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Gas generators are a standard solution for power outages and natural disasters that render the electricity grid unusable. Whether built-in, automatic models or portable generators you turn on when needed, all gas generators have one thing in common: they’re noisy.
These loud machines can power your appliances, lights, and electronics, but is it worth the decibels? Learn more about generator noise levels, including why gas generators make so much noise, and find a few tips to reduce or eliminate the noise altogether.
Understanding Generator Noise Levels
Noise levels are measured in decibels, or dB, which measures how intense the sound is. The louder the noise, the more decibels. While you might think decibels increase linearly, they actually increase logarithmically. This means that each increase of 10 dB represents not a ten-point increase in sound intensity but actually a tenfold increase.
Check out this chart to see this principle played out:
- 0 dB: the faintest sound a human ear can identify
- 30 dB: a whisper
- 60 dB: a normal conversation or an air conditioner 100 feet away
- 70 dB: a running shower or dishwasher
- 90 dB: a power lawn mower or a subway train
- 110 dB: a rock concert or a running chainsaw
Do you notice how each increase becomes exponentially louder than the last? Even increasing by just a few decibels makes a huge difference, so even if a 10 dB jump looks just “a little louder” on paper, it’s ten times more intense.
Generators can be quite loud. Typical air-cooled generators usually come in at around 67 dB at 23 feet away when running a full load. Water-cooled models operate at 61 dB, and since we know the large difference just 10 dB can make, we can see that water-cooled models can operate much quieter.
The water-cooled option sounds barely louder than a normal conversation, while air-cooled models may come closer to a running shower.
Gas generators can be very loud, ranging from 50 to 100 dB, depending on the model and your distance from it.
Why Do Gas Generators Make So Much Noise?
Gas generators are loud for several reasons. Their natural operation can be noisy, even when all parts are well-maintained and working as they should. However, issues like worn-out parts, low oil levels, a poor installation location, or an overloaded generator can contribute to even louder noise levels.
Worn Out or Loose Parts
A worn-out spark plug, loose engine parts, a dirty air filter, or imbalanced fan blades can all increase the noise intensity of a gas generator. Spark plugs ignite the fuel in the engine, and if they become covered in carbon and oil deposits, they can cause malfunctions leading to excessive noise.
Other loose parts, like fan blades, clamps, or screws, can cause unwanted vibrations that translate into a loud humming or rattling sound.
Check all your parts, ensure they receive regular maintenance, and replace what’s broken or worn down.
Overloaded Generator
If your generator works too hard to power too many appliances, it can create louder sounds. It may be trying to run too many watts at once, or perhaps the generator’s age means it can no longer handle its initial capacity.
Only run essential appliances and avoid using multiple high-powered appliances simultaneously to prevent overloading the generator and shortening its lifespan.
Low Oil Levels
A generator may become noisier when it is running low on oil. Oil is necessary to keep the parts lubricated and cool the engine down, so when there’s little oil left, the parts can rub together, creating friction and more noise. This can also make the engine hotter and noisier. Add more oil to see if that helps.
Installation Location
Your generator may simply be installed in a poor location. It will be very loud if it’s too close to the home and living spaces. Installing directly on the ground also increases vibration and allows the sound to travel more easily. Elevating it, adding shrubs, or changing its location can make a big difference.
5 Ways To Reduce Generator Noise
If you’re plagued by loud generator noise, there are strategies you can use to reduce its impact on your life.
Use Acoustic Barriers
Acoustic barriers, like enclosures, walls, and fencing, can help make a generator quieter. Create an enclosure with tall walls and acoustic insulation materials on all four sides. Soundproofing blankets, foam, sandbags, or concrete barriers work great here. Give your generator three feet of space on all sides to work safely.
Create Additional Distance
When in doubt, move your generator further away from your home. The decibel level is largely impacted by distance, so the more space you can put between you and your generator, the less you’ll notice the sound.
If you can double the current distance of your generator from your space, you can see a 6 dB reduction in sound level. Since we understand how decibels work, we know this will make a noticeable difference!
This is the easiest and cheapest solution that requires no additional equipment. If you have lots of land or are designing a building with a generator, use the opportunity to install the generator as far as you can to minimize its noise disturbance.
Choose a Solar Generator
One option to eliminate the disturbing noise of a gas generator entirely is choosing solar power instead. EcoFlow Solar Generators capture sunlight energy from PV panels and convert that energy into usable electricity. They don’t require any fuel to run and offer silent operation, allowing you to live, work, or sleep peacefully without sound disruption.
The EcoFlow DELTA 3 is a good entry-level option for running essential devices and appliances, while the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 can provide whole-home backup with expandable capacity. Don’t want to give up gas for battery-powered operations? Get the best of both worlds with the EcoFlow Smart Generator (Dual Fuel), which can run on propane or gas.
Add an Anti-Vibration Mount (AVM)
A big part of a gas generator’s loudness is the vibrations that carry. By placing the generator on an anti-vibration mount, you can reduce vibration, prohibiting any additional sound production that a vibrating or moving generator can create.
Change Your Landscaping
You can also dampen the sound with the proper landscaping. While this method won’t be as effective, it’s an attractive option that maintains curb appeal. Try planting shrubs around the generator to reduce its decibel rating, or surround it with pebbles to cut the noise even more. The stones help distribute energy as the unit vibrates, reducing repetitive rattling sounds.
Always leave sufficient room for cooling, at least three feet on all sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gas generators typically run between 50-70 dB, but they can go up as high as 100 dB. Certain factors can make them louder, such as loose or worn-out parts, low oil levels, or an overloaded engine. However, fuel-powered generators are known as some of the loudest backup power solutions.
Final Thoughts
Gas generators are known for being noisy, but there are measures you can take to dampen the sound and make their operation less disruptive. Landscaping, soundproof materials, and creating more distance can all make a noticeable difference in lessening the sound of gas generators like the EcoFlow Smart Generator 4000.
Another option to eliminate sound completely is switching to a solar-powered generator, which offers silent operation. Check out EcoFlow’s Solar Generators to learn more.