Recognizing the Signs That Your Air Compressor Requires Servicing [Infographic]
Commercial or industrial air compressors are often integral to a company’s workflow and overall productivity. Their ability to reliably provide clean, compressed air is essential for the success of many different companies and businesses.
When they’re not performing optimally, many companies begin to recognize how vital a well-maintained air compression system is for daily operations. Managing the needs of an industrial air compression system is critical and can often require the additional support of an air compressor service provider. Let’s address some signs that your air compressor system needs servicing and how a qualified air compressor supplier can meet those needs.
Why You Need Regular Air Compressor Servicing
Whether your business relies on an extensive, industrial-scale air compression system or a more minor, portable system, it is likely an essential part of the overall business. These machines are necessary for many everyday actions and operations.
Air compressors can be used in various applications, from manufacturing and machinery operations to processing and packaging foods and beverages. These machines are often functioning throughout the workday and sometimes overnight, as well.
As a result, they are subjected to many hours of wear and tear. Care and maintenance for your air compression systems should be a top priority to keep them operating correctly.
Improved performance
Over time, any machine will need some amount of care and maintenance. Whether preventative or prescribed, giving attention to hard-working machinery is essential for overall efficiency and performance.
With an air compression system, the amount of maintenance provided is directly correlated to the overall performance of the machinery and design. With proper care, psi levels may stay high, air quality can be maintained, and the machines may run more than necessary. Additionally, companies will likely notice declines in their efficiency and performance.
Extended lifespan
Air compressors create friction when they’re running. The motor’s cycling to create more compressed air also contributes to the wear and tear of consumable parts. If these machines aren’t properly managed, they will likely break and need repairs or replacement.
By implementing a consistent maintenance and service plan, many minor issues can be identified before they become big problems. Over time, your air compression system will run better and last longer when a maintenance and service plan is in place.
Energy efficiency
As compressor units get older and show more signs of wear and tear, they also become less efficient. They will often begin to lose compression or consistent air pressure from faulty seals and connections.
As a result, the motors will begin to engage more often to maintain optimal air pressure. Increased motor engagement will add additional run time to your compressor system. It will also draw more power, which can increase electricity usage and costs.
Cost-effectiveness
As many may already understand, air compressor systems can be costly to purchase, repair, or replace. They can also become increasingly expensive to operate as they get older. Regular service and maintenance are necessary to protect your investment and keep it working correctly for its complete life cycle.
By remaining diligent with care and maintenance, many compressor systems can operate efficiently for many years, even decades. Plus, regular service helps to avoid costly repairs or even replacement costs. Consistent maintenance plans are beneficial in extending the life and quality of compression systems, no matter the size or scope.
Signs Of Air Compressor Problems
Whether you’re following a maintenance schedule or from a qualified air compressor supplier, it’s essential to recognize the warning signs of compressor system problems. Getting to know your machine better will benefit you in identifying and diagnosing minor issues before they become significant.
Unusual noises
One of the first signs of problems is hearing a change in your air compressor system’s sounds. Changes in vibrational tones or the motor’s idling sounds can be signs of additional friction or worn consumable parts. Don’t overlook the changes or differences you’re detecting. The people around the machine the most are often the best identifiers of potential or growing problems.
Decreased airflow or pressure
Especially for an air compression system, any changes to the pressure or airflow output should be red flags. Pressure or airflow blockage loss may be easy fixes but must be identified and addressed before worsening.
Excessive vibrations
As mentioned when discussing odd sounds, additional or new vibrations can be a sign that something isn’t working as well as it should. The different vibrations can be signs of consistent machine degradation through loose parts or added friction. The vibrations can also increase the speed at which the machine breaks down.
Unpleasant odors
A strange or unpleasant odor is not usually part of the air compression process, whether present in the air output or emanating from the mechanical parts. Burning or leaking oil can be a culprit and usually pertains to a maintenance issue. Don’t ignore bad or unusual air compressor smells.
Inefficient operation
Changes to the system’s overall operations, such as longer run times to reach compression or shorter intervals between engine cycles, can indicate inefficiency. Loose or failing seals, increased friction, or air leaks in the air delivery process contribute to inefficiency.
DIY vs. Professional Air Compressor Service
When deciding whether to handle maintenance in-house vs. hiring a professional service, your choice will likely come down to how much experience and knowledge you and your team have about air compression systems. If you or your team have worked with them before and are handy with tools and minor repairs, you can handle the service yourself.
On the other hand, a professional service is guaranteed to have the skills and knowledge to handle the maintenance and service needs. A professional service team also has time to take the regular maintenance. Many companies realize that the DIY choice requires more people hours from the business, which can affect the company’s overall productivity.
Tips For Choosing The Right Air Compressor Service
An air compressor service should be familiar with your system and many other available systems. They should also work with your business to understand how you’re using the compressed air. A qualified air compressor service should also be able to handle repairs of all scopes and sizes.
A Focus on Professionalism
At Complete Engineered Solutions, air compressor systems are at the heart of our business. We take great pride in offering our customers the best equipment and comprehensive plans. Our experience with these systems allows us to provide exceptional service and explanations for all maintenance and performance aspects. Contact us today to learn more about what we can offer our clients.