Compressor House

[countryroad82]

Well I bit the bullet a couple days ago and decided to just buy a new compressor a couple days ago from Eaton Compressor (very nice unit btw) I got the 80 gallon 5 horse like this http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/504747/172993.htm Anyway I am going to redo my compressor house to fit this critter and the other stand-by in. Currently all I have done is a lean to on the side of my shop, it used to be enclosed but I noticed the old compressor got way too hot in the summer so I took the door off that I had built. What would you guys recommend on my new compressor house? Should I leave it open in the summer, close it up in the winter? Insulate? Heat? What has everyone else done for thier compressors? And yes I want to keep it outside because of space issues. Thanks in advance.

 

[rquackenbush]

Good questions - I've been wondering the same thing.

 

[dude67]

I would suggest that you only build a roof over it. Leave the sidewalls off for ventilation. Maybe build removable walls to close up in the winter. Make the top large enough as when it rains the compressor does not get wet. Skirt it down from the top of the roof a small amount. Just some suggestions.

 

[J Persons]

Why not a screened vent located near the floor, and a powered vent motor such as a bathroom ceiling vent to provide ventilation and draw off the heat.

 

[A29]

Do not think that it will get too hot with an encloser. Just don't make it air tight.
Mine has lots of air leaks and a 16x25 return air grate on the side.

 

[89GLH]

I would think to build it like an outhouse, if youre that worried about the heat. Couple screens top and bottom to let heat out and keep critters out.

 

[Kenneth3]

Place louvers around the bottom and a ridge vent at the top.
It needs to breathe like a house attic using natural convection. If that's not enough, cut in small louvers near the top and hook up small PC fans to draw more CFM.

Try to size the cross-sectional area of the inlets and outlets on the building

 

[stout1]

Maybe you could use removable lattice panels for the sides. That way it looks nice but still has plenty of ventilation.