When installing your new air compressor, it is important to remember the optimal working environment your compressor needs to maximize its efficiency. One of the most important variables in an air compressor room is temperature. If the compressor is working in a room that becomes too hot or too cold, you could run into a slew of mechanical issues.
All air compressors will generate some level of heat. To rid your air compressor room of this excess heat, you must plan and install a ventilation method. The amount of ventilation air you will have is determined by the size of the compressor and whether it is air or water cooled. Your compressor room’s air vent should flow either outdoors or to a direct location to re-use the heat onsite for other purposes. The ductwork should be as short as possible for ventilation. You should also make sure that you have a proper air intake for your compressor that is located away from the ventilation system, to avoid pulling hot air back into the compressor.
Every compressor has a slightly different operating temperature and ideal working environment, but as a rule of thumb, between 50-85°F is an ideal temperature range for your compressor room. This range will avoid the dangers of both freezing and overheating the components of your compressor.
Example of a Compressor Room Setup
What happens if the room gets too cold or too hot?
Typically, the colder end of the 50-85°F range is more efficient as the colder the air is, the drier that it will be going into your compressor. However, if the room gets below 50°F, you run the risk of condensation forming inside of the compressor and cracking the air cooler. Cold temperatures can also thicken the oil inside of your compressor, causing issues with proper lubrication of the unit. If you get above 85°F and surpass 100°F in your compressor room, you will have to perform extra maintenance tasks to ensure the efficiency of your compressor, such as making sure the air cooler is perfectly clean, the oil tank is at its’ max level, and using only high-quality, fully synthetic oil. Overheating your compressor will result in mechanical failures and expensive repairs. If your compressor is in an area where it cannot avoid high temperatures, look into getting a compressor with a larger cooler, or purchasing a secondary cooler to keep temperatures down.
CP QRS Compressor Room Setup
No matter the location of your compressor room, it is vital to implement a proper ventilation and temperature management system to keep your compressor running as efficiently as possible. Ideally, keeping the ambient temperature between 50-85°F will keep your air dry, and your compressor components working at optimal levels.
For questions about your compressor room, installation quote or contact Chicago Pneumatic, please visit: https://www.cp.com/en-us/compressors
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