Whether you are planning to keep your air compressor for a few days or an entire season, it is important to consider the state of the storage place.
With several storage areas in your home, you have a task to determine which storage space is suitable for your equipment.
While most people prefer to store machines and heavy equipment in special sheds, some opt to keep them in a garage.
So, Can You Store An Air Compressor In The Garage?
Yes, you can keep an air compressor in a garage, but first, you need to regulate the temperatures within the garage. An air compressor should not be exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to run effectively and efficiently. Also, ensure the garage is in a good structural state to prevent elements from compromising the quality of the stored air compressor unit.
The conditions you expose your air compressor to during storage will determine its durability in some way. For this reason, preparing the storage space and planning the entire storage process is of great significance, especially if you keep the air compressor for a long time.
This post will cover more on the things to consider when storing an air compressor and how you can store it outdoors so it remains safe and functional.
Five Air Compressor Storage Tips
Consider these tips if you want your air compressor to operate with the same effectiveness and efficiency when you turn it back in after storage.
They can help you store your machine in good condition throughout storage.
1. Plan Ahead
Knowing when next you plan to store your air compressor system, you need to set up a plan ahead of time.
Some basic initial plans can include deciding where to store the air compressor, how long you want to store it, and what you need to ensure the equipment is in good condition through the storage time.
If you need to hire storage space, you should plan on how to transport the system to the designated storage area.
2. Prepare The Storage Space
Before moving your air compressor unit, ensure you have adequate storage space.
Choose a dry and clean location where you can easily maximize space and efficiency when moving the compressor in or out.
Check how you will regulate temperatures in the storage space to ensure the system is not damaged.
When deciding where to store the system, indoors is almost the certain storage space.
Even though some homeowners prefer to keep an air compressor unit outside, the truth is that outdoor conditions may be too harsh and will eventually damage the unit.
If you must store it in a basement, make sure you control the water floor within the basement to prevent flooding.
Remember to sufficiently insulate your storage shed if you opt to store an air compressor in it.
Most garages are usually built for storage and are the ideal place to keep an air compressor system, especially over the winter.
In the space where you store the air compressor unit, ensure you build a raised platform to protect the unit from moisture.
3. Control The Environment
Dust and elements can damage stored items. Therefore, it is very important to control the dust in the area where you store the air compressor.
Too much dust can stick on the lubricants and also foul the motor. Always clean and remove any dust from the air compressor before storing it.
Add enough ventilation in the storage space to protect the system’s battery from excess heat.
The ideal temperature for most batteries is 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore for it to remain in a good state, it should not be kept in freezing conditions or extremely hot areas.
You can simply remove the battery before storing the compressor to make it easier.
This way, you can separately store the battery in an ideal place. This shouldn’t be a concern if your compressor does not use a battery.
4. Unplug The Air Compressor
Never leave the compressor plunged on the wall when stored. While preparing the compressor for storage, make sure you reduce the pressure using a regulatory knob until it reaches zero. Also, remove any tools attached to the compressor to make it easy for storage.
5. Inspect The Compressor Before Storage
When you plan to store the compressor, it is also the best time to hire professionals to inspect it.
At this time of inspection, you may notice that the compressor is not functioning effectively, or rather not delivering the pressure it should.
You will be able to plan for its repair, or replace some parts that are hindering effective functionality.
When you bring it out of the store for use, you will be sure it is in the right state to work well.
How To Store An Air Compressor Outside
Even though storing the air compressor outside for a long time is discouraged, you can still safely leave it outside.
However, you will have to take more caution and preparation to ensure it remains untampered with even when outdoors. Here are a few tips for storing an air compressor outside.
1. Design A Concrete Surface
Keeping an air compressor off the ground and on a solid surface is always good.
Ground moisture and other dirt particles can easily damage a compressor if it is left standing on the ground.
Create a simple concrete pad to help you uphold the structural integrity of your air compressor. The concrete pad must not be practically or aesthetically pleasing since it is only meant to hold an air compressor.
You can, however, design it in a regular shape so that it doesn’t appear awkward.
2. Build A Simple Wooden Structure
Erect a simple wooden structure around the concrete slab. You can also add some roof shingles on top of the structure.
You can add some PVC sliding if you wish to; however, you can leave it if you want a faster storage solution.
3. Soundproof The Inside
Soundproofing the inside is crucial in ensuring that your air compressor remains safe.
Even though wood can reduce noise, adding sound insulators will ensure the noise is contained within the storage space and does not affect neighbors.
4. Add Vents
Ensure there is enough ventilation in the storage structure from the top to help bring in the fresh air inside the shed.
There is a great need to have enough airflow to prevent the air compressor from getting too hot. Adding a fan at the back of this simple shed can help air circulation.
5. Store it
If you have not left any sliding, you can now prepare the air compressor and bring it in for storage.
Ensure the raised slab is dry and the sidings are in good condition to block elements from getting to the surface or parts of the compressor unit.
Carefully place the unit inside the shed and prepare a simple door to lock up the system.
If you had prepared sliding while building the sides, you could simply pull the sidings to enclose the unit. Always inspect the shed to confirm the unit is in a good state through the storage period.
Conclusion
Deciding where to store your air compressor can be quite challenging, especially if you have limited space and winter is approaching.
If you have some space in your garage, it will automatically turn out as the best storage space.
However, it is imperative to pre-plan and also prepare the storage space and the air compressor before keeping it for storage.
Preplanning will help you endure that all the ideal storage conditions for an air compressor are set.
Sources
https://www.compressor-pump.com/keep-air-compressor-great-condition-proper-storage/
https://compressors.matteicomp.com/blog/how-to-properly-store-your-air-compressor