It is really a task to find a good air compressor at an affordable price, while finding the one that would also be quiet is a way more difficult. Yet the noise level on your working place is definitely something that shouldn’t be ignored. Constant exposure to high noise levels can impair one’s hearing and cause a considerable adverse effect on the nervous system and health in general. Even if you are looking for an air compressor for regular household use and not for your job, a device with smooth and quiet operation sounds truly attractive. Here it is necessary to consider the balance between the unit’s price, efficiency, and noise level. Not all air compressors being advertised as quiet ones are suitable for certain purposes and specific requirements while those that really are might appear to be too expensive.
Looking for a quiet air compressor you should pay attention to the noise level parameter indicated in decibels (dB). Most air compressors available on the market have their noise levels rated between 40 and 90 decibels while all compressors producing less than 75 dB are considered to be quiet ones. At the same time, the working conditions under the noise levels of about 85 dB are considered to be harmful and may cause the hearing decrease and even loss. For clarity, two people talking produce the noise about 60 dB.
In view of the above, considering the models listed below might be advantageous both for your hearing and pocket. These models produce noise from 60 to 70 dB and appear to retain their efficiency and attractive price despite considerable noise reduction.
DEWALT D55140 1-Gallon 135 PSI Max Trim Compressor
DEWALT D55140 1-Gallon 135 PSI Max Trim Compressor is not only quiet; it’s also light, easily portable and compact. Having the noise level of only 69 dB, it can also boast of its 24-pound weight and agreeable dimensions of 20.5×15.8×10.8 inches. One man can achieve excellent results with it, feeling at ease moving it from one place to another with only one hand. It’s perfect for most indoor works, and you are not likely to complain about its noise. This air compressor is durable and reliable while its benefits include the ball drain valve, roll cage design, wrap-around control panel, cast iron body and a high-flow regulator. Its parameters were carefully thought through to ensure the longest possible lifespan and durability of this air compressor. The pump of the unit was engineered to operate smoothly without oil, thus releasing you from the necessity to refill oil and cleaning oil spills from your working place. At 90 PSI (max. 135 PSI) its 2.6-amp motor will produce 0.75 CFM offering you easier start-up and reducing breaker tripping instances. This trim compressor is ideal for woodworking, furniture making and airbrushing, revealing great results at tire inflating, though it won’t do for large projects and production use.
DEWALT DWFP55130 Heavy Duty 200 PSI Quiet Trim Air Compressor
DEWALT DWFP55130 Heavy Duty 200 PSI Quiet Trim Air Compressor, another silent model by DeWalt, is also worth considering. Its has only a little bit greater noise level than the previous one, producing 71.5 dB, what makes it nearly half quieter than other pancake air compressors. It’s not a surprise, as it was designed comprising seven technologies that are currently patent-pending. It’s also noted for faster recovery than any other pancake compressor can show. This DeWalt model is also equipped with a ball drain valve for easy and quick tank draining. Its high-torque powerful 12-amp motor fills the tank of 2.5 gallons, while you can adjust it to 150 PSI to ensure longer use. Another pleasant aspect provided for by the manufacturer is that the unit can recharge the tank as the pressure falls below 165 PSI. Thus your work won’t be discontinued in the middle because of the lack of air. This unit will be suitable for small and medium projects and will work well with light nailers, staplers, and trim guns. Its weight being 36 pounds, it is heavier than the previous model, yet remains easily portable and convenient in use due to its smart design. The unit can be positioned both horizontally and vertically, so it is easy to store and operate. Just like DeWalt D55140 it features roll-cage design and is ultimately durable.
Senco PC1010 1 HP 1 Gallon Compressor
Designed with care for your ears is also Senco PC1010 1 HP 1 Gallon Compressor. Its noise level is rated about 73-75 dB making it one of the quietest models among pancake compressors. Having quite a moderate weight of only 20 pounds, this portable air compressor features the compact design of 14x13x10 inches and a convenient handle. For extra convenience, it has rubber-covered feet to avoid scratching your floors. Despite its light weight, this compressor has durable stainless steel construction and powerful characteristics. It has a powerful 4-amp 1HP motor and a one-gallon tank getting filled in 128 seconds while its recovery time is only 35 seconds. Its pump system is oil-free and to increase your convenience the unit also has individual gauges allowing you to regulate the output pressure. This lightweight, portable air compressor won’t do for large industrial projects as it simply won’t provide such constant airflow as required by industrial power tools. But it will show outstanding results at light-duty home projects and other indoor works with pneumatic tools. Great results could be expected from it in finishing and trimming work and inflating tires. Depending on the type of the tool you chose to use, this air compressor will provide from 20 to 44 drives per minute.
California Air Tools CAT-6310 Steel Tank Air Compressor
The quietest model among the ones listed here is California Air Tools CAT-6310 Steel Tank Air Compressor. Having the speed of 1,680 RPM, it produces the noise of only 60 decibels and is the only air compressor with such low rating. No wonder that it’s the most popular model among California air compressors. Some users report that it produces no more noise than a hairdryer does. 1.0HP motor fills 6.3-gallon steel tank having two gauges: one for 3.80 CFM at 40 PSI and the other for 2.35 CFM at 90 PSI. 120 PSI is a maximum for it. It requires minimum maintenance while revealing excellent efficiency and durability due to dual-piston oil-free pump. This compressor also has an overload protector, switching the motor off immediately upon reaching the temperature of 135° C. Along with its durable and capacious 6.3-gallon steel tank, the unit also bears a considerable weight of 49 pounds. At the same time, it yields enough pressure for all household tasks and light-duty projects though just like other listed models it won’t do for large and industrial tasks.
As you can see from the above descriptions, finding a quiet air compressor powerful enough for light-duty tools, small construction projects, all sorts of household purposes and inflating tires is quite possible. Of course, an air compressor that is totally silent is a dream that hasn’t come true yet though air compressor manufacturers compete to make their compressors quieter and friendlier to your ears. For now the above-listed models represent the best choice among quiet compressors. Any of the named ones will operate quietly while doing a great job at finishing and trimming work, woodwork, crafting and tires inflating though their power won’t be enough for heavy-duty industrial projects.