Just got a new compressor and I wondering if I should be releasing all of the pressure out of the unit when it is not in use? Or is it better to leave the pressure in so that the unit does not have to work as hard to build up the pressure next time?
I am not planning on using the unit daily. Mostly for weekend projects and regular maintenance (airing up car tires... etc).
The instruction manual for my Sears Craftsman 3 gal., 1 hp, Horizontal Tank states to drain the tank after each use or daily and also for storage. The water that may be in the tank could corrode and damage the tank.
Yes, definitely drain it after each use. Need to avoid letting water pool in the tank, possibly corroding and weakening it. Release the air and open the drain valve for a while to let out any condensation.
I always drain my compressor when finished, mainly to blow out any moisture that could have built up inside. You should vent the air through the valve on the tank itself (facing towards the ground) for at least the last 40-60 lbs of air to help blast out and remaining moisture. I also always leave the tank valve open and facing down to help keep it dry inside.
If you open drain valves too quickly moisture that settles to the bottom of the tank gets dispersed. Crack valves SLOWLY till water starts to drip to allow water accumulated at the bottom of the tank to drip out. That is all you need to do on a daily basis. If it makes you feel better you can drain tanks completely every couple of weeks. The only reason I can see to relieve all pressure is to relieve high pressure from the regulator in order to protect seals. I make a habit of draining pressure down to 50 lbs daily for this purpose.
While draining the water out of your compressor is a good thing, draining all of the air out daily is not. When you compress air, it's ability to hold the moisture already in it, decreases, causing condensation. So you are actually defeating the purpose. And you prematurely wear out your compressor by running it so much.
Release the pressure. If you are carrying a pressurized canister and you, say, drop it on a concrete floor, it could fracture, sending shrapnel everywhere. In other words, a pressurized canister is a bit like a small bomb.
My 3 gal [ the Sausage Shape and not the Pancake one ] was not that old , and it would not stop running as it was not building up the set pressure on my regulator to shut off. When I shut it off it sounded like I was being attacked by a herd of mean spirited snakes !! So much hissing as that 300 lb rated hose had more holes than a 10 lb piece of swiss cheese !!
