An outdoor air compressor enclosure is useful in shielding your compressor from cold, heat, and rain. Without this box, the risk of motor failure increases significantly.
Of course, we know that placing your air compressor outdoors will save you from all the hassles related to noise, waste byproducts, and leakages. However, this can be a very pricy mistake!
In this article, we will cover the benefits of installing an outdoor air compressor enclosure in protecting your compressor from environmental factors.
Should air compressors be indoor or outdoor?
Most air compressors are designed for indoor use, making them vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, such as heat or cold. Moisture and rain can also contribute to the failure of an air compressor, costing a hefty sum of money in repairs.
If you live in a cold region, storing your air compressor indoors is vital since many components can freeze overnight, including:
- Control valves
- Lines
- Drains
Below 5° C (41° F), air compressors cannot operate. According to research, the condensate of a rotary screw compressor can freeze below 5° C. Condensate is a mixture of oil and water; however, it mainly consists of water, making it susceptible to freezing.
The freezing of condensate can lead to severe damage within the air compressor, especially to the prone parts (e.g., controls).
Can air compressors be stored outside?
Engine-driven air compressors use gasoline and diesel to run. This means they release gas byproducts, such as carbon monoxide. Storing these air compressors outside is inevitable due to the adverse health effects caused by the byproducts.
Industrial air compressors can be stored indoors or outdoors, depending on available space and ventilation. Most users of these machines would love to install their air compressors outdoors to finally stop all the buzzing and headaches caused by the non-stop operation.
Unfortunately, some air compressors will get damaged when exposed to cold, heat, or rain. If stored outside, an outdoor air compressor enclosure becomes indispensable.
Check out this air compressor cover on Amazon if you have a small compressor. Otherwise, you need a more sophisticated shed (more on that next).
How do I protect my air compressor outside?
After establishing the need for an outdoor air compressor enclosure, let us discuss the steps you need to take in order to protect your air compressor:
Build a concrete pad for the outdoor air compressor enclosure
Air compressors are heavy machines that could damage your flooring when installed arbitrarily. To prevent this, build a concrete pad by pouring concrete onto the pad until it’s smooth enough. Ideally, you should build a square-shaped concrete pad.
Invest in soundproofing equipment
Soundproof panels are great for reducing the noise generated by the air compressor. Attach these pads to the interior of the outdoor air compressor enclosure.
Learn more about quiet air compressors by clicking here.
Install an outdoor air compressor enclosure
An outdoor air compressor shed made of wood is the ideal choice to install on top of the concrete pad. If you need tailored functions, you can add PVC siding and roof shingles.
Do not neglect proper ventilation
Setting up proper ventilation is crucial for the air compressor to function. Remember that air compressors pressurize atmospheric air to run pneumatic tools. Fresh air is also vital to stop the compressor from overheating.
Note that it’s possible to install a door and a fan for additional ventilation.
Unfortunately, poor ventilation can contribute to the explosion of air compressors.
Install connections to your garage
Connect the air compressor to your garage using airlines. We recommend that you insulate the airlines to prevent freezing or overheating.
Learn about the appropriate pipes to use for your air compressor by clicking here.
Experts always install an air pressure regulator that controls the air compressor. Multiple applications may require several air pressure regulators aside from the master one.
You can get these for less than $30 on Amazon.
Can an air compressor be left in the rain?
Choosing not to install an outdoor air compressor enclosure predisposes the motor to moisture and rainwater. This can precipitate a chain of events, leading to the failure of your air compressor.
Here are some issues that may arise when your air compressor is left in the rain:
Chemical corrosion
Air compressors are mostly made of metal components that can corrode and rust when exposed to water. This is why we recommend draining condensate from the air tank.
When rainfall comes in contact with your air compressor, the air tank is relatively safe. This is because manufacturers use water-proof paint coating. However, other exposed components are more vulnerable, including:
- Air relief valves
- Drain plugs
- Air hose
Corrosion can cause leaks in the air compressor and increase the risk of explosion.
Electrical issues
This one is a no-brainer. Electrical components should not come in contact with liquids. Short circuits, electrical fires, electric shocks, and other disastrous events can all occur, costing you a fortune in repair costs and placing users at high risk. An outdoor air compressor enclosure ensures that electrical components and wires are safe.
Motor strain
Reciprocating air compressors are highly efficient in compressing atmospheric air. However, liquids are not compressible. As a result, if water gets inside the cylinder of the compressor, the piston will not properly complete the four-stroke cycle. This can strain the motor and lead to complete failure.
Faulty air compression
Water leaking inside the air hose occurs when the floor has water paddles. Just imagine what would happen to your tire or painting project if the air hose released a mixture of compressed air and water.
Before using your air compressor, make sure to check that the air hose and its attachments are not submerged in water.
Takeaway message
Installing an air compressor box is extremely important if you plan to store your air compressor outdoors. This relatively cheap investment will save you from spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on repairs.
Hopefully, this blog post helped you understand the benefits of outdoor air compressor enclosures and how they protect different components of the air compressor.
If you have any questions about air compressors, feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
