If you have a whole house generator, you probably want to know how to make it quieter. There are a few ways to do this, such as adding rubber feet, using a sound deflector, and even adding more bulk.
Silencers
If you have a generator in your home, you may want to consider adding a generator silencer to reduce the noise that the engine produces. This can not only make your house a lot quieter, but also can prevent expensive repairs.
Silencers are typically made of metal or ceramic. They are designed to absorb high-frequency sounds, so the sound waves are masked. These devices can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes.
The type of silencer that you need will depend on the model of your generator. If you are looking to reduce the noise produced by a gas generator, you will need a reactive or absorptive silencer. A resonator silencer can be used, but it is less effective than other options.
For more severe noise reduction, you can also consider hybrid silencers. These are typically used in situations where both types of noise reduction are needed.
Sound deflectors
Sound deflectors are a great way to make your whole house generator a little less obnoxious. The average generator produces around 60 to 70 decibels, which can be enough to give you a case of the snoozes. To remedy this you can either purchase or build your own. A soundproof baffle box is an aesthetically pleasing enclosure for your generator, while a good set of speakers will soften the noise.
The most impressive thing about these devices is that they aren’t difficult to install. For example, the Zombie Box is a weatherproof enclosure that can be used to store your noisy generator, while keeping your snoozes intact. You can even get a dual fuel generator that uses gas instead of diesel.
Of course, you don’t want your whole house to be powered by a noisy gasoline generator. You can opt to use a natural gas generator that is designed to switch to gas for more silent operations.
Soundproof blankets
Soundproof blankets are great for protecting your home from unwanted outside noise. They can also help reduce your electricity bill. In fact, they can even improve your sleep. And they can be made from a wide array of materials, from fiberglass insulation to a specially formulated acoustic foam. Some of these products are made to be lightweight and portable. These are great for temporary use. But there are other options for permanent installation.
The big question is, which soundproofing product is right for your home? A whole house generator can be a source of annoyance, so lining it with some kind of insulation and blankets will reduce your noise complaints. You can also hang some decorative soundproofing blankets over your windows to reduce the noise glare.
As a last resort, you might consider installing a soundproofing solution that utilizes more sophisticated techniques. Using a more specialized product will be less expensive and can be installed in a fraction of the time.
Adding bulk
Adding bulk to a whole house generator is a great way to keep the noise to a minimum. The best part is you don’t have to break the bank. You can get a top notch power generator from a trusted brand like APC, Generac or others for under $100. Depending on your needs, you can have a rated output of over 2,500 watts and a rated load of 100 amps. And since it is portable, you can take it with you when the power goes out. So whether you’re on vacation or enjoying a weekend away, you won’t have to worry about running out of juice. That’s a good thing, as the economy is on the verge of a major crash.
One of the more practical ways to make your generator sound better is to move it to a surface that is not as susceptible to heat, vibration or dust. Another tidbit of wisdom is to locate your unit in a shed or garage where it can be out of the elements.
Putting rubber feet on your generator
If you have a whole house generator, there are a few ways to make it quieter. Some of the ways are simple and others are more complicated. It is important to consider your neighbors’ concerns as well as your own.
One way to make your generator quieter is to place it on a soft surface. Whether that is dirt or grass, a soft ground will reduce vibrations and help to absorb sound.
Another option is to build an enclosure around your generator. These can be constructed with acoustic foam board or plywood. However, keep in mind that hard surfaces will reflect and amplify noise. You should also make sure that the box does not block airflow.
The best way to keep your generator from creating a lot of noise is to position it away from the house. Ideally, it should be placed in a rural area.