Air Compressor Problems in Freezing Temps

[CompressorPros.com]

As it starts to get cold around the country, your air compressor, if exposed to temps around freezing or below can start having some problems.

If there is moisture in the unloader or unloader line, it may struggle to start and cause enough extra amp draw to blow the breaker. The oil in the crankcase may also thicken making it more difficult to start. Also, most controls are spring tension, so they may not function the same as they do when it is warmer.

If you have your compressor in a separate shed, many times a high wattage light bulb is enough to keep it above freezing. We would suggest changing the oil to a lighter option. There are also options for warming the crankcase.

Once the compressor is running, it will create plenty of heat.

Outside of that, you could always consider moving to somewhere warmer.+

 

[Denwood]

With exterior compressors at temps of -35C, replacing the crank oil with 5w30 synthetic is required. I have two, one of which went outside with the OEM fill, and one with synthetic. The OEM fill was impossible to start at -10C. I had to use a heat gun on the cast housing and 20 minutes just to drain the oil. Once switching both over to 5w30 synthetic, they have had zero issues with cold starts..including last February with an average of -21C.

They compressors are housed in an unheated shed.

 

[NYBODYMAN]

I just installed a 60 gallon IR in my unheated garage. Are there any issues with freezing I should worry about or should it be OK inside a garage.

 

[kmcphee]

What about any moisture in the tank? If it freezes could it cause a problem at the drain valve? I know you should drain on a regular basis but what if?

 

[Denwood]

Zero issues. When the compressors are under heavy use, I empty them out. I tossed the original drains and replaced with 90 degree fitting, extension, and brass ball-****. Makes emptying them a lot easier.