Air Compressor Maintenance & Servicing UK

The regularity of maintenance work on all air compressors is difficult to pinpoint to just one time period, as each machine’s requirements vary depending on the manufacturer, model, technology, and size. Some of the ways we would specify the maintenance required for your compressor is by assessing the site conditions where the equipment is located, how many hours the compressor has run for and how it will be treated. This could, for example, range from needing scheduled maintenance twice a year, to other compressors requiring assessments every 3 months. If you are not actively using the system it is still recommended that you maintain a schedule to keep up with its general status. It is important proper maintenance is performed, as this helps prevent costly repairs and ensures the reliability of your air compressor.

Our Do you have a compressor maintenance strategy blog gives great tips to help you produce an effective maintenance process.

There are several ways to service an air compressor, depending on the systems you have implemented.

Our scheduled maintenance includes:

• Visual Inspection – the inspection will require a visual from an authorised technician and should give insight into where problems may arise. These inspections can be performed every six months for smaller systems and must be performed every three months on larger systems. Performing regular inspections helps identify potential issues early, check for leaks, and maintain optimal performance.
• Lubrication – lubricating moving parts will keep them in good condition over time and maintain their usefulness. This can be performed every six months or so depending on usage.
• Changing Filters – changing filters throughout the compressed air system is crucial for maintaining system performance and should be scheduled based on usage frequency.
• Air Dryer Filter Replacement – filters used in lubricators, receiver tanks and other areas must be replaced frequently to avoid dirt and grime build up that will reduce the air quality in your system (and cause damage).
• Using a Blower and Gauges – performing blow-downs on larger systems is important to maintaining the efficiency of the compressor. This is done by using an approved blower and gauging device to ensure adequate performance every few months.
• Inspecting and Cleaning Intake Valves – intake valves should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure unobstructed airflow and prevent blockages or mechanical issues.
• Checking the Pressure Switch – verify the proper function of the pressure switch to ensure operational safety and prevent mechanical failures.
• Oil Changes – larger systems require regular oil changes and filter replacements to ensure proper lubrication. These can be done, for example, every 1500 hours or six months – whichever comes first. However, similarly to the maintenance work, this is manufacturer recommendation dependent.
• Thermal Imaging Inspections: – these are done periodically to ensure that your equipment is not overheating or experiencing other issues.
• Vapor Leak Testing – this is essential for systems which have refrigerant units, as compressed air can contain many hazardous gases/materials.

This will depend on your compressor type and how much you use your compressor. Some will require oil changes every 1000 hours, while others need it slightly less often. It’s recommended that oil is attended to at least annually for most compressors, however this is confirmed upon manufacturer recommendation.

It is important to have a qualified and experienced technician to carry out your air compressor maintenance. All of our service engineers will be able to identify faults and problems and give advice on further inspection and maintenance if needed. Professional servicing ensures proper maintenance, which is essential for the longevity and efficiency of your air compressor.

Keeping up with the required inspections and oil changes is vital, as these are necessary to ensure your system remains reliable over time. It is also important to keep the machine clean and dry, as moisture can cause corrosion to metal parts/components which will lead to malfunctions.

Alongside this, manufacturer trained engineers ensure that any warranty remains valid which could save you on vital costs for expensive compressed air components.

There are a few signs which indicate your system needs servicing. One of the most obvious is that it takes longer to fill as required, as this indicates that there is an issue with pressure or flow rate. Other possible problems include reduced air production over time, irregular noise from the machinery and vibrations when running. Listening for unusual sounds, such as grinding or excessive vibration, can help identify potential mechanical issues or internal damage.

The machine should work on a compressor manufacturer schedule (requiring a service after running a certain number of hours) and depending on the model, the compressor will usually indicate that servicing is required. However, if you are uncertain as to whether your system needs servicing or not it is best to consult with an expert.

And that’s a benefit of having a compressed air provider, you can leave it all to us and we’ll let you know when it’s time for your compressor to be serviced!