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compressor pad

Len | Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on March 27, 2005 02:04am

I am moving my compressor and pad. The original builder put on some type of fiberglass(?) pad.

My question is would it be quieter on a concrete pad? My logic tells me that the denser the material the less vibration. Less vibration quieter operation. But my logic has failed me before.

I could pour a pad and attach the fiberglass to it as well. Or just do it exactly as the builder did it.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Oh yes, and Happy Easter!

Hi, I’m Len and I’m a Toolaholic…
Reply

Replies

  1. BrianWI | Mar 27, 2005 03:45am | #1

    when the hvac pumps & compressors are put in mezanine on a commercial project they build a steel frame put it on springs or bushings (springs work better) and fill the steel frame with concrete.  the concrete takes the vibe and the springs stop it from going into the next solid surface. they also have a 6+- piece of rubber pipe to deaden the sound traveling down the solid pipe(among other things)

    whe you see somthing on a curb only its to prevent water dammage.

    ive installed a few big compressors (50 cfm+-) all they were speced out for were; ancor into curb,2" rubber bushing above and below support; washer; nut. 2' flex line to supply air lines.

    1. Len | Mar 27, 2005 09:35am | #3

      Thanks for the info.

      Wow. That will un-couple the unit from the structure. Mine is sitting on dirt and then on the fiberglass pad.

      Probably not that much of an issue.

       Hi, I'm Len and I'm a Toolaholic...

      1. BrianWI | Mar 27, 2005 06:16pm | #6

        any help i gave would apply to air compressor.

        my brother in law has hvac company and i know its not that big a deal to move them to whereever. (his is behind his garage). but the longer the run the less efficient. you might have trouble getting someone to do it cause it aint much work, so why bother.

  2. 4Lorn1 | Mar 27, 2005 06:31am | #2

    I have provided power to a lot of residential units. I have noticed no difference in noise between the units on concrete, fiberglass or ABS pads. Most of these units are not actually attached to the pads. Those that are are not attached by much. Rooftop and commercial units have more requirements.

    If noise is an issue there are a few steps you can take: Location. Away from bedrooms, livingrooms and dens.

    Get a quality unit. Noise varies widely between manufacturers and models.

    In a case where the unit couldn't be moved and the HO was very sensitive the GC actually built a concrete block, the cells were poured, wall around three sides of the condenser unit. He consulted with the manufacturer as to haw to avoid constricting the air flow.

    You had to be standing beside this unit to tell it was running.

    1. Len | Mar 27, 2005 09:42am | #4

      Right now it's sitting right next to the patio. It's annoying when it's running and I have guests outside. I'm moving it around the corner from it's current location. I can shield it with out effecting the air flow to it. It should be enough but I wanted to make sure that I didn't miss anything.

      I have a 5 ton unit which is at it's limit for the size of the home. The builder should have put a dual system in. It just means that it will be more expensive to replace when it goes.

      Thanks again.Hi, I'm Len and I'm a Toolaholic...

  3. mike4244 | Mar 27, 2005 11:57am | #5

    I doubt that the stucture the compressor sits on has much bearing on noise level. If you have a small pancake, which I doubt because it sits on a pad ,then you will get some noise from it bouncing around. Most of the noise from a compressor comes from the unit itself. Oilfilled compressors are generally less noisy than oilless.

    Could you place the compressor on a pad outside, you would then need to protect it from the elements.If you have room you could sound proof a small area for the compressor to in.You then need outside air or some way to let heat escape.

    mike

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