Tips for Keeping Air Compressors in Good Condition

Maintaining the health of your air compressor is one of the most effective ways to guarantee that your equipment continues to work correctly. After purchasing an air compressor to power all of your air equipment, you will need to learn how to maintain it properly.

Because most air compressors do not need regular maintenance, it is easy to forget and ignore them. This may be an expensive omission, which is why you must comprehend the following maintenance suggestions.

Read and Follow the Manual

Nothing puts an air compressor out of commission more quickly than an owner who fails to read the owner's handbook. There will be some essential advice included that will assist you in extending the life of your air compressor.

These may be easy things that you would not have considered until you read them. Additionally, if you violate the regulations outlined in your air compressor handbook, you risk voiding your warranty.

Looking out for signs of a bad AC compressor will help you prevent any potential hazards or expensive maintenance down the road.

Drain the Tanks of Moisture

The receiver tank absorbs moisture from the compressed air, which is very beneficial if you live in a humid region. Most tanks have a valve for draining this accumulated moisture. It is up to you to ensure that it is emptied regularly. Before emptying the water, be careful to relieve the tanks' air pressure.

Clean Intake Vents

If you make your air compressor work too hard to intake air, you will lose compression power. This will eventually erode the tool's quality. Maintain a clean intake vent and inspect it often, especially if you operate in a dusty or unclean environment.

Tighten All Fasteners

Your air compressor is a running, vibrating engine that will probably lose its screws, nuts, and bolts every now and then. Regularly inspect them and tighten any that have jiggled loose.

Inspect Hoses Regularly

Check all of your hoses regularly since they are the air compressor's veins. If they become damaged or rusted, they may quickly begin to leak and put unnecessary pressure on the other components of your compressor. Always inspect them and replace them if they are broken or damaged.

The hoses inside an air compressor serve as the primary connecting points for the system. So, any damage to the hoses may have a devastating effect on the whole system. To avoid the development of leaks and cracks, it is essential to inspect your hoses periodically (at least weekly).

Hoses are often damaged by harsh or cold weather, which may result in breaking or rusting. Consequently, this damage may cause leaks to occur, which may be costly due to decreased machine efficiency or maintenance requirements.

Routine inspections will ensure that hoses are clean and undamaged. Additionally, since leaks are often difficult to detect, a leak-detection system may be very beneficial for detecting leaks early on before significant damage happens.

Ensure the Safety Shutdown System is Functioning Properly

Your air compressor may be equipped with a built-in safety shut-off. This mechanism is designed to shut off your compressor if it becomes too hot or if the engine's oil pressure drops too low. This test will assist you in ensuring the compressor's longevity.

Examine the Fittings

The fittings should be inspected regularly to ensure they are providing a sufficient seal. Loose fittings might result in leaks at one or more locations on an air compressor. Replace or repair any worn-out or corroded fittings quickly to avoid further costs and inefficiencies.

Inspect and Replace Air Filters as Required

A clogged air filter is detrimental to your air compressor because it allows dirt from the outside to enter and makes it harder to intake air. Regularly inspect your filters and replace them if you see a significant buildup of dust and grime. Replace it every six months or so if it is hardly used.

Cleaning the Fuel Tank

As with any engine, frequent cleaning of the fuel tank is necessary to maintain ideal running conditions. Once a year or so, you should clean out the engine to eliminate any remaining fuel buildup. This will prolong the engine's life.

Inspect and Replace Compressor Oil

If you are using an oil-filled compressor, you should check it regularly to ensure that it is topped up adequately. After that, you should change this oil every 500-1000 hours of usage to guarantee optimal performance from your air compressor.

Replace the Separator Element

While the separator element reduces excessive oil use, it must be changed regularly. Maintain peak performance of your compressor by changing the separator element after approximately 1,000 hours of operation.

Clean the Heat Exchangers

If the heat exchangers are clogged, they will be unable to perform their function of lowering the working temperatures of the air compressor. Clean them regularly to maintain low operating temperatures and extend the life of your air compressor.

Arrange a Professional Service

Consider getting a professional service company that comes out regularly to check for leaks, do preventive maintenance, and execute any necessary repairs. This will save significant time and bring you peace of mind.

Scheduling periodic inspections and maintenance in advance may help save time and money in the long run, decreasing the chance of extended downtime and expensive repairs.

This also provides a more detailed view of the condition of your equipment and enables you to predict any required repairs or difficulties well in advance. Additionally, since you will not have to worry about the condition of the air compressors, you will have more time to concentrate on your daily company operations.

Conclusion

By following the advice above, you can guarantee that your air compressor will last a long time and that the tasks you use it for will run more efficiently and effectively. A well-maintained air compressor is an invaluable tool for any workshop, so make sure yours is in good working order.