Warm weather brings longer days, higher humidity—and unexpected challenges for your compressed air system. As outdoor temperatures rise, so does the heat inside your compressor room. Left unaddressed, this added stress can lead to efficiency loss, moisture buildup, and even system failure. For industrial facilities that rely on consistent air output, preparation is critical.
At Cullum & Brown, we help businesses stay ahead of seasonal performance issues with customized preventative maintenance services. Our team of certified technicians ensures your system is ready to handle the heat before it becomes a problem.
How Warm Weather Impacts Compressed Air Systems
High temperatures and humidity levels create tough working conditions for your compressed air equipment. Compressors, dryers, and filters must work harder to manage airflow and remove moisture, and if the system isn’t properly maintained, performance will suffer.
Here are some of the most common ways summer conditions affect compressed air systems:
- Increased ambient temperatures reduce cooling efficiency, putting extra load on compressors and leading to overheating
- Warmer air contains more moisture, which results in higher volumes of condensate and risks corrosion, contamination, and downstream equipment damage
- Higher operating temperatures can break down lubricants more quickly and stress electrical components
- Ventilation systems may struggle to expel heat from poorly ventilated compressor rooms, intensifying internal temperatures
- Air dryers and filters become overloaded, which can lead to pressure drops, poor air quality, and equipment wear
These issues not only compromise production quality but can also lead to unexpected downtime and costly repairs if not addressed in advance.
Why Preventative Maintenance Is Essential During Hot Weather
Preventative maintenance is your first line of defense against warm-weather compressor failures. A proactive approach allows you to catch and correct potential issues before they disrupt your operation. Even well-functioning systems are at risk during peak summer months, making seasonal inspections especially important.
Here’s why routine service matters in hot weather:
- Protects equipment from overheating by ensuring fans, coolers, and ventilation systems are clean and functioning properly
- Reduces the chance of moisture damage with working drain valves, air receivers, and dryer systems
- Preserves system efficiency by replacing worn filters, belts, and lubricants before they cause pressure loss
- Prevents shutdowns by identifying faulty electrical components or sensors that might fail under heat stress
- Helps maintain product quality and system reliability through proper moisture management and airflow consistency
At Cullum & Brown, our preventative maintenance plans are designed to fit your operation’s unique needs. Whether you operate a single compressor or a turnkey system setup, our technicians help keep your system in peak condition year-round.
Warm-Weather Maintenance Checklist
Preparing your compressed air system for summer starts with the basics. If you haven’t already scheduled seasonal maintenance, these are the tasks our technicians recommend focusing on:
- Clean or replace compressor and aftercooler filters
- Inspect and test fans, louvers, and ventilation airflow
- Clean or replace intake filters to ensure proper airflow
- Check and test automatic drain valves and separators
- Inspect refrigerant dryers for proper function and capacity
- Change oil and check lubricant levels for heat breakdown
- Tighten belts and check for wear or slippage
- Inspect electrical connections and safety shutdown systems
- Check for leaks, rust, or corrosion in air piping and receivers
By addressing these points proactively, you reduce the risk of unplanned downtime and keep your system operating efficiently—even on the hottest days.
How Cullum & Brown Can Help
With over 135 years of experience, Cullum & Brown is your trusted partner for compressed air system performance. Our preventative maintenance programs are designed to minimize heat-related risks and keep your operation running smoothly throughout the summer.
We offer:
- Full-system inspections tailored for hot-weather readiness
- Onsite service by experienced, factory-trained technicians
- Preventative maintenance plans with flexible scheduling
- Emergency 24/7 service in case of breakdowns
- Long-term support to keep your system efficient and reliable
If your compressed air system hasn’t been inspected since spring, now is the time. Let our team help you prepare for the heat—and avoid costly surprises later.
Contact us today to schedule a summer system checkup or learn more about our preventative maintenance services.
