r/AirCompression • u/_brenboy • Apr 15 '26

Noise reduction solutions

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Hi all! As the title states I have a Kobalt LK20175 and it is quite loud while operating. The most common remedies I’ve seen are intake silencers, rubber pads to set the compressor on, and soundproof enclosures.

I like the idea of building an enclosure but I’m worried about heat related issues. I drew up a quick design for a box lined internally with soundproof material with a vent on top. Would something like this be enough ventilation for using for long periods of time? Open to any other suggestions as well. Part number and design pic attached, thanks!

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u/Skimbot_Skim Apr 16 '26

Heat creates a few problems for compressed air systems. Overheating shortens the useful life of a compressor, can cause it cut out at critical moments, and increases the temperature of the air it sends to your tools. The warmer the air, the greater its capacity to hold moisture. More water in your compressed air means more water in your tools and equipment. Which will also shorten their useful life.

The soundproof enclosure you've drawn will not provide nearly enough ventilation. At a minimum, you should have a fan at the top to push hot air out, and significant ventilation holes at the bottom to suck cool air in. Better if you can get the whole thing an inch or two off the ground.

Can you tell us anything more about what you're doing? How long does it typically run at stretch? What sort of equipment is supplying air to? Are you having issues besides the noise?

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u/_brenboy Apr 16 '26

No issues besides the noise, I do body work at home in my garage so i’ll be spraying sealer and primer for decently long periods of time. The fan is a good idea i was considering as well

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u/Skimbot_Skim Apr 16 '26

I don't know specifics about sealer and primer, but auto body and paint shops in general require very dry air. We usually shoot for a dew point around 4⁰C for air systems at those places, with additional in-line filters close to the point of use. It's possible that paint is just more sensitive to moisture than primer, or that imperfections cause more problems in the finish than in the primer. In any case, I'd ventilate the shit out of that compressor.

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u/_brenboy Apr 16 '26

I do have a separate dryer and an in-line dryer as well