Key Strategies to Prevent Air Compressor Overheating in Summer

As July arrives, the weather begins to warm up, gradually entering barbecue mode, and it's not just humans feeling the impact! Overheating is a relatively common issue affecting air compressors, but extreme high temperatures in summer can cause even greater damage to your compressed air system or exacerbate existing problems.

Causes of Air Compressor Overheating

Identifying the core issues that lead to compressor overheating can be a challenging task. That said, here are four common causes of overheating:

  1. Lack of Maintenance

    If your compressor has not undergone regular maintenance, damaged or dirty filters, clogged pipes, and blocked internal components can lead to overheating.

  2. Age of the Compressor

    Older compressors or those subjected to extreme use are more likely to overheat.

  3. Insufficient Ventilation

    The compressor system must be able to cool itself, so if the compressor room lacks proper ventilation, it may lead to overheating.

  4. High Temperatures

    The high temperatures of summer make the surrounding environmental conditions increasingly hot. The warmer the weather outside, the warmer your compressor room becomes. If the compressor room is too hot, your compressor will be too!

Is My Compressor Overheating?

When your compressor begins to exhibit abnormal conditions, it's wise to start investigating the problem early. Performing necessary maintenance or repairs and quickly identifying issues will prevent unnecessary downtime or future production losses. But how can you determine if there's an overheating problem? Some common signs of compressor overheating include:

  1. Compressor Fails to Start

    If your compressor stalls during startup—or doesn’t shut off at all—overheating may be the root cause. Other related signs include the compressor needing longer rest periods between cycles and operating much slower when reaching peak operation.

  2. Compressor is Making Disturbing Noises

    Hearing hissing or popping sounds from the compressor—or smelling burnt oil? This could indicate that the internal components of the compressor are not receiving adequate lubrication. Since lubricants act as coolants, minimal lubricant means a higher likelihood of overheating.

How Can I Prevent My Compressor from Overheating?

Prevention is key! Rather than focusing on ways to cool an overheated compressor, strive to prevent overheating from occurring in the first place! Here are three key methods to achieve this:

  1. Improve Internal and External Ventilation

    Check the vents of the compressor to ensure they are not only clean but also sized appropriately according to the machine’s requirements. Additionally, make sure the compressor room is well-ventilated—if not, consider relocating the compressor to a more suitable space. Note: These checks should be conducted regularly!

  2. Monitor Oil and Lubricant Levels

    As mentioned earlier, lubricants serve as coolants, so regularly monitor the oil and lubricant levels in the compressor. Also, if the oil is thin or appears watery, the heat may have already become too high.

       To learn more about air compressors, please visit the Sayi official website at www.sayiair.com.