Industrial air compressors are key cogs in the machinery of many different industries. Their performance and ability to function can be the difference between a business meeting deadlines and falling behind. As such, it’s important to monitor and maintain your company’s air compressor.
Preventative air compressor maintenance is a sound way to avert ongoing problems having to do with your air compressor. But air compressors are complex pieces of machinery, and knowing how to maintain them isn’t always simple. With this in mind, here are some helpful air compressor maintenance tips you can use to keep your air compressor running well.
Read the owner’s manual
We briefly covered above how complicated air compressors can be. Because of this, reading the air compressor’s owner’s manual is a great place to start when looking for preventative maintenance tips.
The manual should offer some basic pointers in addition to telling you more about your air compressor’s warranty. Knowing the warranty’s conditions helps ensure you don’t accidentally void it.
Let the moisture out
Typically, metal machines and moisture do not mix. This is true for air compressors. The receiver tank of the air compressor is prone to moisture accumulation while the air compressor is being operated.
Luckily, most air compressors come with a valve on the receiver tank that allows you to let the moisture out. You should remember to employ this valve after each use, but don’t forget to release the air pressure in the tanks before you do.
Re-tighten the nuts and bolts
An air compressor is a high-powered machine that’s prone to large amounts of vibration. This can cause the nuts and bolts holding the machine together to gradually become loose over time. This isn’t cause for concern, as it’s just a product of how the machine works.
You can take a wrench to each nut and bolt on the air compressor and test it to see if there’s any give. If there is, you should tighten it to the point where it won’t move any more. Don’t overtighten the nut or bolt, as this may strip it.
Check and clean the intake vents
If you know anything about HVAC maintenance, you’ll know that a key task is making sure the vents on your system aren’t clogged up with dirt and debris. The same goes for an air compressor.
For maximum efficiency, you’ll want to ensure the intake valves on your air compressor aren’t obstructed by dirt, dust or other debris. If they are, you can take a damp rag or sponge and scrub them or use a can of compressed air to blow the dust away.
Inspect the machine’s hoses
The hoses on your air compressor are some of the most important parts, and some of the most vulnerable. You should be checking them often to ensure they’re not cracked, corroded or otherwise worn down. A leaky compressor hose could lead to larger problems within the compressor, so you’ll want to replace any hoses that are damaged.
Call for your air compressor repair today
Knowing some preventative air compressor maintenance strategies and air compressor maintenance tips can help you get the most out of your company’s air compressor. If you need air compressor service, call us at Wenniger Compressor Co. We offer 24/7 emergency air compressor service to make sure you and your business have the help you need.