Why Your Air Compressor Is Overheating and How to Avoid It

One of the most common causes of failing air compressors is overheating; this could be due to both internal factors and external conditions.

Especially during these hot summer months, special care should be taken to look after your air compressor to keep it cool.

However, some internal factors that can cause overheating include:

Causes of Air Compressor Overheating

Low Suction Pressure

A high compression ratio is commonly caused by low suction pressure which can consequently lead to an overheating air compressor. In order to maintain high suction pressure to avoid this, it is important to regularly look out for these signs:

• A drop in pressure
• Defective metering devices
• Loosely fitted components
• Loss of refrigerant

Excess Discharge Pressure

Excess discharge pressure can be caused by a number of factors including blockage of condenser air, dirty condensing coils and an undersized condenser which leads to an inconsistent condenser fan, an ill-fitted discharge line or an overcharging refrigerant. Always make sure you regularly assess the condensing parts, even if your air compressor has built-in discharge monitoring, to avoid overheating and other problems.

Overheating Ambient Temperature

You need to make sure your air compressor is stored in a well-ventilated room, especially during the warm summer, because the ambient temperature can affect the end air product. Vents should never be faced against a wall, the space should be cooled accordingly, and it should be kept away from windows and sunlight to avoid overheating.

Frequent Use for a Long Time

If your air compressor is used frequently, it will experience wear and tear over time. They will have to work harder as the internal components get older, which can lead to increased temperature and overheating. By reviewing your air compressors performance regularly, you can keep an eye on its efficiency and when necessary replacements need to be made.

Level and Condition of Oil

Oil plays a vital role in maintaining an efficient working temperature of an air compressor. If the level of oil is too low or the condition of the oil is varnished, this could increase the temperature significantly. If you notice a burnt oil smell in the air, this is a sign you should check your oil; if you use your air compressor frequently, it should be changed more regularly.

Overheating Thermal Valve

The thermal valve can play a major part in causing your air compressor to overheat. By making sure you always have a new thermal valve to hand, you can ensure that you don’t have any downtime if it is the issue. You can also compare a new one to your existing one to see if it is the actual cause of the overheating.

Air Compressor Maintenance from Air Power East

As you can see, there are numerous factors that can contribute to your air compressor overheating. It is always important to undertake regular maintenance to inspect these potential issues and avoid overheating in the future.

If you need help with your overheating air compressor, contact us today for some expert advice and guidance.