As summer approaches, it is wise to examine how the warmer weather can affect your air compressor system. A quality air compressor system can withstand various conditions, but the combination of high ambient temperature and humidity can lead to shutdowns and costly downtime.
Thankfully, some precautionary measures can ensure your air compressor system runs smoothly. By understanding the common issues air compressors face in summer, you can take effective steps to keep your operations going.
6 Ways Summer Heat Can Impact Your Air Compressor
Increased ambient temperatures and a higher humidity index affect air compressors in various ways. These are six common issues you may experience due to a hot air compressor in summer conditions:
1. Overheating and System Shutdown
Overheating is one of the biggest issues your air compressor system can face. Outside temperatures directly affect compressed air systems, so your system will overheat if the ambient temperature is higher.
As a safety feature, air compressors are designed with a fail system that automatically shuts the compressor down when it overheats. This protects the system from damage but leads to decreased efficiency and costly downtime while the system cools.
If the compressor overheats but does not shut down, it can lead to issues that cause compressor failure, including decreased motor life, vaporized lubricant, melted electrical parts and irreparable system breakdown.
2. Component Failure
Air compressors draw in atmospheric air and create a vacuum to reduce or compress its volume. If the ambient air is hotter, the air compressor has to work harder to compress it, which can lead to excessive wear and tear. The compressor’s components may fail if the wear and tear is extensive. Depending on the severity of the failure, you may have to repair or replace components or replace the entire system.
3. Impacted Flow Rates
Hot air is less dense than cool air, so less air will come through your system’s inlet. Horsepower and air production are therefore lower.
4. Moisture in the System
For many climates, like in Florida and Texas, higher temperatures mean more moisture in the air. Unfortunately, this moisture gets into your system with the normal air intake and can build up in the tanks, causing lower compressor capacity.
5. Clogged Vents and Filters
Because of the heat and humidity, summer weather can cause a spike in air contaminants like dust and pollen. This results in your air compressor’s vents and filters getting clogged up more quickly. The air compressor has to work even harder when the vents and filters are blocked, again leading to an increased likelihood of wear and tear or the system overheating.
6. Oil and Lubricant Breakdown
Oil and lubricants degrade faster when hotter, shortening their life span. Naturally, the oil and lubricant’s function is to help all the components run smoothly, so if they thin and break down faster than usual, that can cause more friction in the system and additional wear and tear. Thinner lubricant and degraded oil can also cause leaks.
How to Protect Your Air Compressor During the Summer Heat
While your air compressor system is more prone to specific issues during summer, there are measures you can take to keep it running smoothly. Follow these summer maintenance tips for what you can do to prepare your air compressor for warmer weather:
1. Check Coolers and Improve Ventilation
An effective way to prevent your air compressor from getting hot is to go all out with cooling and ventilation. One of the best things you can do for your air compressor this summer is to invest in cooling fans for indoor air compressors and shade structures for outdoor systems.
Check the system’s coolers more frequently and clean the motor cabinet regularly, as it generates heat constantly.
If the system overheats and shuts down, do not restart it until the compressor has completely cooled off.
2. Prioritize Maintenance
Prioritizing maintenance is key for keeping your operations running smoothly. This is true year-round, but it does help to schedule maintenance checks more often in the summer. Preventive maintenance for your air compressor is vital for its efficiency and longevity.
Routine maintenance also helps you avoid downtime, lower energy costs and save money by avoiding costly repairs or replacements. When running frequent maintenance checks in the summer, you can include the following to your checklist:
- Clear drains and check air dryers: Check your drains regularly to avoid condensate buildup. Additionally, investing in a zero-air loss condensate drain can also improve efficiency. It is just as important to check your air dryers to control the increased moisture levels. If you have a refrigerated air dryer, be sure to clean the coils. For desiccant air dryers, replace contaminated material often, frequently inspect the controls and change filters.
- Clean filters and check air vents: As contaminants in the air increase, the air filters gather more dirt quickly. Check and change your air and oil filters as often as needed to prevent compromising the system’s air quality. Similarly, clean the intake vents weekly to maintain efficiency.
- Monitor lubricant and oil levels: Check the oil and lubricant levels to stay within the recommended range. You can also change the oil and lubricant as often as needed if they are degrading or thinning.
- Monitor temperature: Monitor your compressor’s temperature levels and adjust it to a lower temperature setting if needed to prevent overheating.
- Check components: Conducting an overall check on your air compressor’s components can help you avoid potential issues. Inspect your rubber parts, gaskets, belts and couplings for any signs of wear and tear.
How Quincy Compressor Can Help
If your air compressor is not performing as efficiently as you need, it may be time for a professional to inspect the system. By partnering with Quincy Compressor, you ensure your air compressor performs at its best. You can rely on Quincy Compressor for the following products and services:
- A wide selection of replacement parts.
- Quality upgrades that provide you with newer and more efficient air compressors.
- Maintenance and repair work that you can rely on.
- Professional and friendly service from our network of experts.
Contact Quincy Compressor for Air Compressor Maintenance or Upgrades
Maintaining your systems or upgrading to a new air compressor will keep your operations efficient despite the intense summer heat.
Over the last 100 years, Quincy Compressor has built and maintained a trusted brand in the air compressor industry. You can rely on us for energy-efficient, quality air compressors and replacement parts, as well as a high standard of professional service.
Find your local sales and service representative or contact us today with any questions about air compressor systems.
