Compressor on the second floor?

[bams50]

Looked at some (not all-too much!) of that gigantic air compressor thread, I saw a couple compressors mounted overhead. As I'm in the planning stage of a new build (with 16' interior height) I have been trying to find the best place to spot my big commercial compressor.

Part of the height is to assure a 14' high door, so I could get even a big truck inside. But another part of the plan is to have an overhead storage area along one side, for large parts and storage. It would be great to have the compressor up there, saving floor space.

What I'm wondering is, what would be the advantages/disadvantages of the compressor upstairs? I'm mostly thinking about things like moisture control, pressure efficiency, compressor longevity, and most of all, noise. What are your thoughts- especially, from those who have done this, how dod it work out? With the benefit of hindsight, what would you do differently?

I did do some searching, but didn't come up with much discussion of this specifically.

As always, comments appreciated.

 

[RECox286]

I have seen compressors located where you want to put yours.

As far as I know, there are no downsides to doing this. It keeps

the beast out of the way, and as long as it is accessible for normal

maintenance I can see nothing wrong with doing so.

You may want to add an automatic water drain system, rather than

having to climb to the machine every day for a manual draining.

Uncle Bob

 

[bams50]

Thanks, Unc. Bumping for further insight!

 

[Dickey]

My compressor is upstairs in my shop. I found it brought the noise down a little. Not quiet by an stretch of the word but not quite as piercing either.

 

[larry_g]

I would consider a compressor a 'live' load in that it has a certain amount of vibration with it. So if you plan for the heavy, concentrated, and vibrating load then you will be fine. For the drain there is no reason that the drain valve has to be at the tank. Just pipe out from the drain port to a valve located in a convenient place downstairs and from the valve to outside. While your at it put a drain valve and hose on the compressor pump so that an oil change is easy and you'll be good. Ensure that you have adequate air circulation for cooling.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Bruce Amacker]

I've frequently mounted the compressor upstairs, on pallet racking, or at my house in the attic above the garage with the air line run through the ceiling. It's a smart move to save floor space.

Using a HD truck air tank manual drain with a lead on it makes it easy to drain, like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Air-Tank-Dr...ssor-Air-Moisture-Release-Valve-/130653406273

Good Luck!

 

[djkeev]

My only concern beside the vibration issues would be freezing temperatures in the winter freezing any moisture in the tank, air lines, or controls.

Dave

 

[ratdoggy]

At my old house I had it on the second floor of garage. As long as the lines are pitched down you won't have a freezing problem. I had it that way for 15 years. Never ever had a problem.
I did have it mounted on rubber pads. I also had a hose on the draincock that drained it into a antifreeze jug on the first floor.