Winterizing air compressors

Do you have to keep the compresser indoors during the winter months?

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Winterizing air compressors

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Jan 19, 2008
 Freeze
by: Jim G

Compressors turn electricity into compressed air, and this air has a lot of water in it.
Water will freeze during off use and damage some parts............if you live in Florida you might be OK.
Jan 18, 2008
 good question
by: Anonymous

I'm taking a WAG here.

If the compressor runs it will build air pressure which will create humid air in your tank. It will be warm at first, but the humidity will condense on the cooler sides of the tank and drip to the bottom. If the tank is in a place where the temperature will be below freezing, that water will turn to ice in the tank.

I'd keep it in the garage if it's insulated. Try putting a small dish next to the compressor to see if water freezes, if it doesn't then I think you're pretty safe.
Dec 18, 2007
 Compressors indoors in Winter?
by: Bill - Publisher

Howdy...

Nope, you don't have to keep your compressor indoors in the winter. Mine's in the unheated garage, with the tank drain wide open.

Of course, if I need to use it, I'll bring it inside for a couple of hours before trying to start it.

The oil in the compressor head will get thick or actually almost solid in the cold of winter. When the demand is there for air, the electric motor will try to reciprocate the piston(s) and, if the oil's too thick, the force necessary to do so might be greater than the motor can provide. The result is a blown fuse or breaker at best, and a burnt out motor or mechanical linkage failure at worst.

These are my thoughts. Others are welcome.

Bill

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