Air compressors are invaluable tools that work with cars, power tools, and home air conditioning units. These machines compress and pressurize air before moving it into a container where the pressurized air works as energy.
One of the most common places in which you’ll find these compressors is in your home air conditioner. So while the summer months are still hot, here are some vital signs letting you know when you need to replace your air compressor.
Air compressors are invaluable tools that work with cars, power tools, and home air conditioning units. These machines compress and pressurize air before moving it into a container where the pressurized air works as energy. One of the most common places in which you’ll find these compressors is in your home air conditioner. So while the summer months are still hot, here are some vital signs letting you know when you need to replace your air compressor.
If you notice your unit making sounds that are out of the ordinary, the problem may lie with your compressor. Common sounds to listen for are shaking, rattling, and screeching.
These sounds typically come from loose pieces. After tightening any seemingly loose connections, you may need to look for a replacement if the sound persists.
One of the aspects of air compressors is that they can gather moisture because they condense the water in the air. If you notice excess water building up around your compressor or dripping from your unit, the problem might lie with your filter or the drain.
Fortunately, these problems rarely require replacing the whole compressor.
However, if you notice a more oily discharge from your unit, we recommend having a licensed technician examine it, as this may be a more serious internal problem.
A possible sign you need to replace your air compressor is that you find yourself with little to no air pressure coming from your AC unit. Low pressure may come from displaced belts, but a lack of air pressure might also come from damaged controls.
If you set the controls correctly and the problem continues, you may need to call a technician to identify the issue and help you find a suitable replacement. Consider what actions to take with your old air compressor, as you may still be able to use parts from it in the future.
An air compressor is an important piece of equipment for any operation that runs on pneumatic tools. If you rely on an air compressor for everyday tasks, you need to know what signs indicate that your air compressor needs to be replaced.
The following are seven indications to look out for that show you need to have your air compressor replaced.
1. Changes in Usage Demands
Demands on your air compressor are likely to change over time with the changing scale of your operation or facility.
The more precisely your air compressor is sized to the scale of your facility, the more productive your operation will be. If your operation has grown considerably since you originally had your air compressor installed, you may want to upgrade to a larger air compressor.
2. Decreased Efficiency
An air compressor typically becomes less efficient as it ages. If your energy costs are going up, your air compressor may be to blame. As time goes on, new air compressor models also become increasingly more efficient than prior year models.
You may want to replace your air compressor with a newer, more efficient model, even if it's still working properly. Greater efficiency brings down operating costs and improves the profitability of your operation over time.
3. Difficulty in Finding Parts
You need to be able to find replacement parts for your air compressor to get it back in operating order after it malfunctions. You need replacement parts not only to perform repairs but also to perform many types of routine maintenance.
If you struggle to find appropriate replacement parts, you should get a replacement model so that you know you can keep up with maintenance needs and repair your air compressor when necessary.
4. Old Age
Like any piece of equipment, an air compressor wears out over time. An air compressor generally lasts up to 30 years if it's a rotary compressor and up to 15 years if it's a reciprocating compressor.
Consult the manufacturer of your air compressor to get a good idea of what the typical lifespan is for your particular model. If your air compressor breaks down when it has already outlived its maximum predicted lifespan, you might want to have it replaced.
5. Frequent Breakdowns
Every air compressor breakdown cuts into your productivity. You can't continue production until your air compressor is repaired and hooked up to your equipment again.
Frequent breakdowns cost you significantly over time, especially if you're unable to permanently correct the malfunctions that cause them. Replace your air compressor completely if it constantly breaks down so that you can avoid the forced downtime and frustrations of an air compressor that's often out of order.
6. Incompatibility With Equipment
An air compressor must be compatible with the pneumatic tools that are connected to it in order for those tools to function properly. Your air compressor must have pressure settings, hoses, and nozzles that allow your tools to connect properly and work efficiently.
Some facilities replace their air compressor when they acquire new tools that aren't compatible with their original air compressor model. If you want a new tool that isn’t compatible with your air compressor model, you may want to replace the compressor.
7. Shut Offs or Pressure Drops
Your air compressor should start up reliably and run continuously until you shut it off. If your air compressor works erratically, troubleshoot and try a few repairs.
Blow out the coolers of your compressor, and turn your unit's pressure setting down. If your air compressor continues to work erratically or shuts off unexpectedly after use, you may need to replace it.
If you need a replacement for your air compressor, contact us at Compressed Air Systems to find the right air compressor model for your needs.