An air compressor is an essential component for any HVAC system. Without it, you are unable to run your heating or air conditioning unit which will undoubtedly cause problems in the future. How do you maintain an air compressor? It’s actually quite simple! Read this blog post to learn how to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently with these three easy steps.
Air Compressor Maintenance Tips
Read and Follow Your Air Compressor’s Manual
Read the owner’s manual to learn about the necessary maintenance for your system. This will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to keep it running smoothly and efficiently throughout its life. At least once a year, get in touch with an HVAC technician who specializes in air compressors so that he or she can perform all of the recommended preventative maintenance tasks.
Get Regular Tune-Ups
Regular tune-ups are another important factor of keeping your system’s air compressor in good condition. An HVAC technician will inspect the entire machine from top to bottom and make sure everything is working correctly. It’s better to have a professional look at it before you experience any problems, so schedule a tune-up for your air compressor and save yourself the headache later.
Tighten All Fasteners
Your air compressor’s a running, vibrating engine and it will loosen its screw fasteners as a result. Make sure you check them on a regular basis and tighten any loose screws or bolts so the compressor doesn’t fall apart while it’s running!
Check Hoses Regularly
Check all your hoses periodically for wear and tear. If they’re cracked or poorly connected, replace them immediately to prevent any leaks from occurring when the air compressor is in use.
Change or Repair Belts As Needed
Belts can easily break down over time due to the constant stress they’re under from the air compressor’s engine. Check them regularly and replace or repair them as needed to prevent bigger problems down the road!
Test the Safety Shutdown System
Your air compressor may have a built-in safety shut down the system that switches the unit off if it becomes too hot. When this happens, you have a serious problem and need to get your air compressor fixed as soon as possible! If there’s no built-in safety shutdown system, look for “high-temperature cutoff” on Google or contact an air compressor expert like Air Powered Services who can fix any problems with the machine.
Check and Change Air Filters As Needed
A filthy air filter is only hurting your air compressor. It will struggle to suck in the right amount of air it needs, which can lead to a number of issues down the road. Check your filters regularly and replace them if they are dirty or clogged up too much!
Clean Out Dust Regularly
You should clean out any dust that accumulates on top of your compressor weekly so it doesn’t get into the motor and cause problems.
Clean the Fuel Tank
As with any engine, you need to periodically clean out the fuel tan youk use to fill it up. If you don’t, the fuel will get old and stale which is bad for your air compressor’s engine!
Check and Change the Compressor Oil
If you’re running a compressor that uses oil, make sure you check the level of oil every two months and change it if necessary. Check your owner’s manual to see what type of oil is best for your system (most units use SAE 30).
Sanitize Your System Regularly
Finally, make sure to sanitize your system regularly by removing any dirt or debris that builds upon its exterior. An HVAC technician will use a high-pressure hose to spray water into every nook and cranny of your system to remove any dust, leaves or dirt that might be present. This will also prevent the growth of mold and mildew which can damage your air compressor even further if it is not taken care of immediately.
Avoid these simple steps for how to maintain an air compressor and soon enough you will find yourself dealing with expensive repairs that could have easily been prevented! With just a few minutes of your time, you can keep your air compressor running smoothly so it lasts for many years to come.