For most business operations that require compressed air, regular preventative maintenance and occasional service can keep your equipment running smoothly and efficiently for years. But depending on its age and how hard your industrial air compressor times, some types of equipment failure can cause you to weight between repair and replacement.

When to Repair

Considering the high cost of industrial air compressors, the first option is always to try and repair the faulty parts, especially if:

• The equipment is fairly new and has been running for just a few hours
• The compressor has not been superseded by important newer technology
• The compressor is reliable and there are no indications of bigger or underlying problems

Your air compressor can break down for many reasons, some of which may be indicative of reparable damage, such as:

• Excessive belt wear – belts are easily replaceable. But it is more important to identify the cause of excessive wear. Common causes include the belt being out of alignment or an excessively tight/loose belt.
• Oil levels – If you’re using an oil-based compressor, it is important to check and adjust the lubricant levels during routine maintenance.
• Excessive oil consumption – This is another problem associated with oil compressors, which may be caused by loose bolts, worn piston rings, or poor air ventilation.
• Excessive or unusual noises when the compressor is running – This could be due to problems with the belts, bearings, crankcase, or flywheel.
• Very hot discharge air – This is indicative of a problem with the cooling system. You may need to increase its capacity.

All of these problems can be easily corrected with replacements or adjustments without much downtime.

When to Replace

If your compressor is malfunctioning or outdated, and is not performing to the expected standards, then you should consider getting an energy audit. Through proper assessment of the compressor, professionals can recommend changes to improve the efficiency of your operations, some of which may involve replacing your air compressor.

Generally, you need to upgrade your air compressor if your current unit is not meeting the growing demands of your business; if it breaks down frequently; and if it is not energy efficient. It also makes sense to replace older models that have barely no replacement parts and any repair work is difficult, costly, and time consuming.

Request a Quote for Your Industrial Air Compressor Inquiry

Before making your final decision on whether to replace your current industrial air compressor, please consult a professional in your area for an energy audit and recommendations to improve your entire business operations.