How to winterize your air compressor

How to winterize your air compressor

Keeping equipment running at its best is critical when managing production and efficiency demands. You need to ensure you get the maximum return on productivity from your operations. A meaningful way to help make your job site more cost-effective is to ensure your air compressor system is properly maintained and prepared for winter weather.

Planning for weather changes is critical to maintaining optimal air compressor performance. When the weather turns cold, you want to follow best practices for winterizing your equipment and ensure it can survive the winter without any damage or operational issues. If you’re considering winterizing options, there are a few best practices you need to keep in mind.

Why you should winterize your air compressor 

Investing some time in air compressor winterization can have long-term advantages in protecting your operation and reducing overhead. Some of the main benefits you can gain from winterizing your air compressor include:

a) Reduce energy bills

Proper winterizing and equipment operation can help you save on energy bills.

b) Optimized uptime

With your air compressor running optimally, you can reduce overhead and job downtime.

c) Minimize risk of damage

The overall well-maintained condition of your air compressor can reduce the risk and associated costs of product damage from moisture.

d) Reduce repair costs

Taking proactive steps to protect your air compressor can help you avoid future repair costs.

Problem definition

Let’s define the problem first. Temperatures become an issue around 45°F and even more so at 32°F. Specific problem areas include:

a) Oil viscosity

Oil thickens as it cools, creating more drag for the motor of an oil-lubricated rotary screw compressor. If left unaddressed, the current will increase, causing the circuit breaker to trip, cutting off power and your compressed air supply.

b) Seals and hoses

Rubber and other elastomeric materials become harder and less flexible in the cold, increasing the risk of hose ruptures and seal leaks.

c) Water condenses

As temperatures drop, so does the air’s ability to hold moisture. Therefore, a drop in temperature causes the water in the air to condense. In some places, especially the condensate collector, it can freeze and cause blockages. In other cases, it corrodes exposed metal.

d) Water freezes

The water reaches its peak density at 39.2°F, which expands as the temperature rises above 39.2°F. But also as it cools. All this expansion and contraction can wreak havoc, destroying water pipes and plumbing fittings.

At the very least, when temperatures start to drop, you’ll want to look for any of the signs above, especially cracked hoses and seals, clogged traps, and corrosion.

Anticipating problems

Even better, you can avoid some of the worst problems by winterizing your air compressor system before the cold weather arrives.

a) Oil selection

You’ll want to ensure your air compressor oil is of the correct grade or viscosity for the cold ambient temperatures typically expected in your area.

b) Traps, water lines, and drains

Insulate or heat any condensate drains, collectors, or water lines exposed to the cold.

c) Louvers

Showdown the air vents and louvers in the equipment room

d) Hoses and seals

Check hoses, seals, and belts, and replace any parts that show wear or signs of deterioration.

Tips to winterize your air compressor 

Remember these tips to ensure your air compressor is winter ready.

1. Strategically servicing your air compressor system

Regular maintenance is a crucial consideration when servicing an air compressor system. It is vital to protect your equipment by inspecting critical components and ensuring they can handle the daily workload. A well-maintained system protects your air compressor from damage as you prepare for the cold winter months. We strongly recommend scheduling, inspections, and maintenance in late spring and late fall to prepare for the heat of summer and the cold of winter.

2. Check the insulation for thermal leaks

When you do your semi-annual maintenance checkup, check your system for thermal leaks. If heat can escape from your device, it may increase the risk of your system freezing. Double-check your equipment for places where it might dissipate critical heat.

3. Inspect weatherstripping for wear

To help protect your system, check your equipment for wear and tear. If your weatherstripping appears frayed or damaged, you should replace it immediately to make sure it has adequate insulation for the colder months.

4. Check the tank for condensation

During the winter, your air compressor tank can accumulate moisture and freeze in frigid temperatures. To prevent this operational problem, you’ll want to schedule checks a few times a week to ensure your tank is condensation-free. Monitor your device for sudden increases in humidity, as this may indicate a secondary cause that you need to address to protect your system.

5. Winterize the condensate drain and bowl

Another way to help protect your tank is to winterize your unit’s condensate bowl and drain proactively. Ensure your outdoor drains have thermal tape on exposed drain parts to protect them from sub-zero temperatures.

6. Adjust the louvers

You can utilize louvers to help capture and recirculate heat as it escapes from the air compressor. In the winter, you need to direct heat to the compressor to help keep the system warm. You can also send it to nearby rooms to help keep your energy bills down. If you can’t control the compressor shutters with your thermostat, you can manually adjust them to use the heat more efficiently.

7. Try a new heater solution

If you cannot preheat the lubricant used by the cabinet heater, you may need to use an ambient heater to maintain a higher lubricant temperature. This way, you help protect the compressor from motor wear and tear. When you use cabinets or ambient heaters, check them regularly to ensure they function correctly and safely.

8. Use heat trace tape

In addition to using heat tracing tape to protect exposed areas of the drain, you might also consider using it with a room heater. Add heat tracing tape to protect exposed pipes and keep them functioning without freezing.