Your air compressor plays a vital role in keeping your business processes working. Often, they are the unsung heroes working day in and day out in the background powering your tools and equipment.. For some, a breakdown can be a mild inconvenience, whilst for others, it can have major implications for productivity, as well as health and safety implications too.

Servicing your air compressor may not always seem like the highest priority, but regular preventative maintenance not only keeps air compressors running smoothly but also prevents downtime and expensive breakdowns.  By operating your air compressors at optimum levels, servicing can have significant benefits on energy consumption and, therefore, the overall operational costs of your machines.

What are the benefits of servicing your air compressor?

Improves efficiency and performance

Over time, dirt, debris, and moisture can build up in the system, reducing the compressor’s ability to produce clean, high-pressure air. Regular servicing helps ensure maximum efficiency and performance and maintains optimal air output.

Reduces energy wastage and costs of your air compressor

A well-maintained compressor runs more efficiently, using less energy to generate the required air pressure, thereby reducing running costs. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, consuming less power to produce the same amount of compressed air. By regularly cleaning coolers, ventilation systems, and radiators power usage can be optimised.

Addressing air leaks promptly can prevent substantial energy waste. Research carried out by the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) has shown that a single 3mm hole in an air pipe could result in over £600 of wasted energy annually.

Small issues caught early during routine maintenance can prevent more expensive repairs later. For example, replacing a worn-out belt is much cheaper than repairing damage caused by a broken belt.

Regular servicing extends the lifespan of your air compressor

Like any mechanical system, air compressors have moving parts that wear out over time. Regular servicing, such as oil changes (for oil-lubricated models) and part replacement, reduces friction and wear, extending the machine’s lifespan. Proper servicing helps identify and address minor issues before they develop into major problems, reducing the likelihood of catastrophic failures that could necessitate complete system replacement.

Prevents major breakdowns

Early detection of potential problems, such as worn-out belts or faulty seals, can prevent costly damage, saving money on repairs and replacement. Regular inspections and servicing allow our service engineers to identify potential issues before they escalate into major problems.

Improves safety

Compressors generate a lot of heat and pressure. Without servicing, components like valves, hoses, and tanks can deteriorate, potentially leading to dangerous situations such as overheating, ruptured hoses, or tank explosions. Regularly servicing your air compressor can prevent overheating and mechanical failure and helps protect your staff from health and safety risks.

Maintain air quality with routine servicing

Regular maintenance helps prevent oil, dirt, or water from contaminating the air supply. This is critical for applications that require clean air, such as painting or medical uses.

Maintain consistent air pressure

Compressors which are not properly serviced may struggle to maintain consistent pressure levels, which can affect the performance of air-powered tools and equipment. Regular servicing ensures the compressor delivers a steady, reliable air supply and avoids pressure fluctuations.

Reduces the damaging effect of moisture buildup

Compressors condense moisture from the air, and without proper servicing, moisture can build up in the system, potentially leading to rust, corrosion, and equipment damage. By having a routine service plan in place, you can help reduce moisture buildup.

Servicing your air compressor reduces downtime

A poorly maintained compressor is more prone to sudden breakdowns, leading to unexpected downtime. Regular servicing helps prevent interruptions in production or workflow. The cost of repairs, coupled with lost productivity, can quickly escalate, making proactive maintenance a sensible part of your business strategy.

Properly serviced compressors are more reliable and can be counted on to perform consistently, reducing the risk of work stoppages.

Maintain your manufacturer’s warranty with routine servicing

Most compressor manufacturers require regular maintenance to keep the warranty valid. Skipping service intervals could void the warranty, leaving you without protection in the event of a major breakdown.

Scheduled maintenance versus emergency repairs

Implementing a scheduled maintenance programme for air compressors significantly reduces unexpected breakdowns and optimises efficiency. Scheduled servicing allows our service engineers to identify potential issues early on, addressing them before they escalate into major problems that could lead to system shutdowns. At Avelair we offer both routine service plans or alternatively, can provide air compressor servicing on an as and when required basis. The choice is yours. Whichever you choose, you can rest easy that your air compressor servicing is in good hands.

How often should an air compressor be serviced?

We recommend that your air compressors be serviced annually or after every 2,000 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. The frequency of service may vary, such as every 6, 9, or 12 months, depending on how often the compressor is used.

What area does Avelair cover for servicing of air compressors?

We offer UK wide servicing of air compressors either using our own service team based in Suffolk along with our extensive range of partners who cover the whole of the country.

From reducing energy consumption and operating costs to preventing unexpected breakdowns, proper maintenance of your air compressors is essential to keep your operations running smoothly. Avelair has a team of highly trained service engineers who are able to service not only our own machines but also those from other manufacturers.