Compressors and potentially freezing temperatures..

[x39]

I recently acquired a compressor that I wish to house in an small unheated attachment to my garage. I concerned about any potential safety or operational issues due to freezing temps in the winter. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[aboard_epsilon]

air tools you wont use ..you'll soon chuck them to the side once you've got frost bite in your hands ..

freezing air will also cause condensation problems on panels when you spray ...

so basically you cant use them if the temps aren't above say 5 degrees c... 41f

thats my experience anyway .

and spraying paint requires the temps to be above 15 degrees c - 60f for a good job.

all the best.markj

[metalmagpie]

What you want to do if the temps go below freezing is to not run the compressor, and have the tank blown dry. If you plan to install a piping system then you would want that to not have any standing water in it anywhere either.

If you intend to site your compressor outside for use inside in a heated shop, it may be a problem for you to have to go without compressed air. In that case, it should be straightforward to heat your compressor enclosure above freezing.

Wonder what guys with remote electric well pumps do for winterizing?-

[sasquatch]

Just came to mind reading this post, also wonder about the gas/diesel compressors used on those tractor trailer tire repair trucks you see running around?
Most are exposed all winter.

[MichaelP]

I'm running my compressor when it's well below the freezing point.
Otherwise, I'll be out of air for whole winter in WI. The compressor is located in un unheated garage, and I use the air in my heated workshop.

Frankly, I don't remember seeing any precautions written by the manufacturer beyond using a suitable (light) oil when it's cold. I, however, keep the regular one whole year around.

I do drain the tank after I'm done.

[jdunmyer]

My compressor is in an unheated part of the barn where it gets down to outside ambient temperatures, that's well below freezing at times. It's a Gardner-Denver with 5Hp motor that was well-used when I got it 30-some years ago. Horror of horrors, I use 15w-40 Amsoil in it, same as what I use in my p/u truck.

About the only precaution I take is to shut it off after it's up to pressure if I only need a bit of air. I don't want it starting when the tank is still at 90 PSI, even though there is a blow-down valve on the pressure switch.