An air compressor is a machine, and all machines require regular maintenance if they are to perform at their best.
Proper preventive maintenance of air compressors can detect potential problems before they become serious and costly problems. This process will help extend the life of your device.
Despite the benefits of preventive maintenance, many organizations default to fixing problems instead of preventing them in advance. If you want more control over your air compressor maintenance schedule and enjoy machines that work well against unexpected problems, this article is for you. Read a full explanation of this maintenance approach, including its benefits, and learn tips to help you maintain your air compressors early.
Does your air compressor need maintenance?
Do air compressors need maintenance first, preventive or reactive? The answer is simple – yes – all air compressors require repair. Like any other machine, air compressors have moving parts. Anytime you have a device with moving parts, you can expect it to wear out over time. Even the best-designed compressors with quality components require regular maintenance. Many air compressor suppliers and manufacturers in UAE will suggest you the same. The good news is that by taking the right precautions, especially preventive maintenance, you can usually avoid serious problems and extend the life of your air compressor. Some examples of air compressor maintenance include lubrication, cleaning, changing the air filter, and checking the motor for possible problems. You need to address potential problems before they become serious problems.
What is preventive maintenance?
Another important question that needs to be addressed is what preventive maintenance for air compressors is and how important it is. Preventive or preventive care is a form of preventive care that aims to address needs before they become problems. This process prevents devices from crashing instead of waiting for a problem to occur.
A common example that most people can relate to is maintaining their cars. Preventive maintenance is indicated, such as periodic tire changes, regular oil changes, and replacement of old parts after a certain number of kilometers. If you meet these requirements, you are more likely to enjoy a long-lasting and efficient car. With this strategy, you will achieve better results than taking the car to the auto shop when it is not working properly. The same principle applies to your industrial equipment, including air compressors. Reactive maintenance requires little thought, but it can cost your organization in many ways. Preventive maintenance requires more planning, but as we’ll see, it can pay off in big ways. You may not be able to predict every problem, but you can avoid unexpected mechanical problems. Perhaps this is why prevention has become a popular maintenance strategy. Unfortunately, the reactive approach is not far behind, so many companies have a lot of room for improvement in this area.
Air Compressor Maintenance Tips
What can you do to take good care of your air compressor? The exact dimensions your air compressor needs will depend on the model, installation environment, type of cooling system, level of usage, etc. Here are some general tips to help you manage your air compressor in advance:
Read the air compressor manual: Do not throw the owner’s manual on the shelf or ignore it. Instead, carefully follow the care instructions on it. These rules will help you maintain your air compressor and keep your warranty valid.
Check Oil Levels Regularly: Rotary, reciprocating, and screw compressors, which are lubricated under pressure, require oil or synthetic lubricants to run smoothly. If you use a lubricated air compressor, ensure it has a constant supply of clean oil. Check the oil level weekly or even daily and ensure it meets the manufacturer’s specifications.
Clean parts as needed: Air compressor parts must also be cleaned occasionally. For example, if your air conditioner is dirty, it cannot cool the air effectively, leading to serious problems. Flush the air conditioner before the start of summer – checking the heat of the air compressor is very important. Periodic cleaning of the heat exchanger and inlet valves may be required.
Visually inspect your system weekly: An important step in ensuring the operability of an air compressor is a thorough visual inspection. Get an eye exam at least once a week. Be on the lookout for oil leaks, dirty filters, loose fasteners, or other obvious problems that could hinder your air compressor’s performance.
Listen for unusual noises: While doing a visual inspection, listen to your compressor as well. If something doesn’t seem right, don’t ignore it. This is probably the problem you need to fix. Call a professional to diagnose the problem if you can’t find the noise source.
Check your air filter regularly: Filters protect your air compressor from dirt and debris that might otherwise enter the system. When they are blocked, they make your engine work harder, which can cause problems. Check the air filter regularly to see if it needs to be replaced.
Schedule professional maintenance: Although there are many things you can do yourself, you should have a professional air compressor technician perform a thorough inspection and maintenance once or twice a year. An air compressor expert can spot problems you might miss before they get out of control and cause breakdowns or expensive repairs.