A Quick Guide To Maintaining Your Air Compressor

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Most production facilities and even many homeowners have an air compressor of one size or another. An air compressor can handle many jobs on a factory line, from gently blowing crumbs away from baked goods to inflating semi-truck tires. At home, they can operate power tools and also keep car tires properly inflated.

While a good air compressor is meant to last for years if not decades, how you maintain it will affect its overall longevity. Consider some quick tips for keeping your air compressor in good repair, in an industrial setting or at home.

1. Check the pump oil level before each use

Unless you have a small air compressor that works with electricity, you'll need to check the oil levels of your compressor regularly, just as you would the oil in your car's motor. To do this, be sure the unit is off and disconnected from any power source. Remove the fill cap or plug and then check the sight glass. The oil should be around the halfway point. If not, be sure you add oil before using your unit.

2. Check the air filter according to your user's manual

Because a compressor is pulling in air to compress, it will also pull in dust and debris. The air filter on your unit needs to be checked and changed according to the user's manual; this will vary by how often you use the unit. To check the filter, be sure you allow the unit to cool off, as the filter will be warm and even hot to the touch.

Make sure you completely remove the filter from the base and inspect it carefully; a visual inspection while it's still attached to the unit will not let you see the dust and debris it's holding. Change the filter as needed; your user's manual will tell you how often this is but if you notice the filter is gray and debris and dust are very visible, it's time for a new filter.

3. Inspect for leaks and replace hoses as necessary

Your user's manual will tell you how many hours of use will require you to check for leaks, but changing the hoses is key to longevity with an air filter. Trying to tape up leaks is not sufficient when you consider the amount of pressure created by an air compressor. This however is a very common trick used by those who own compressors and one reason they often fail, as the pressure against a taped hose causes the motor to work harder in order to maintain proper compression. In turn, the unit fails that much sooner.

For more information, or if you would like professional assistance, contact Compressor-Pump & Service, Inc. or a similar company.

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