How Loud Is a Generator? (And Tips to Make It Quieter Outdoors)

Most portable generators produce between 60 and 90 decibels of noise at 25 feet away—the equivalent of a vacuum cleaner to a chainsaw. And if it’s sitting just outside your window? Multiply that annoyance by ten.

Here’s what affects generator noise, what’s considered “too loud,” and how to tone it down without sacrificing performance.

---

🔊 How Loud Is a Generator, Really?

Let’s compare common decibel levels:

• 60 dB – Normal conversation
• 70 dB – Vacuum cleaner
• 80–85 dB – Lawn mower
• 90+ dB – Traffic or shouting match

The average 3500W–7000W generator lands around 74–84 dB at load. Smaller inverter generators run quieter, often around 55–65 dB.

Rule of thumb: If you need to yell over it at 15–20 feet, it’s pushing 80+ decibels.

Running it under a covered porch or in a garage to reduce noise? Don’t. Read: Can You Run a Generator in a Garage With the Door Open?

---

🤫 How to Make a Generator Quieter

1. Move It Farther From Your Home

This one’s simple: Distance = silence. Every 10 feet you move it away drops the perceived volume significantly.

Just make sure to keep it:

• On dry, level ground
• At least 20 feet from your house
• Covered with a proper ventilated weatherproof enclosure

2. Use a Generator Enclosure or Sound Box

If you don’t want to listen to your generator hum all night, build a DIY enclosure with sound-deadening insulation. Use plywood, vents, and acoustic foam to muffle the noise.

Just don’t block airflow—overheating is worse than the noise.

3. Deflect the Exhaust

Angle the exhaust pipe away from your house and any reflective surfaces like fences or walls. You can also add a muffler extension to help redirect and dampen the output.

4. Use a Rubber Pad or Anti-Vibration Mat

A generator on concrete or decking will rattle like a washing machine out of balance. A $20 anti-vibration pad can absorb a lot of that low-frequency hum.

---

🤯 Why Are Generators So Loud in the First Place?

• Engine size: Bigger engine = more power = more noise
• Exhaust system: Inexpensive units usually skimp on sound suppression
• Open-frame design: No shell means no noise dampening
• Vibration and resonance: Wood decks, concrete pads, and metal frames amplify sound

Pro tip: If you’re camping or live in a close-quarters neighborhood, an inverter generator is worth the extra cost.

---

Final Thoughts

Generators are noisy by nature, but you’ve got options. With a little smart placement and a few upgrades, you can knock down that rumble without resorting to unsafe setups.

Stick to outdoor use only, build a vented box if needed, and please—for your own sanity and your neighbor’s—don’t run it right under your bedroom window.

---

Also See:

• Where Should You Put a Generator During Bad Weather?
• How to Run a Generator in the Rain (And Not Ruin It)