2 Maintenance Tasks You Should Do Each Time Before Using An Air Compressor

Posted on: 7 May 2021

If you work in an environment that requires the use of forced air to power tools and equipment, your air compressor is a vital part of supplying that air. Just like any piece of equipment, it needs to be maintained to make sure that it keeps working at peak performance.

Besides checking the hoses to make sure that they are not damaged, there are other things that should be done regularly. Below are a couple of maintenance tasks that you should get into the habit of performing before you use the air compressor.

1. Check the Vents to Make Sure They Are Dust-Free

One task that should be performed each time before turning on the air compressor is checking to see if the machine's air vents are dust-free. Free airflow through the compressor maintains the pressure to keep up the force of the air for your tools and ensures that the motor does not work too hard.

If the vents are clogged up with dust, the motor will have to work harder to pull the air through the system. Not only will this cause a decrease in air pressure but it will also put a strain on the motor, making it wear out faster than normal. 

2. Make Sure the Fittings Have Not Become Loose

Another thing you should check before using the air compressor is the tightness of the fittings to the hoses as well as the connectors for lengths of hoses. Because the compressor vibrates rapidly while in use, the vibrations can often loosen the fittings. As such, if the fittings remain loose while you are using the compressor, a lot of air will be lost through the gaps that are present. This loss of air results in lower pressure, making it harder for the machine to keep up with the demand of the tools or equipment for their power usage.

While performing these tasks before using the equipment ensures that you do not overwork the machine while making sure that the connections are properly sealed, other measures should be taken to keep the compressor in optimal condition. However, these measures are best left to a professional. Contact a business in your area that offers air compressor maintenance services to discuss the tasks and frequency needed to keep the equipment running smoothly and efficiently. 

An air compressor maintenance service can provide further instruction and details. If you have problems with yours, contact one of these companies today.

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