While it can be difficult to determine if your compressor motor is no longer performing properly or doing its job, your unit will likely clue you into issues in a variety of ways. So, how do you know if your compressor is bad, and what do you do if it is?
Signs Your Industrial Air Compressor is Bad
There are many different signs that your industrial air compressor motor may be bad; for example, a shaky unit or a unit that produces warm air. However, some signs tend to pop up more often than others. Here are a few of the most common signs your air compressor motor may be bad:
- Hearing strange noises: While it’s normal for your air compressor to make a certain level of noise while in operation, if you hear loud noises coming from your unit or encounter clicking or clattering sounds, it’s likely your unit is experiencing some sort of issue internally. If left unaddressed for too long, whatever is causing the noises may irreparably damage the delicate internal parts of your compressor, necessitating a full unit replacement.
- The presence of moisture: Like noise, some moisture coming from your compressor is normal. However, when moisture levels become too elevated, the performance of your unit may be impacted. High moisture levels within your compressor can negatively affect the quality of your air supply and could cause your whole system to malfunction. At the very least, the presence of excess moisture is likely going to cause your compressor to develop rust.
- Circuit breaker problems: While it may be normal to experience a circuit breaker trip on rare occasions when running your machine at its highest settings, regular circuit trips or blown fuses are a sign that your unit is experiencing system overload. If you’re facing this issue, have an electrician check out your system to find any electrical issues that may be causing the trips. If none are detected, or the compressor still fails after fixing the circuit, you may need to invest in a new system.
Repair vs Replacement of Your Industrial Air Compressor
Deciding whether to make repairs to your industrial air compressor or to simply replace the entire unit can be a difficult decision. While repairing your compressor can be less costly than a full replacement, there are a number of different scenarios where opting for a full replacement may serve you and your business better in the long run.
If repairs are occurring more often, you may want to consider a full unit replacement instead of a ton of small repairs. One or two repairs being required occasionally is one thing, but having regular repairs to your compressor is a sign that all the parts have degraded and the unit is no longer operating at an ideal performance level. Instead of spending more money on a multitude of small repairs for a machine you’ll have to entirely replace sooner or later, consider replacing your compressor.
If repairs are costly, you may want to save what you can by purchasing an entirely new compressor system. While cheap repairs are a no-brainer, performing or shelling out the money for extensive and expensive repairs to your compressor can actually lead to you spending more money on your system in the long run. Instead of wasting the money to repair a unit you’ll end up replacing eventually anyway, it may be smarter to simply replace your compressor altogether.
Having a hard time finding parts for the repair of your compressor system? This may be a sign to replace your industrial air compressor. If the parts required for repair are unavailable in your area or will take a considerable amount of time to come in, it may be smarter to get a new unit. Waiting for a part or multiple parts to come means a lot of downtime for your system, costing you money. Instead of just muddling through all this downtime, using the time to install a new system may be the best option for you and your business.
While making the choice to completely replace your industrial air compressor is a huge decision, there are a number of different occasions where it may be the best option. Replacement of your compressor system allows your business to start with a clean slate. You’ll be able to establish a new maintenance plan, avoid costly repairs, and avoid extended periods of downtime for your production.
Call ESA Today for Help With Your Air Compressor
Our trained experts have decades of experience with industrial air compressors and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to determining when you should repair or replace your system. If you think your compressor motor may not be working as it should be, give us a call today. We can discuss what potential issues may be, help you identify the cause of those issues, and help determine what the proper next steps are. The best part? We’ll be there to support you along the way, whether that means repairs or replacements.