How long do air compressors last?

Air compressor systems are crucial to industrial and commercial operations, so maintenance of a compressed air system is vital to how well it performs. Proper and regular maintenance of an air compressor ensures that the system can continue to operate efficiently and effectively. When looked after properly, air compressors can last for many years. So, how long do air compressors last? Continue reading our helpful guide to find out.

Air compressor life span

In an ideal world, an air compressor – with proper and regular maintenance – can run at peak performance for many years, and reach a total life span of around 10 to 15 years before needing to be replaced. For peak efficiency and reliability, a compressed air system requires a regular skilled service and routine maintenance checks to ensure everything is in perfect working condition.

Failing to properly maintain the air compressor system can poison the entire process, which can then lead to various other problems too.

The air compressor’s pressure must be at its highest level to ensure it is functioning properly. If there’s a contaminated dryer heat exchanger, or leaks in the distribution piping, it could cause the pressure to drop at the time of operation. Also, the malfunctioning of an air compressor can attract water to the pipelines, so you would need to change the air compressor dryer.

Air compressor service essentials

To perform maintenance on an air compressor, first a service has to be done on the system. There are a number of steps involved in a service of an air compressor, including:

– You must ensure that the air compressor is switched off before starting the service.

– The compressor oil must be clean and maintained. The oil has to be changed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using high-quality oil. Sampling must be carried out every month.

– Retain cleanliness of air inlet filters.

– Keep the motor belts tight to prevent leakages in the compressor.

Air compressor issues

There are a handful of serious issues that can arise in an air compressor system that regular maintenance and a proper service can prevent. Some of the problems you may come across in a poorly maintained air compressor system are:

– Restricted air flow

– Restricted oil flow

– Reduction in the level of oil

If you come across a restricted air flow in your air compressor, it can be fixed by cleaning the cooler exterior and checking inlet filter mats. If your system has a restricted oil flow, you can fix this issue by removing the obstruction, or changing the necessary parts.

Finally, attending to the reduction of oil is a simple task. Simply check the compressor level regularly and fill up with oil if required.

The importance of proper, regular services and maintenance on an air compressor system can greatly increase its lifespan. Failure to do so will increase costs for the company due to constant repairs and the eventual need to replace the air compression system.

Air compressors at Glaston

At Glaston Compressor Services we design, build and install intelligent air compressors and offer comprehensive compressed air services around the UK. Our air compressors and compressed air systems are effectively controlled to ensure maximum energy savings and complete accountability. With Glaston, you can buy air compressor systems suited to virtually any industry sector.

Our reliable air compressor systems are designed for round-the-clock operations, delivering consistently high performance. Air Compressors can be applied to a vast range of industry sectors, including food, chemical, engineering, automotive and other sectors.

If you’d like to speak to an expert at Glaston about air compressors, contact us today on 01695 51010, and email us at info@glaston.com.