Condensate could turn to ice anywhere that it collects on or in your compressor and compressor controls adversely affecting the way the system operates. A filthy air filter is only hurting your air compressor by allowing dirty air from the outside in, plus forcing it to work harder to intake air. Moving your compressor outside can be done, however it does come at a risk to your business and your compressor.
We often get asked if putting an air compressor outside of the shop is acceptable and we decided to put together a few tips below. Temperature Swings in Air Lines- If your compressor is living outside that means the air line running from the compressor to inside the shop could vary greatly in temperature and could cause issues when there is extreme differences in temperature outside to inside. When your compressor is breathing in sanding or grinding dust all day it will tend to kill or clog the air filter and thus make the compressor work harder to pull air in.
Remember, most air compressors are designed to work in temperatures above 40°F. Now, let’s look into how air compressors work and why you shouldn’t store them in the cold. Prepare the air compressor for storing by turning it off and turning the knob on the device to make the air pressure hit zero. Generally, air compressors shouldn’t be kept in temperatures below 40-45°F. Depending on how brutal winters are where you live, the room you have the air compressor stored in can reach temperatures below 40°F. Thus, it is important to know how to maintain the room properly to ensure that the compressor runs at its maximum efficiency.
If the compressor stays outside all the time, or is in a poorly-insulated shed, ask the manufacturer if they have a cold weather kit. If at all possible, enclose the compressor in a shed and include a heater safely located away from the compressor. Keep the Compressor and Hoses in the Same Temperature.
01-11-2011, 2:33 PM #1 I’m thinking of moving my air compressor outside to help with some space issues. 01-11-2011, 2:38 PM #3 I’m thinking of moving my air compressor outside to help with some space issues. 01-11-2011, 3:55 PM #5 Hi neighbor! Keith, many commercial automotive shops and dealerships have their air compressors outside and under cover, so it’s doable here in NC. As others have mentioned, moisture is your number one concern.
If your compressor operates on a battery, turn off your compressor and remove the battery- which should be kept in a similarly dry, clean storage space and ideally stored with a 40 percent remaining charge. Once your air compressor is unplugged or your battery is removed for storage, remove any pneumatic tools or hoses attached to your air compressor. Finally, it’s crucial to drain your air compressor of any residual liquids which, if left inside the compressor, can cause rusting.
can you leave an air compressor outside Related Question:
Is it bad to leave an air compressor outside?
Keep it under Cover- Moving your air compressor outside of your shop will definitely drop the sound you experience inside, but most home compressors aren’t designed to be exposed to extreme weather conditions like heavy rain, snow, or even sun.
Can an air compressor be left out in the cold?
Temperature: No industrial air compressor should be operating in temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and many experts recommend keeping your compressor room around or above 45 degrees during the winter.
Can air compressors get rained on?
If an air compressor gets wet (whether from rain, flooding, spills, etc.), it can affect performance, accelerate wear, or cause the unit to stop working entirely. Excess moisture can damage or degrade mechanical components, both internal and external. It may also create electrical/fire hazards.
Is it okay for an air compressor to get wet?
By the time you notice rusting outside the tank, the damage is likely so far gone. At this point, the compressor is no longer safe for use, as it could explode, causing harm to persons and things in its proximity.
Can I store my air compressor in the shed?
You must find a clean, dry place to put your compressor. For example, you should not store your compressor in a storage shed unless it is sufficiently insulated from the outdoor elements. In order to protect the compressor from moisture, it’s also important to get it off of the floor.
Where should I store my air compressor?
You should almost always opt to store your compressor indoors, unless you can guarantee your compressor is stored in an outdoor area with a stable, regulated temperature and proper insulation.
Can you cover an air compressor?
Do not cover the unit unless your compressor manual or the manufacture recommends doing so. Let it breath, good air in, moist air out. After all, it is designed to be in the weather all year.
Can you leave an air compressor in an unheated garage?
It’s an unheated garage that sometimes goes to -30oC. thanks for your input. Storing it in the cold should be fine. Drain any water before you store it.
How do you run an air compressor in cold weather?
Best Practices for Running an Air Compressor in Winter Ensure oil is of a suitable grade or viscosity for low temperature running. Insulate and/or heat condensate traps and water lines. Close louvers admitting air into the compressor enclosure. Inspect and replace hoses and belts as needed.
How do you store an air compressor in a garage?
To keep air compressor hoses stored neatly, attach a garden hose reel to the wall of your shop or garage near the compressor and coil the hose around it. When screwing the hose reel to the wall, insert a wood shim between the reel and wall on the bottom screw hole so it tilts the reel upward slightly.
Why is my compressor wet?
Moisture is an inevitable byproduct of compressed air. When a compressor draws in air, the air is compressed to about 12 times normal atmospheric pressure. Pressurized air is not able to hold as much water. As the pressure increases, water vapor condenses back into a liquid.
Will compressor oil freeze?
Temperatures below 5°C/41°F can thicken compressor oil and freeze condensate, leading to decreased compressor performance and increased propensity for breakdowns.
Does a compressor increase temperature?
The function of compressor is simply help to emit the heat to the surrounding in the condenser. So,compressor just increase the temp of the working fluid so high than surrounding temp so that it can go into condenser and throw out the collected heat from the interior of the freezer.
Should you store an air compressor empty?
Draining your compressor after every use is not necessary unless you use it very rarely. A good practice would be to drain the compressor tank every couple of days for daily use. This helps you remove the condensate and moisture gathered inside the tank, slowing down the corrosion process.
Can an air compressor be stored in a cold garage?
Why It’s Not Recommended To Store Them in the Cold Generally, air compressors shouldn’t be kept in temperatures below 40-45°F (4.44-7.22°C). If left unchecked, the condensate produced by your air compressor can freeze and cause damage to various components such as control lines, valves, and more.
