An air compressor is a major investment, and your business and safety may depend upon it being in good working order at all times. Air compressors require regular maintenance to operate effectively and efficiently just as most mechanical devices with motors and moving parts do. Fortunately, majority of the maintenance needed for air compressors can be performed without the help of an experienced air compressor service technician, except for a few monthly and annual tasks that may be too advanced or time consuming for some air compressor owners.

Read the Owner’s Manual

Not all air compressors are equal or alike. Therefore, it’s necessary to thoroughly read the owner’s manual and manufacturer’s instructions for your specific air compressor model before committing to a regular maintenance program. The owner’s manual may provide you with several tips for your specific air compressor model that can be easily incorporated into the following daily, weekly, monthly and annual schedules. In addition, the manual will help to prevent you from voiding your warranty.

Daily Maintenance

The following air compressor maintenance tasks should be conducted each day the air compressor is used.

• Drain the tank to get rid of any moisture or condensation. The tank may collect moisture from the air that it pumps in for compression. Most tanks have a release valve specifically for this purpose.
• Check the oil level of the air compressor pump. The oil level should be checked while the machine is off, disconnected from its power source, and on a level surface.
• Check for leaks. Make sure that no oil, water or air is leaking from any part of the system.

If the air compressor sits for longer than one day, weekly maintenance and monthly maintenance may also be required. 

Weekly Maintenance

If you use your air compressor at least five days out of each week, the following tasks should be completed before the beginning of the next week:

• Clean the intake vents. Dirty, blocked vents will prevent the air compressor from working as efficiently as possible.
• Check the air filters and clean them if needed. Like blocked vents, dirty filters can cause your air compressor to work harder than it should.
• Check belts and hoses. Cracked or damaged belts and hoses should be replaced immediately to prevent further damage and maintain the efficiency of your machine.

Monthly Maintenance

Each month, these maintenance actions should be performed on your air compressor after regular use:

• Tighten all bolts and other fasteners. Vibrations from the motor may cause bolts and fasteners to unscrew or loosen.
• Test the safety release and shutdown system. Ensure the safety valve is functioning properly to minimize risk of injury. Additionally, your air compressor may have an automatic shutdown system in case the air compressor or motor gets too hot.

Annual and Periodic Maintenance

In addition to daily, weekly and monthly maintenance, annual and periodic tasks should be completed as follows:

• Empty and clean the fuel tank every year.
• The air compressor motor and pump should be professionally serviced on a yearly basis.
• The air compressor lubricant should be changed every 500 – 1,000 hours of use.
• After every 1,000 hours of use, the air compressor’s separator element should be replaced.

Your air compressor is a vital piece for your business operations. Taking the time to work through this air compressor maintenance checklist will go a long way in ensuring the performance, efficiency and life of your air compressor. If you are in need of an air compressor maintenance technician, air compressor repair services, air compressor replacement parts, air compressor supplies, air compressor lubricants, air oil separators, or airend rebuilding solutions, contact the experts at Industrial Compressor Supplies online or by calling (877) 426-3131.

Industrial Compressor Supplies services the greater St. Louis, Missouri area including but not limited to: St. Charles, MO, O’Fallon, MO, Wentzville, MO, West St. Louis County, MO, Chesterfield, MO, Fenton, MO, Valley Park, MO, Arnold, MO. Industrial Compressor Supplies is major distributor of replacement air compressor parts for most major air compressor brands and manufacturers. Industrial Compressor Supplies ships nationwide and internationally.