Projector noise is typically caused by the cooling fan coming on. There are numerous components within a projector that can heat up from use, and the higher the temperature, the harder the fan has to work and the louder your projector will be. Whether it’s clearing more space for the projector, cleaning it, or changing how you use it, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce how noisy your projector is. In that case that what you’re hearing isn’t the cooling fan, things may be more serious, and we’ll discuss that too.
What Makes Noise in a Projector?
The most common source of noise in a projector is the fan (or fans) designed to keep the unit cool. Under normal use, multiple components of the projector produce heat, most obviously is the bulb or laser used to produce the light used for your display. However, other components requiring electrical and performing data processing also add heat. The ventilation system in a projector consists of a few components. In addition to a fan or set of fans, a projector will usually have some sort of opening in the casing for exhaust. Under ideal conditions, fan power can blow air out or suck air in from these vents. Additionally, the fans will be triggered by internal thermometers. Generally speaking, the hotter the temperature of the internal components, the harder the fans are programmed to work. When working properly, fans will make a gentle whirring sound, with no clicking or whining. If you hear other sounds coming from your projector, such as grinding, crackling, or buzzing, you should return it or bring it to a licensed repair center. These symptoms may indicate an electrical or mechanical failure that could not only destroy your projector, but also cause a fire.
Reasons for a Noisy Projector
Because a projector throws its light to a distant surface, the light used to produce the image must be more powerful than the lights used in TVs. Further, since the screen itself cannot be directly manipulated as in some TVs, the projector must create the image before throwing it onto the screen. This requires the processing power to create a finely detailed version of the image on a very small scale. This power going through the bulb and circuitry means that projectors get hotter than TVs after prolonged use. The response of the internal cooling system to high temperatures is the primary cause of projector noise. Since your projector would be significantly worse off without the noisy fans, it is best to think of the sources of projector noise as causes of high temperatures. Of course, temperature is not the only cause of projector noise. However, other causes of projector noise are often unavoidable and usually require repairs.
Bad Ventilation
This one seems obvious, but it extends beyond what most people associate with ventilation. When most people think of the ventilation system of a digital device, they think of internal fans and ventilation holes. While this is the ideal way for the device to offload heat, it is not the only way. The primary means of ventilation projectors use is pushing air in or out of the projector by using fans. This is aided by ventilation holes which provide an easy avenue for the air to move between the inside and outside of the projector. By pulling cool air in and pushing hot air out, internal fans help to cool internal components that generate heat. Blocking the ventilation holes interferes with this process, and will cause the fan to work harder to compensate. Under ideal conditions, the only thing surrounding the projector is cool air. This allows for the projector to offload heat to the surrounding air, and for the air to carry heat away from the projector. This can’t happen as efficiently if the room is very hot, or if there are other pieces of equipment generating heat nearby.
Prolonged Use
One of the chief causes of heat in projectors, especially in a home theater environment, is using them for too long. So, turning the projector off every once and a while during a day-long binge session will ensure a longer life. Most home projectors are great if you want to watch one movie, a few episodes, or a sports match, but truthfully, there’s no reason why you can’t use a projector all of the time (we explain why in our other article). But if you are planning to marathon the entire Star Wars franchise, every Simpsons episode, or all of the Thanksgiving day football games, you should probably choose a stationary projector and not a portable one. If you want to go with the projector for longer-form viewing because you are hosting a large number of guests, you may want to consider renting a projector instead of using your own. This will allow you to preserve your equipment and also give you options you can rely on to last through the entire viewing experience.
Dirt and Dust Buildup
When was the last time you cleaned your projector? Okay let’s be honest, when have you ever cleaned your projector? Dirt and dust in and on your projector can drastically impact its ability to cool. They can also cause damage if allowed to accumulate. Dirt and dust typically come from two sources: the oils and contaminants on our hands and debris like skin cells and fabric fibers floating in the air. While dirt from our hands typically impacts the outside of the projector unit, dust from airborne debris tends to accumulate on the inside. While dirt buildup on the outside works to retain heat, dust can be more pernicious. In addition to increasing heat retention, dust can also jam fans and unused ports. In some cases it can also cause short circuits and fires.
Electrical or Mechanical Failure
Grinding, crackling, or buzzing may indicate a problem other than heat. These are usually early warning signs of a problem that requires a licensed technician. Examples might include a defective fan or a worn electrical connection. Addressing these problems early can help avoid more serious consequences down the line. Since many of these problems can be caused by excessive heat, taking measures to keep the temperature down (like giving the projector breaks during long sessions) can help avoid these problems.
How to Reduce Projector Noise
The number one culprit of projector noise comes from fans speeding up to try and cool a hot projector. Therefore, reducing the temperature of your projector can help reduce or even eliminate noise from your projector. There are some fairly simple ways to do this that are neither time-consuming nor costly. You can also look into using or building a hush box for your projector!
Clean the Projector
Keeping your projector clean is one of the best ways to ensure proper ventilation for it. The outside of your projector can be kept clean by spot cleaning with either surface cleaning wipes or rubbing alcohol on a paper towel or cotton ball. If you’re using rubbing alcohol, don’t use too much. The paper towel or cotton ball should be damp but not soaking wet. The inside of a projector can usually be kept clean by regularly using a computer duster. If you’ve never seen these before, a computer duster is a can of compressed gas (usually carbon dioxide) with a straw attachment for the nozzle. In some cases it may be a good idea to remove the casing of the projector to do a more thorough cleaning. You should check your projector’s documentation about whether you can do this yourself as this may void your warranty.
Clear the Projector Area
Nearby objects are another way projectors retain heat. Always place projectors on a firm, flat surface with plenty of clearance on all sides. Avoid surfaces that are cushioned or carpeted as they tend to retain heat. The best place to place a projector is on an unoccupied table, shelf, or hard floor.
Mount the Projector
For optimal results, place your wall mount high so fewer objects interfere with airflow. Whether with a wall or ceiling mount, ensure there is sufficient clearance above the projector for air to move as the heat rises. And we have another article discussing how to select a projector mount if this is something you’re considering.
Seek Repairs
In some instances, it may make sense to bring your projector to a licensed repair technician. If your projector is making any sound that isn’t the smooth operation of a plastic fan, it probably needs fixing. Additionally, if your projector heats up unusually quickly relative to when you first got it, it may be worth bringing it in for repairs. Dealing with projector noise is something that usually doesn’t require much more than slight modifications to your home theater arrangement. Avoiding prolonged use, ensuring proper ventilation, and keeping the projector clean can help increase the longevity of your projector. And once you’ve got that sound taken care of, maybe you’d like to consider going for a full tune-up and reading through our article on how to improve projector image quality.
