All air compressors naturally produce condensate, but when condensate freezes, it can impede system functions, and may lead to frozen control lines, cracking heat exchangers, frozen valves, and more. Follow these best practices for prepping and operating you compressor during cold winter months to ensure its continued durability and effectiveness. 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.
With cold temperatures getting closer & closer, we want to ensure that you can avoid any problems with your air compressor. If your air piping is exposed to temperatures below the dew point of the compressed air in the pipe, you will condense water. Taking time to inspect your air compressor system for signs of potential issues before they become big problems.
Below, we will describe the benefits of winterizing your air compressor and give some tips on how to do this. Winterizing your air compressor is crucial because the extreme cold of winter will adversely affect the air compressor’s performance. Assess your weather strips: Proper insulation is crucial for your air compressor in the winter – it helps keep heat inside so your air compressor maintains optimal performance even in the cold.
With the following air compressor tips, your air system will be prepared with the preferred temperatures, despite the weather outside. Outdoor drain lines will lead to frozen pipes and an air compressor that either works more slowly or may not work at all. Protect your air compressor from frozen pipes, blocked drainage, cracks, and corrosion by following these simple steps.
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.
To help you keep your air compressor running smoothly, we’ve assembled the following list of cold weather maintenance best practices. If you have an older air compressor or a model that has standard summer weight oil, we highly recommend switching to a full synthetic or blended synthetic air compressor oil. Keeping your air compressor reasonably clean can help prevent corrosion and make it easier to spot oil leaks.
how do i keep my air compressor from freezing Related Question:
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.
Can air compressors be left in freezing temperatures?
Conclusion. It is best to keep air compressors at room temperature not lower than 40°F (4.44°C). Storing them at freezing temperatures can cause the formation of frozen condensate and frozen moisture, which can permanently damage parts of the compressor.
Why do air compressors freeze?
What Can Cause a Frozen Compressor? A clogged air filter that’s limiting the amount of air that’s moving over the cooling coil. Insufficient refrigerant or too much refrigerant that are causing icy buildup while destroying your compressor. A broken blower motor that’s not funneling warm air over the cooling coil.
Where should air compressor be stored?
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 I store air compressor in Shed?
One of the most common storage concerns is whether or not your tools will rust. 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.
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.
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.
Can an air compressor explode?
Yes, air compressors can blow up. Air compressor explosions are most commonly caused by substantial corrosion of the compressor tank. Excessive condensation leads to corrosion, and you can avoid this outcome by monitoring and servicing the compressor and its auxiliary components.
What happens if an air compressor freezes?
All air compressors naturally produce condensate, but when condensate freezes, it can impede system functions, and may lead to frozen control lines, cracking heat exchangers, frozen valves, and more.
Should you drain your air compressor after every use?
Even if your air compressor’s pump cycles only a handful of times per day, you should drain your compressor tank every other day or several times per week to prolong its operating life and to protect your pneumatic devices and equipment.
Can I leave my air compressor on the pallet?
When your air compressor remains on the pallet, the added vibration from the machine can make your air compressor “walk” away from it’s initial location. This is extremely dangerous and can cause damage around your shop. It is also much easier to tip over than if it were anchored to concrete.
Should you store an air compressor with the valve open or closed?
Leave the valve closed during storage to prevent moisture, dust, and insects from entering the tank (as @Scivitri wisely mentions in his comment). Even though any additional moisture could be drained form the tank later, it’s more difficult to get the dust and insects out.
Does an air compressor store air?
While there are small models that are comprised of just the pump and motor, most compressors have an air tank to hold a quantity of air within a preset pressure range. The compressed air in the tank drives the air tools, and the motor cycles on and off to automatically maintain pressure in the tank.
