Why are Vacuum Cleaners so loud and how to make them quieter?

There are some of us who hate vacuuming and there are those of us who love it, myself included. However, there is one thing we all can agree on and that is there’s nothing like the peace and quiet of a well-functioning vacuum machine. Unless, of course, that vacuum cleaner starts making an ear-piercing noise every time it’s turned on.

If your vacuum is old or loud, the noise will be coming from one of the many possible sources including the motor, loose bearings, leakage and openings, noisy fan, air outlet, bad filter or belt, or objects stuck on the canister or brush roll.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of these sources and explain how to fix them if they’re causing problems.

What causes a Vacuum to be loud and How to reduce it?

If you’re like most people, you probably use a vacuum cleaner to clean your floors every week. But have you ever stopped to think about why is your vacuum cleaner noisy? And how to make it quieter?

There are a few reasons why vacuum cleaners might suddenly start making high-pitched noise and is no longer quieter than before.

Motor Issue

a. Motor is weak and needs replacement 

One of the possible reasons for a noisy vacuum is that the motor is weak and you might need to get it replaced. If the motor is only a few months old with lower usage, this probably isn’t the problem.

The bearings or belt may need to be serviced or replaced.

b. Loose bearings of the motor

Another possibility is that something has come loose in the bearings, which requires the replacement of those parts to make the vacuum quieter.

c. Positioning of the motor

Do note that modern vacuum cleaners are much quieter, and most canister or cordless vacuums are also less noisy.

However, upright vacuum cleaners are loud as they are designed with the position of their motor higher upwards than the other types of vacuum cleaners. 

d. Heavy Usage of the Vacuum Machine

It is also important to note that the heavy usage of the vacuum machine can damage its motors and other internal parts and result in increased noise production as well as reduced suction power.

While this may not happen immediately but it will take time for these parts to wear out and fail to cause a mechanical breakdown. So always choose a quality and strong vacuum cleaner as per the usage.

Air Blocking

Another reason could be that there is something blocking the air intake or air outlet, which is causing the motor to work harder than it should.

If noise is a concern for you, look for a vacuum machine model without air-blocking technology. This technology creates a seal around the dirt and debris being sucked up so that it’s trapped and doesn’t escape from the vacuum cleaner.

While this feature is helpful in preventing dirt from flying all over your house, it also makes the vacuum cleaner much noisier.

Leaks and openings 

There is a possibility that the vacuum cleaner is not properly sealed. This means the air is escaping from the vacuum, making it louder than it should be.

If your vacuum cleaner is making too much noise, the likely culprit is a leak or opening in one of the hoses or pipes.

• One way to fix this problem is to replace the hose or pipe that’s causing the leak.
• Another option is to use some type of sealant to plug up the leak.

If neither of these solutions works, take it to a repair shop for a quick fix or replacement.

Objects entrapped in the Brush or Canister

If your vacuum cleaner is producing bothersome noises, it indicates that either the roller brush or the canister has got stuck with debris. This can stop the roller brush from spinning and burning the vacuum’s belt. 

Larger items like coins or paper can become trapped in the brush, causing it to make sounds. In addition, larger pieces of hair can also become lodged, making them make grating noises.

It’s recommended to service the vacuum cleaner on a regular basis to ensure its longer life and make it quieter.

Clogging in the Suction Tube

Your vacuum cleaner may be loud as there might be a clog or some debris blocking the suction tube. This can cause the motor to work harder and make more noise. Clean the suction tube of clogs to ensure proper cleaning.

Dustbag is Full

If your vacuum cleaner is not bagless and has a dust bag, it may become full and make more noise as it tries to suck up more dirt and debris.

Empty the dustbag to make the vacuum cleaner quieter.

Vacuum is not suitable for that Floor Type

The vacuum might not be powerful enough for the type of floor you are cleaning. If this is the case, you may need to get a more powerful vacuum cleaner according to toy your floor type.

Noisy Fan

The fan inside the vacuum cleaner might have become loose or broken and is rattling around, making a lot of noise.

When the fan slips on a vacuum cleaner, it can cause the machine to make an increase in noise. This is due to the fan not being able to turn as fast as it normally would, which then creates ear-splitting noise.

If this happens, it is best to treat or replace the fan as soon as possible in order to make the vacuum machine quieter or it can overheat the engine.

Filter or Belt Issue

If your vacuum’s filter is clogged, it will put pressure on the motor and can cause failure or burnout with time. You should change the filter every 3 to 6 months on average for safety.

Moreover, if your vacuum machine has become extremely louder, it might be the belt is tearing down.

Sound Effects of a Vacuum Cleaner 

The sound of a faulty vacuum cleaner can be quite irritating. It can be a loud and high-pitched whine that is difficult to ignore. The sound can also be accompanied by vibrations, which can make it difficult to concentrate on anything else.

In some cases, it can even be heard from other rooms in the house. When a vacuum is not functioning properly, it can make a variety of weird and strange sounds.

Irregular Humming Noise

One of the most common sound effects is an irregular humming noise. If you listen closely, you may also be able to hear a high-pitched squealing noise.

These sounds are usually caused by a motor that is not working correctly.

Rattling and Banging Noise

Other sound effects include rattling and banging noises, which are usually caused by something inside the vacuum cleaner that is loose or broken.

In some cases, the entire vacuum cleaner may start making ear-splitting noises when it is turned on. This is usually a sign that something is wrong and the vacuum cleaner requires maintenance or repair.

If you suspect that any of these issues are causing your vacuum to make too much noise and you are unable to apply the fix, take it to a repair shop for diagnosis and repair.

How to Make a Vacuum Cleaner Quieter – 10 Things to Consider

If you’re looking for ways to make vacuum cleaners quieter, there are a few things to consider to make it easier on your ears and lungs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much sound does an average vacuum cleaner produce?

A standard vacuum typically produces between 75 to 85 decibels (dB), which is still higher than a standard home television (70 dB) or a regular human conversation (60-70dB)

Which kind of vacuum cleaners to avoid that make great noise?

Upright vacuum cleaners produce more noise than cordless or other vacuum cleaner types. The higher positioning of the motor is the reason for this louder noise.

However, if you choose a bagless upright vacuum for cleaning, it will be much quieter.

Which vacuum cleaner makes the least noise?

Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away Speed NV380 produces the least noise as compared to other vacuum cleaners.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you wish to make your vacuum cleaner quieter and keep your current vacuum engine working properly then remember that vacuums need regular maintenance.

Maintenance includes such as cleaning vacuum filters and bearings, cleaning the roller brush, and changing the vacuum’s belt, motor, and filter if they wear out.

Moreover, vacuum service should be scheduled every 6 to 12 months or earlier to keep the vacuum machine in good working condition.