Tips on Caring for Your Air Compressors

Insider Tips for Air Compressor Maintenance 

Air compressors play a vital role on almost every construction or industrial jobsite. They provide a reliable, portable, efficient source of power for all types of pneumatic tools and equipment. Because of how important they are for completing your project, it’s critical that you handle air compressor maintenance the right way. To help you avoid downtime and costly repairs, follow our tips and best practices below.

Inspect your air compressors before beginning work 

The first step of effective air compressor maintenance is checking it daily for any signs of damage or abnormal operation. Things to watch out for include kinked hoses, frayed or cut electrical wiring, and damaged tubing and piping. You should also ensure that all hose and tube connections are tight, and that any gauges, accessories, and instruments are properly mounted. Daily inspections generally only take a few minutes, but they can help you avoid significant downtime by catching potential problems early.

Remove any moisture build up 

Condensation and the resulting accumulation of water in your tanks is one of the leading causes of air compressor service. The receiver tank attached to the compressor will create lots of moisture during operation. Most models will have a valve designed to remove this water build up, and we recommend draining your tank after each use. Routine inspections can help ensure dry air and delivery at the intended pressure, which is critical, as moisture can lead to a loss of pressure between the compressor and the point of use, hurting overall performance.

Change air filters at the intervals outlined by the manufacturer 

The air filter is a crucial component within all compressors, ensuring that contaminants are removed before the air passes through the system. In addition to keeping your filters clean, a key part of air compressor maintenance is to monitor readings from the instrumentation installed in the suction line between the filter and compressor. These readings will tell you whether you are using the correct filter and can help identify any issues with your existing filter, like leakage or excessive restriction of air flow.

Regularly clean your intake vents 

Dust accumulation in the intake vents places unnecessary strain on your air compressor. Consistently straining and overworking your machine can eventually result in complete system failure. Maintaining clean intake vents is crucial for ensuring optimal airflow and for avoiding overworking your compressor. The effort spent on cleaning intake vents is worthwhile, as it significantly improves the machine’s efficiency, which results in more productive use of all the tools powered by it.

Maintain proper oil levels 

The oil in your air compressors lubricates the rotors, seals the rotors to prevent leakage, and helps remove heat from the air. It also plays a role in cleaning any dust or particulates from the air that make it past the filter. Compressor oil levels should be checked daily, before beginning each shift, to make sure that it’s topped off and clean. We recommend changing your oil completely if it is contaminated or on an annual basis to avoid needing air compressor service.

Only use high quality replacement hoses 

Inspecting the hoses is a critical part of air compressor maintenance, as they are some of the most important components on the machine. When it does come time to replace them, you should invest in high quality options to ensure the best performance possible. Skimping on hose quality to save money in the short run will often backfire and end up costing you more in the long run.

Keep key parts on hand 

The most commonly used wear parts in air compressors are filters and engine belts. Regular maintenance should include replacing air and oil filters, as well as changing both engine and compressor oil as per the manufacturer's guidelines. To minimize downtime and ensure timely upkeep, we suggest stocking extra filters, engine belts, and oil.

If you have any questions about air compressor maintenance or air compressors in general, contact our team today!