Air compressors can be subject to extreme temperatures, especially when they are outside without temperature controls. Drastic temperature changes can cause your air compressor to overheat in the summer or freeze in winter.
How hot should an air compressor get? Air compressors should operate at temperatures of between 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range does not put the air compressor at risk of overheating or freezing at ambient conditions. Most air compressors begin to overheat when temperatures exceed 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is essential to understand the optimal temperature range of your air compressor to prevent it from overheating and extend its life. In addition, understand the causes of air compressor overheating and how to avoid them.
Why Air Compressor Gets Too Hot
Some of the most common causes of air compressor overheating include suction or discharge pressure malfunction. Other causes of air compressor overheating may be related to the wear and tear of the machine.
Common causes of air compressor overheating include:
Reduced suction pressure
Increasing discharge pressure
Poor compressor ventilation
Insufficient cooling space
Worn out or blocked components
Faulty thermal valve
Diminished oil quality
Low Suction Pressure
When suction pressure reduces, the compression ratio increases. This causes your air compressor to overheat.
A common cause of low suction pressure is leaking refrigerant. Other causes of low suction pressure include:
A sudden drop in pressure
Faulty metering systems
Poorly-fitted internal components
Blocked strainers
The pressure meter device helps you gauge pressure levels in the compressor. Therefore, a faulty pressure meter could lead to inaccurate readings on the actual suction pressure.
High Discharge Pressure
Increasing discharge pressure can cause the air compressor to overheat. High discharge pressure may be caused by:
Obstruction of condensing air in the machine
A poorly fitted discharge line
Faulty condenser fan
Condensing coils being dirty
Small-sized condenser
Overcharging of refrigerant
Some air compressors come with a built-in device for monitoring discharge. However, the device
can become faulty and fail to alert when the air compressor starts overheating.
Poor Compressor Ventilation
Air compressors need proper ventilation to function efficiently and at optimal temperatures. Poor compressor ventilation can cause the machine to overheat.
A common cause of poor compressor ventilation is blockage of the air compressor vents. However, insufficient cooling space can also cause the air compressor to overheat. Air compressors should be installed in a cool environment to prevent overheating. The machine can overheat if the temperature in the environment exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
As the air compressor heats up, moisture and condensation builds up inside the device. This affects internal components and reduces the pressure levels in the air compressor.
Worn Out or Blocked Components
Obstructions within the air compressor’s components will affect pressure levels in the air compressor. This causes the compressor to use twice as much energy to pump out the same amount of pressure.
Wear and tear of internal components can affect compressor performance. When components wear out, the air compressor generates excess heat as it tries to retain efficiency.
A faulty thermal valve can also lead to an increase in discharge temperature, which may cause the air compressor to overheat.
Diminished Oil Quality
Air compressors come with a special oil that cools and lubricates internal components. However, the oil loses its quality and hardens with time.
Low levels of air compressor oil can cause friction of internal components. Friction causes the air compressor to struggle to operate at optimal levels, which may cause overheating.
Overheating of the air compressor heats the oil, which lowers its viscosity and quality.
Signs Your Air Compressor Is Overheating
Air compressor overheating often goes unnoticed until one or two components become partially or completely damaged. Look for various signs if you suspect your air compressor is overheating.
Faulty Circuit Breaker
The main function of a circuit breaker is to cut down airflow inside the air compressor. This helps to protect the air compressor from damage and ensure it functions efficiently.
A circuit breaker that trips randomly could be a sign of overheating internal components. A faulty circuit breaker could affect pressure levels in the air compressor, which could lead to overheating.
Noise or Smell of Burning Oil
Grinding noise in your air compressor could be a sign of poor lubrication in the air compressor. The grinding of internal metal components in the air compressor could lead to overheating.
Excessive heat could lower levels of compressor oil, which could cause the air compressor to produce fumes that smell like burning oil.
Failure to Power Up
An air compressor with overheating problems may fail to start up. Overheating burns internal circuit wires that feed power to the compressor.
Overheating air compressors could either fail to power up altogether or take too long to reboot between usage cycles. The air compressor could also take longer to reach its full operating capacity.
An overheating air compressor could also stall during startups. It could cause the air compressor to stall before reaching full operation mode.
In some cases, the compressor may power up and shut down immediately. In general, overheating shortens the life of your air compressor.
How to Prevent Your Air Compressor from Overheating
An excellent way to prevent air compressor overheating is by eliminating the factors that could cause the machine to overheat. You could take several steps to prevent your air compressor from overheating.
Check and Improve Ventilation
Focus on the internal and external compressor ventilation. Check the vents on your air compressor and ensure they provide adequate ventilation for the machine to cool effectively.
Air compressors with worn out or incompatible vents could cause overheating. Consider replacing the vents if they are worn out or not compatible with the air compressor.
In addition, make sure the vents face away from walls or objects that may obstruct airflow.
An air compressor technician can help you choose vents that handle your air compressor’s workload. Apart from the vents, consider running your air compressor in a properly ventilated space.
A warm and stuffy room will cause your air compressor to overheat. Check your compressor reading regularly to ensure the unit is operating at an optimal temperature.
Monitor Compressor Oil and Inspect Filters
Check the compressor oil and ensure it is at the right level. While at it, check oil viscosity for consistency; make sure there are no signs of thinning or watery oil.
Compressor filters should be clean and not clogged with dirt. Clean dirty filters and replace old or worn-out ones.
Check ventilation and compressor ducts. Dirt and dust tend to accumulate around vents and ducts.
Clean the vents and ducts regularly to prevent obstruction of airflow. Check the ducts for signs of punctures or crimps.
Ducts are designed to promote airflow; obstructed air ducts could cause your machine to overheat.
Replace Old Compressor Parts
Check your compressor parts regularly to confirm they are in good condition. Compressor valves tend to wear out faster with repeated use.
Consider replacing faulty compressor parts to improve the efficiency of your machine. Contact a technician to evaluate your air compressor and check for signs of wear and tear.
If upgrading components is not an option, you may have to replace your old compressor with a more advanced one.
Air Density and Humidity
Consider operating your air compressor in a cool and less humid environment. This prevents moist air from condensing inside your machine. The buildup of moisture inside the air compressor could affect its efficiency, which could lead to overheating.
The most common causes of air compressor overheating are poor ventilation and faulty internal components. Consider servicing your air compressor regularly to prevent overheating.