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Ways to Keep Your Compressor Running

Now that you've invested in an air compressor to run all of your tools, you sure want to keep it working on its best condition. Because most air compressors don't typically require daily maintenance, it's easy to forget about them and neglect their vital upkeep.

Proper air compressor maintenance is vital to keeping your equipment operating at efficient levels. Inefficient air compressors use more energy and deliver less satisfying results, which can cost you a great time and money in a long run. To keep your air compressor well maintained, there are numerous compressed air services that offer all kinds of assistance to all makes and models. From installation, commissioning, programmed and routine maintenance, compressed air services can even help you evaluate, manage and monitor your equipment to ensure it is supplying and demanding optimized requirements necessary for cost efficiency.

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Aside from having your equipment regularly checked by a compressed air service, there are few things that you might be able to do on your own such as:

1. Read your air compressor's manual – that will allow you to learn tips and tricks that you otherwise won't know. Knowing these things will help you get the most out of your equipment as well as extend its life.

2. Check the oil level – if your compressor runs on oil, then make sure to check its oil level before each time you use it. Running your compressor with low oil level can lead serious damage to it. You will need to change the oil of your compressor after 500-1000 hours of use.

3. Drain water and oil removal traps – separators, dryers, air tanks and filters designed for removal of oil and water will operate efficiently only if you regularly remove the contaminants from the system. So make sure the drains for these are working properly.

4. Clean the air filter – an air compressor tends to work harder and use more energy to get the job done when the air filters are dirty. So, check all your filters on a regular basis and change them when necessary.

5. Replace the separator element – this element has as a function to prevent the air compressor from using excessive oil. When you don't replace it periodically, your energy costs will automatically rise. Changing out the separator element is much cheaper than increased energy costs over a period of time.

6. Check for leaks – leaks can significantly affect the output of your air compressor. A 25% and even more of the compressed air that is generated can be lost through a leak. So make sure you check the whole system, especially around fittings and gaskets, for air leaks.

7. Keep the right temperature – you will find the proper operating temperature on the owner's manual.

8. Maintain it clean – a dirty compressor is just like a damaged compressor so, don't allow dust build up on the motor, pump, or the area around the cooling fin. Dust buildup will block proper ventilation and heat release. Maintaining your equipment clean and properly sealed will lead a smoother operation.