7 Clear Signs Your Air Compressor Is Failing

By Admin
•
18 Oct, 2021
•

Compressor Factory — Arlington, WA — Compressed Air Systems

An air compressor is an essential tool in many businesses. So you need to learn how to maintain the compressor properly to lengthen its life and keep the operations that rely on it going smoothly.

Sometimes it's hard to determine the cause of failure in an air compressor. Fortunately, some signs can help you determine whether to repair the air compressor or replace it altogether. Here are the crucial signs you should look out for.

1. Strange Noises

Naturally, an air compressor should make some noise at a consistent volume. However, if the air compressor becomes louder and produces ticking, clattering, and clicking sounds, it's a sign of technical problems with the machine. First, switch off the device and call a technician to inspect it before the delicate internal components get damaged. If all forms of troubleshooting don't fix the air compressor, a new unit is probably necessary.

2. Excess Moisture

It's normal for air compressors to produce some level of moisture. However, excess moisture can affect the normal working of the compressor and lower the quality of the air supply or cause the system to malfunction. Too much water can also cause the system to rust.

First, check if the air receiver is functioning correctly. If your air compressor has a manual drain, ensure you drain it daily. If the air compressor has an automatic drain, you can add a dryer to the system to keep the moisture in check.

3. Warm Air

If warm air comes out of the blower, you should take action before things get of hand. Warm air indicates that the air compressor cannot pump refrigerant through the system, perhaps due to a reduced refrigerant supply. A refrigerant leak, if left unchecked, can cause serious problems to the air compressor.

4. Shaky Unit

A shaky compressor has problems starting or functioning, which is a clear sign that some internal components are out of order. If the compressor goes unchecked, the damage will extend into the internal system and could finally end the compressor's life.

As soon as the unit starts vibrating, you should enlist a technician to determine the problem and advise on the way forward.

5. Circuit Breaker Issues

If the fuse blows out or the circuit trips regularly, a system overload might be the issue. You should switch off the system to avoid further damage. An electrician can check the circuit and also correct any other electrical problem present in the system. If the air compressor still fails after fixing the circuit, you should invest in a new device.

6. Low Air Pressure

If the air compressor has too little air pressure, faulty controls are mostly to blame. Slipped belts, internal wear and tear, or damage to the compressor can also cause low pressure.

If the compressor has no air pressure at all, you should check the controls to ensure they are correctly set. It's best to call a professional to thoroughly assess the controls and compressor before the whole unit fails completely.

7. Stops working

An obvious reason a compressor will not start is a disconnected power cord. Low oil levels or extremely low tank pressure are also common reasons. You can fix these issues by resetting the air compressor unit, replacing the oil, or getting a new pressure switch.

If the air compressor still fails to start after these fixes, you can call in a professional to pinpoint what the issue might be and correct it. A new unit may be necessary if these measures still fail.

If you notice any of these signs with your air compressor, contact Compressed Air Systems ASAP to talk about the repair or replacement of your unit.