Air Compressor Location

[snowdust2]

I had the shell of my shop put up late last year. It's added on to a 20x20 existing detached garage. I plan to finish and heat the new part, but not the 20x20. I'm planning out my air compressor and was wondering what you guys thought of putting it in the 20x20 section that is not insulated or heated. (It has a garage door that will typically be closed) It would be ideal because it will save floor space and be quieter in the main section, but I am worried the temp change of the compressed air going from cold to warm will cause issues in the winter. I'm also wondering how cold is too cold to ideally fire up the compressor. I'm in northern Illinois so we get below 0 in the dead of winter at times. Thanks!

 

[The Cobbler]

my compressor lives in the shed , unheated . never any issues
use synthetic oil
you'll be fine
some people fret about freezing of the air lines, never had that happen . remember to drain it often

 

[uscarry45]

I think it has the potential for more condensation / water in the lines. However I would definitely keep it in the 20 x 20. The noise drives me crazy and the space savings will be well worth it. Do some research on the “loops” people have made to drain water. Something where it enters the main warm shop and goes into a much larger pipe so the water can be easily drained. Invest in an automatic drain and never look back

 

[BPJOOP93]

Mine’s outside in my carport no issues

 

[Bogie1632]

It'll be fine. As stated already, use synthetic lube and keep it drained. I'd recommend a drain trap in your line on both sides of the walls. Used plenty in unheated areas for many years trouble free.

V/R
Bogie

 

[stonesfan68]

If you’re worried about it then you can buy a heating pad for the oil sump that will keep the oil from thickening too much. As others have said, keep the tank drained and you should be good to go.

 

[snowdust2]

Thanks for the replies. That makes things a lot easier and what I was hoping for. I'll look into the "loops" and automatic drain for sure.

 

[sberry]

How does the auto drain work without freeze off? Old petcock and dip tubes were designed for freezing weather. Many places didn't drain till the weather warmed up.

 

[atch]

If you’re worried about it then you can buy a heating pad for the oil sump that will keep the oil from thickening too much. As others have said, keep the tank drained and you should be good to go.

At the risk of derailing this thread please expound on "heating pad for the oil sump".

I've never heard of that.

 

[59 wagon man]

when you enter the new building with the airline, run into the bull of the tee. the top run up to the ceiling and pitch downhill from there and the bottom is a dripleg for any moisture. plain and simple

 

[snowdust2]

when you enter the new building with the airline, run into the bull of the tee. the top run up to the ceiling and pitch downhill from there and the bottom is a dripleg for any moisture. plain and simple

Makes sense. Thanks!

 

[like2wheel]

At the risk of derailing this thread please expound on "heating pad for the oil sump".

I've never heard of that.

Like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I8TQD6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I use this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I8TPFU/?tag=atomicindus08-20


I stick this on the sump when I'm not using it elsewhere

 

[didit]

Yes as said, the cold will not be a problem. I don't bother with using synthetic but I can see how that would be a good idea in extreme cold.
My 2 stage 5HP 80 gal. cast iron horizontal is located outside of the garage on a concrete pad with rubber isolators, inside an insulated, sound reducing enclosure. It is power vented with supplied air from the garage, which is both heated and air conditioned. It is on the north side of the garage and out of direct sunlight. As a result the compressor runs extremely cool. I did this installation in 1984 and last year upgraded the air drying system.
Saved room in the garage and doesn't drown out the radio either. Here is a link to a post I made of the dryer system. Works great.https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8339976&postcount=129

 

[Bruce Amacker]

Think about putting it in the attic, it's almost a waste of floor space in most shops. They require very little maintenance and it cuts the noise considerably. The only downside is setting up a (automatic?) drain, or a truck style drain ($5) on a pull cord into a pan with a towel in it. I currently have my home comp in the attic, in previous shops I've put them on the mezzanine and up high on pallet racking.

 

[James-W]

I have my compressor in the heated and air-conditioned garage. I am willing to put up with the noise because the compressor is right there where I can keep an eye on it; I can drain the tank on a regular basis; If I hear any unusual noises coming form it I can shut it off and find the problem right away. When it is out of sight and out of hearing range, who knows what could happen to it? The point is, I wouldn't know about it until the compressed air stopped working and by then it would likely be way too late to save the compressor. A little noise I can deal with, a ruined compressor, that is another issue entirely.

 

[sberry]

I agree, I like it muffled but able to hear it some. A guy gets used to the exact same noise. Someone was standing around the other day,,, said he thought it knocked but I said, sounds like it always has. I did repair a rod about 30 yrs ago, and replaced a couple motor bearings a while back, found it all from noises.

 

[Jack_Toepfer]

I agree with the attic. Also, it doesn't get much easier to drain something when you're already under it. Extend the drain through the finished ceiling if need be, but if you're not finishing it, it's right where you want it.

 

[nadogail]

No matter where you put the compressor, somebody will say it's in the wrong place.

I have found life is a compromise, the only thing that we are truly promised is our eventual death. Even taxes, with the help of a sharp accountant, can be avoided.

Just be sure to find space to provide access for the essential maintenance your compressor will need.

Good Luck

 

[Kaizen]

My last compressor was in unheated garage and had 50 foot loops. Then hose to tool. Small high flow tools would ice up in winter if used for ten min. Summer air was dry but everything in cold I had issues. Like the idea of yours in the other area. Consider some kind of fan and duct that you can run if freezing like mine.


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[Citation]

What type of compressor? How loud is it? I was able to add enough of a muffler to mine that I don't mind it in the same area (not that I have a choice).