Now that spring has sprung, with summer not far behind, your air compressor might start feeling the heat which could mean reduced efficiency, downtime or even costly repairs if overheating were to occur.
The good news though, is that with the right care you can keep your air compressor cool and running smoothly all summer long. Let’s take a look at 7 helpful tips on how to do just that:
- Have A Well-Ventilated Compressor Room with Good Heat Extraction
- Keep Those Intake Vents and Filters Clean
- Stay on Top of Oil Levels and Lubrication
- Drain Moisture Frequently
- Avoid Overworking Your Air Compressor
- Stick To the Recommended Maintenance Schedule
- Know the Warning Signs of Overheating
1. Have A Well-Ventilated Compressor Room with Good Heat Extraction
Where you place your air compressor makes a big difference. In tight, enclosed spaces heat tends to build up, so try avoiding placing your air compressor in a corner or directly in the sun. Rather:
- Most air compressors are indoors, in an air compressor room. Because of this, try to use ventilation fans or an exhaust system to pull cooler air in and move hotter air out.
- Place your air compressor in the shade or underneath a covered area if outdoors and make sure there is enough ventilation around the air compressor.
- Make sure there’s at least 1.5 metres of area around the air compressor for proper air circulation.
→ Good airflow is the first step against preventing your air compressor from overheating.
2. Keep Those Intake Vents and Filters Clean
The restriction of airflow is one of the most common causes of an air compressor overheating. When dirt, dust and debris builds up and clogs the vents, it forces an air compressor to work harder, therefore generating extra heat.
In hot summer months, when dust levels often rise, it’s critical to do the following:
- Weekly inspection and cleaning of intake vents.
- Regularly replacing and/or cleaning air filters.
- Keeping the area surrounding your air compressor clean to minimise dust building up.
→ Clean airflow makes for a cooler air compressor.
3. Stay on Top of Oil Levels and Lubrication
If your air compressor runs on oil lubrication, then for a smooth and cool operation, said lubrication is vital. However, in hot weather, oil tends to thin out faster, significantly reducing protection of your air compressor.
To prevent this:
- Check oil levels often during summer months.
- Use supplier recommended oil designed for high temperature performance. Like our high grade synthetic lubricant.
- Replace oil at suggested intervals according to the air compressor’s maintenance manual.
→ Skipping this step causes friction, leading your air compressor to overheat which will shorten its lifespan.
4. Drain Moisture Frequently
Depending on where you are in South Africa, summer isn’t just hot, it’s also humid. That moisture ends up in your air compressor’s tank, where it causes rust, reduces efficiency and makes cooling less effective.
- Drain your air compressor’s tank daily.
- If your air compressor runs heavily, consider an automatic drain valve. Contact us if you’d like one.
- During maintenance, check for corrosion inside the tank.
→ Managing moisture from humidity keeps your air compressor cooler and extends its lifespan.
5. Avoid Overworking Your Air Compressor
If your air compressor continuously runs in high temperatures, it may overheat.
- Give it breaks between cycles.
- Plan workloads in stages instead of nonstop use.
- For bigger operations, rotate between multiple compressors. Contact us to optimise your air compressor set up.
→ Even the toughest air compressors benefit from breaks in extreme conditions.
6. Stick To The Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Heat puts pressure on every component of your air compressor, from belts and hoses to seals and bearings. Following the maintenance schedule during summer months is critical. Contact us to service your air compressor today.
Checklist:
- Inspect and tighten belts.
- Check hoses for cracks or leaks.
- Clean cooling fans and the motor housing.
- Test safety shutdown systems.
→ Spotting issues early avoids breakdowns and keeps your air compressor running.
7. Know The Warning Signs Of Overheating
An air compressor may still run hot despite good practices. Look out for:
- Hot air discharge.
- Burning smells near the motor.
- Frequent automatic shutdowns.
- Oil that looks thin or burnt.
- Air Compressor high temp. warning sign
If you notice these, stop the machine, let it cool down, and check for issues before restarting.
Final Thoughts
Protecting your air compressor from heat in the hot summer months should be a top priority. Keeping your air compressor well ventilated, managing oil and moisture, and committing to regular maintenance will reduce the risk of overheating and keep your air compressor running smoothly all summer long.
Hot summer weather doesn’t have to slow your air compressor down, just give your air compressor the care it needs, and it will perform reliably year after year.