Keep It Down!!! 5 Easy Methods To Reduce Noise in Your Home Generator
Making the investment in your portable home generator is a huge step toward protecting your family, especially during hurricane season. You never know when an emergency might strike, and having back-up power is a fantastic way to be prepared. However, one thing you might not be prepared for is the noise the generator will make. NY Electric Company has you covered with some tips on how to quiet down your new investment!
Why Is My Generator So Loud?
Before hushing up your generator, it’s important to know where the noise is actually coming from. Both the engine housing and the exhaust system of your portable generator are more than likely responsible for the noise. Both of these essential elements produce incredibly loud vibrations. When your power goes out in the middle of the night and you turn to your trusty generator, there’s no doubt that you’re going to wake the neighbors. Experiment with these possible solutions.
So How Can I Keep It Down?
Padding
First, you’ll want to set up your generator as far away as possible from the house, campsite, or whatever structure you’re trying to power. Place several rubber waffle pads on the ground and position your generator right on top of them.
Check Your Bolts
Make sure that all the bolts and connections on your generator are tight and that all rubber mounts are in good shape. Loose bolts and worn out rubber mounts will cause additional noise. You can also try adding some extra rubber washers to the stock screws that attach the engine to the frame.
Make Use of Mother Nature
Check around for natural sound barriers you may have available. Simple things like dense shrubbery can effectively block sound waves and help reduce noise levels. Remember not to restrict the area around your portable generator so that fresh air intake or exhaust is not hampered in any way.
Upgrade to a Larger Muffler
Most mufflers on a portable generator aren’t that efficient in reducing noise levels. Outfitting the unit with a motorcycle exhaust could be of help. Used motorcycle stocks can sometimes be found at motorcycle custom shops.
Build An Enclosure
To build a proper sound reducing enclosure, create three walls around the unit, making sure that the side with the switches and connections is easily accessible. Cinder blocks could be a good choice for the structure as they don’t have to be sealed. The height of the three walls should be one foot taller than the unit. Don’t forget to leave some “breathing room” of about a foot between the unit and the walls.
If you’re still having problems with the noise of your generator, we can help. Call us with any questions or more suggestions to help you keep it down!