Can I Perform the Maintenance on my Air Compressor Myself?
Once you’ve invested in an air compressor for your business or home you may ask yourself, “What happens if my compressor needs service? Needs a filter change? Oil change?” Chicago Pneumatic air compressors are designed and built for ease of maintenance, so that maintenance tasks can be performed by the customer on a regular basis. Maintaining your air compressor can save you time, money and increase the lifespan of your unit.
The first thing to remember before performing any maintenance tasks on your compressor is to read your operator’s manual. The manual will provide helpful tips on maintaining your compressor properly and will guide you to the correct location of filters, hoses, etc. Improperly maintaining your compressor or using homemade items to repair your unit may result in a void warranty if not done correctly.
When maintaining an air compressor, preventative maintenance is important in limiting any common issues you may encounter. Some of the most common preventative maintenance practices are:
· Cleaning intake vents
· Making sure all fasteners are tight
· Regularly checking hoses for cracks or corrosion
· Checking and changing air filters
· Checking and changing oil and oil filters
· Cleaning the heat exchangers
When Should I Let a Professional Work on my Compressor?
While the above mentioned preventative tasks can usually be handled by the customer, some services and most repairs are better off being handled by a professional technician. Rotary screw compressors in general can be more complicated than piston compressors to maintain, especially once they reach higher hours (8,000+). The following issues should normally result in a service call for your air compressor:
· Any electrical issues – Always have a qualified electrician install/troubleshoot
· Motor issues – if using an electrical unit, the capacitators can still be charged, resulting in injury
· Valve/drain removal on larger units – if all air isn’t drained from the tank, explosion can occur
· Pressure switch repair – It is very common to mistake a check valve issue for a pressure switch issue. You don’t want to remove and replace a pressure switch if it is not necessary
The key to an efficient Chicago Pneumatic air compressor is performing your own regularly scheduled preventative maintenance. The money and energy you save by performing regular maintenance tasks on your unit will pay dividends in the extended lifespan of your machine. If you run into critical issues with your machine that need to be handled by a technician, reach out to your local CP distributor/service location to setup a service call and have your machine safely repaired.
Whether you have questions about which compressor is right for you, or if you’re ready to improve your operations and start saving on expenses. Chicago Pneumatic has been around for over 100 years because we offer reliable and hardworking air compressors, as well as expert advice and support.