I've been using mine in garage also hard piped to my basement workshop. It paid for itself over a few years of winterizing my sprinkler system(I use it for much more but it's an example).
Here is things to look for in quieter compressor:
1) must be belt driven - allows for higher speed, lower torque motor = less noise
2) oil operation - the hydraulics dampens mechanical contact = less noise
3) twin cylinder compressor - higher pumping frequency = less noise
Having said this, it does not need to be expensive. I bought mine for $270 about 5 years ago, DeBilbiss(sp?) brand. But I'm sure it was rebadged something else.
I've borrowed friend's oiless, direct-driven compressor before I got mine. There is huge difference between the two - I usually jumped whenever his compressor turned on.
