Introduction

If you're reading this, that means you have recently bought an air compressor, and you are looking for tips for maintaining your air compressor. Don't worry, you are in the right place. Nowadays, almost 90 percent of industrial operations and other air-pressure based works rely on air compressors. Air compressors are being used almost everywhere because of their ability to offer reliable and efficient sources of power. But the annoying part is that air compressors get damaged very often.

Nowadays, almost 90 percent of industrial operations and other air-pressure based works rely on air compressors. Air compressors are being used almost everywhere because of their ability to offer reliable and efficient sources of power. But the annoying part is that air compressors get damaged very often.

air compressor

Where there is a problem, there is a solution. That's exactly why we have compiled these 10 tips for maintaining an air compressor that the user manual won’t tell you.

Air Compressor: Types and Uses

Before we jump into the maintenance part, it’s better to know a little more about the machine. Because knowing the machine in detail can make it easier for you to understand the maintenance process.

An air compressor has a variety of applications and it basically converts electrical energy into potential energy to power engineering tools. It forces air into a container by pressurizing it. It has some essential parts such as compressor, cooler, receiver tank, filter, and dryer, to complete the job. Browse for air compressor electronic parts on the main search page or use BOM management tool.

According to delivered pressure, air compressors can be divided into three categories:

  1. Low-pressure air compressors
  2. Medium-pressure air compressors
  3. High-pressure air compressors

Air compressors are used in many applications, such as

  • Pumping tires
  • Blowing inflatable products
  • Painting cars or other vehicles
  • In nail guns
  • In blowgun that clean machinery
  • Spraying crops
  • In dairy machines

10 Tips for Maintaining Your Air Compressor

We have learned a little bit about air compressors. Let’s get down to our main business, the 10 tips for maintaining your air compressor:

1. Apply the basic maintenance routines

This simply means that you need to make sure that every machine component is kept clean and small faults should not be ignored to ensure it functions at its optimal condition.

For example, air leaks can cause severe damage to the air compressor. If you spot a leak you need to repair it immediately. Due to continuous vibration, the screws, nuts, and bolts may loosen up. Tighten up all the screws and nuts regularly.

2. Provide Optimum Temperature

Always make sure to provide optimum temperature to your air compressor. This is because the air compressor's work efficiency decrease with an increase in temperature. Sometimes high temperature may result in an explosion.

Therefore, if your air compressor is water-cooled, then keep the water temperature above 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping the compressor at an optimum temperature is a bit tough with water-cooled compressors and therefore, we suggest buying an advanced cooling technology-based air compressor as an alternative.

3. Always Check the Moist Control Valve

An air compressor tank will take in water that is mixed with the air. However, we know that moisture lessens the efficiency of the air compressor. Don’t forget to maintain the moisture control valve regularly. Otherwise, it might interrupt work that is time-critical. Remember to discharge the air pressure before you clean the moisture control valve.

4. Check the Air Hose Regularly

The Air hose is the connector between your air tools and your compressor and an essential part of the air compressor. If the air hose is leaked or damaged, it will eventually damage the compressor's other parts. A leaking air hose can lessen air pressure. Ensure you regularly check the air hose, to know its condition. If you find a broken one, change it as soon as possible.

5. Check the Input Opening at Regular Intervals

Another easy trick to get the most of your compressor is by checking the input opening regularly. Generally, air contains dust particles and after several uses, the input opening gets jammed.

Moreover, if your workplace is in a dusty environment, the input opening can get clogged very often. And in this type of situation, the air compressor will run inefficiently. Try to clean the input opening of the air compressor every day if you’re operating it in a busy workshop.

6. Change the Air Filter After Every 4 Months

The air filter plays a vital role in an air compressor and usually gets dirty frequently. Once the air filter is dirty, it will start letting dusty air inside your air compressor. As a result, your compressor will have to work even harder to run routinely. In short, it will lessen the efficiency of your air compressor. It's good practice to change the air filters every four months. This will increase the efficiency of the machine and keep it in tip-top condition.

7. Change the Compressor Oil After a Limited Use

Air compressors need consumables like oil to run efficiently and as a key component of the machine, it’s best practice to change it every 400 to 800 hours of use, as it will be dirty. If you choose to continue using your air compressor with this dirty oil, it can cause severe damage to your machine. Therefore, just like a car dealer changes the oil in a car when service is due so should you on your air compressor to help the machine to run smoothly.

8. Clean the Fuel Tank at least once a Year

To get the most from your compressor, you need to take care of every little thing of the air compressor. Cleaning the fuel tank is such a small thing that most people often miss out on.

Sometimes impurities get into the fuel tank and this build-up of contaminants and dust will eventually cause damage to the fuel tank and affect the compressor's output rate. Therefore, it's highly advised to clean the fuel tank at least once a year. It will protect your air compressor from getting damaged.

9. Check, If the Safety Shut Off System Works Properly

Every available air compressor of the market has a safety shut off system. This fail-safe kicks in when the compressor gets too hot or the pressure level falls below the minimum level. In fact, it is probably the best safety feature on your compressor. Inspect and always check the safety shut off system to know the condition it's in. Don’t forget to change the safety shut off if it's damaged or not working correctly.

10. Do an Overall Check Every Week

Lastly, we recommend you do an in-depth check-up of your air compressor every week. This will help you find problems early, and allow you to repair the machine's before it creates any significant problem. Add to your calendar weekly checks up on your air compressor.

Final Verdict

An air compressor is a costly product and a vulnerable device at the same time. If you don't take good care of it it can easily get damaged and this will lose your business if you’re using it for work. A good workman ensures their tools are properly maintained. Look after your air compressor machine from the very first day with the above hacks and you are sure to extend its lifespan. Treat the machine well; it will serve you well too.