, Portable, Auto Shut Down When Low on Oil

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Final Thoughts 

Whether you are on a campsite or at your home, these peaceful tips will work great. Understandably, generators are quite the handy tools every household should have. They charge up our gadgets and electronics, which are essentials for us. 

When you have so many fixes by your side, ditching the plan to buy a generator isn’t an excuse. Besides, why should you let the sound overshadow the benefits of this excellent equipment? 

Hopefully, now even during power outages, you can have a noiseless and trouble-free backup!

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