How to Soundproof a Garage Compressor
A noise suppression box can be used to quiet a larger compressor. This more permanent design includes a regulator and pressure gauge on the side, as well as a hose reel for an extra hose.
A box is made of 2x4s and is double-layered. On the outside, MDF is used to cover the box. For added noise reduction, insulation is sandwiched between the outer MDF layer and an inner layer of OSB. The front-hinged door opens in two pieces, allowing partial or full access. The top and bottom latches keep the door closed.
Air hoses and electric cables are routed through holes in the enclosure’s outer walls.
How to Soundproof a Garage Compressor
Sound-Dampening Box for an 80-Gallon Air Compressor
8′ tall and 4′ wide, this permanent soundproof box is designed for standup compressors. The double-walled enclosure is constructed of 2X4s. The inner and outer walls are made of OSB and covered with carpet to reduce noise. Carpet is also hung inside the walls, between the two layers of OSB, to reduce noise. The air hose extends from the inside of the box to the outside, where it connects to an on/off valve and a regulator. The compressor’s drain valve is located on the bottom. Two computer fans are installed in the enclosure’s back wall to provide airflow and ventilation. The ceiling is double-walled and has 3″ of sound control foam installed. The door is double walled as well, with weatherstripping around the perimeter. The base is made of pallets and lifts to decouple the unit from the floor.
How to Quiet a Noisy Air Compressor
Rather than constructing a soundproof enclosure that surrounds the entire compressor, the air pump is removed from the compressor and installed in its own quiet box in this case. This soundproof box is installed in the ceiling rafters to further reduce noise. To begin, the air pump is disconnected from the compressor. A power cable and an air hose are run to the ceiling. The air pump’s soundproof box is made of wood salvaged from an old piano and a table. The inside of the box is lined with thick egg crate foam. Bolts are used to secure the air pump to the box. A small fan salvaged from an old space heater was used for ventilation in the air pump box.
Evicted the Air Compressor and Built a Shed for It!
A shed is being constructed to relocate a compressor from the garage to the outside. This is not a soundproof design, but rather an enclosure that allows the compressor to be relocated to the garage’s exterior. First, a cement pad is poured to support the compressor. The walls are then framed out of 2X4s and attached to the cement pad. The walls and roof of the shed are made of corrugated steel. The door is built into one of the walls. Holes are drilled through the garage wall to accommodate the air hose and all power cables. For security, the compressor is bolted to the cement pad. Because this is an outside design, no soundproofing was installed.
Shed for Air Compressors
A small, permanent shed was built outside to house a compressor while reducing noise. The shed is made of 2X4s and is framed with OSB. Some of the interior walls were insulated with Styrofoam to help reduce noise transmission. Corrugated steel is used for the roof. The corners of the roof are sealed with expanding foam. To provide airflow and heat ventilation for the compressor, a large vent is installed on one wall. The air hose and electrical power are routed through the shed’s outer wall and into the garage’s exterior wall. The floor is a cement pad that has been poured. To reduce vibration and provide additional sound dampening, the compressor is mounted on top of 2X4s, which are mounted on top of rubber feet. The shed’s exterior is finished in T 1-11 and painted to match the house.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Building a Soundproof Box
Materials: Before you begin building a soundproof box for your compressor, you should consider the materials you intend to use. MDF is an excellent choice due to its low cost and noise reduction abilities. You’ll want to build two separate boxes, one inside the other, for maximum noise reduction.
You’ll also need to decide how you’ll insulate the box to reduce noise. Fiberglass or Rockwool insulation, both available at your local hardware store, would be effective. Sound control tiles, similar to those found in a recording studio, would also be a good option and are available from online retailers. If you want to move your enclosure, consider installing casters on the bottom. If you are more concerned with reducing sound transmission than with portability, you can use rubber risers or furniture pads to decouple the box from the floor and thus reduce vibrations. Small vents will need to be cut into the box to allow for airflow. Small electric fans, such as computer fans, could also be installed.
Step one:
Begin by constructing a lidless box out of MDF boards, attaching them with wood glue, and finishing nails. Install hinges to allow the lid to open and close and a piece of MDF to sit on top. On the bottom of the box, place rubber risers or furniture pads.
Step two:
To allow airflow, cut several horizontal slits in the MDF on one side of the enclosure. Drill a hole through which the power cables and air hose will pass.
Step three:
Line the entire inside of the enclosure with your preferred sound control medium, using glue or another adhesive. Fiberglass, Rockwool, or studio foam could all be used. Make sure to apply this to the box’s lid as well.
4th step:
Install latches on the lid to keep the box shut when not in use. Install the compressor inside the box and feed the power cables and air hose through the hole you drilled. Close and latch the lid after turning on the compressor. You can now run your compressor without disturbing the rest of the neighborhood!
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