Air compressor in unheated outbuilding?

[jimbojk]

I am building a new garage which will be heated an air conditioned. I have an existing electrified shed about 12 feet behind the garage. The thought occurred to me to install a vertical 60-80 gallon air compressor in the unheated shed to save space and eliminate the noise. I would pipe their line underground. Is this feasible, especially with the temperature differential in the winter here in Jersey. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks in advance, James

 

[Jim in Wis]

I have a heated shop built adjacent to my unheated garage. The compressor is in the unheated part and piped into the shop. It works just fine - winter and summer. I'm in Wisconsin, so it gets cold out there -especially last winter!

 

[Spottty]

It should be ok but I would get a good air line dryer for where it comes into the heated shop. I imagine coming from cold to warm it would have some pretty impressive amounts of condensation.

And possibly some oil in the compressor that doesnt get to thick in the cold.

 

[Techie1961]

I use mine in an unheated area all the time an it gets really cold. I will pull a few extra amp when it is starts up cold but will warm up really quick.

 

[WILD-BILL]

I hihgly recomend switching to a good syn compressor oil.

My 7hp 80 gal Craftsman lies in the unheated shed built onto the side of my garage. I let the factory supplied oil in it (prior to my finding this forum) and after a couple years the belt started squealing. I can only attribute that to the colder start up during the winters being tougher on the belt.

I have since replaced the belt and at the same time changed to Mobile synth comp oil and while the same amount of time has not elapsed I don't think I have anything to worry about now.

 

[Bob C]

I hihgly recomend switching to a good syn compressor oil.

My 7hp 80 gal Craftsman lies in the unheated shed built onto the side of my garage. I let the factory supplied oil in it (prior to my finding this forum) and after a couple years the belt started squealing. I can only attribute that to the colder start up during the winters being tougher on the belt.

I have since replaced the belt and at the same time changed to Mobile synth comp oil and while the same amount of time has not elapsed I don't think I have anything to worry about now.

You could also switch to a MINERAL based compressor oil such as LE Monolec compressor oil. Less money, exact same results.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

If you're going to place your compressor outside of your shop get an auto drain, especially if it's in an unheated area. There will be LOTS of condensation...

Tommy

 

[BellyUpFish]

My compressor is in an unheated shop. My next shop, the compressor will be standing outside under a lean-to.

It'll have an auto drain and that'll be all.

 

[overkill 19]

If it's insulated , stick a light bulb in it
That's al we ever did in our water well pits. Kept it from freezing. I'm going to do the same thing.
It gets to -35c here
Synthetic oil is cheap. What do ya need 2l at most, my dodge with bypass kit I'm 14L of Amsoil!!
Auto drain is a must I think as well a good dryer inside!

 

[Bobdog]

I'm in jersey, myself. My compressor has been out in the unheated garage since 1998 and I've never had trouble.

If you're going to run the line underground, just trench below the frost line and you'll be good to go.

 

[sberry]

There may be less condensate when air is pulled from an unheated source.