Whether part of a manufacturing or processing application, an industrial air compressor can be one of the most important tools in a commercial system. Deciding to purchase an air compressor is a big decision, with many factors that must be considered. But once you’ve found the compressor right for you and gotten good use of that vital piece of machinery, how do you know when it’s time for an upgrade?
Common Types of Commercial Air Compressors
If you found yourself doing research before the purchase of your current commercial air compressor, you may be familiar with the different types of compressors that are most commonly used in industrial settings today. Depending on your needs, selecting the right industrial air compressor for your application can help to ensure your system runs at peak efficiency. While there are a multitude of different types of industrial air compressors on the market today, here are a few of the most common types of compressor you will probably consider when purchasing for the first time or replacing your current compressor:
- Rotary Screw Compressors
- Reciprocating Compressors
- Centrifugal Compressors
- Axial Compressors
Industrial Air Compressor Maintenance
While needing to replace or upgrade your commercial air compressor is unavoidable, there are a couple of ways that you can try to delay the inevitable. The first way to extend the life of your compressor is by keeping your system and equipment as clean as possible. Ensuring a clean setting and piece of machinery helps prevent the degradation of machine parts and output reduction from your compressor. Additionally, you want to ensure that your chosen compressor is the right one for your application. If the compressor is too small or inefficient for your needs, odds are it will be running itself ragged, trying to keep up with the demands of your system. Finally, and most importantly, you must perform preventative maintenance on your air compressor. Repairing and replacing parts of your compressor promptly helps to extend the life of your air compressor and keep it running smoothly.
Signs You Should Upgrade Your Industrial Air Compressor
There are many different signs that, while not necessarily a reason to replace your compressor on their own, can indicate that it might be time to consider an upgrade, especially in conjunction with one another.
- Your system has experienced more than one breakdown during the last year: Breakdowns within your system can be costly, and multiple breakdowns in the same year can be a sign of a major problem within your air compressor.
- If your compressor is constantly running: A compressor that runs around the clock to meet your application’s needs is a sign that the capacity your system requires is greater than what your compressor can provide.
- Your system is more than 20 years old: While the life expectancy of an industrial air compressor is long, if your system is pushing two decades or more, chances are new technology has come out that could vastly improve the efficiency of your system.
- Finding replacement parts is hard: After a breakdown or malfunction, finding replacement parts for your generator is vital to getting your system back up and running as soon as possible. If replacement parts are hard to find, it is likely because newer and more efficient models have replaced the piece of machinery you have.
- You notice a significant decrease in efficiency compared to when your machine was new: As a commercial air compressor ages, it’s natural for it to become less efficient. However, if you find your energy costs are increasing significantly and your system has become less efficient, it may be time to upgrade to a newer and more efficient model.
- The usage demand of your system has changed: Throughout the life of a business, the scale of operation is likely to go through a multitude of changes. When your facility scales up or down, consider upgrading your compressor to match the size of your operation.
Why Choose ESA?
Now that you’ve discovered it may be time to upgrade your current compressor setup, you may wonder what your next steps are. Luckily, the professionals here at ESA are ready to help. We offer top-of-the-line service to our clients for all their industrial air compressor needs, whether performing maintenance tasks, repairing, or installing replacement compressors for our customers.
As one of the leading industrial air compressor companies in North and South Carolina, we’re proud to offer 24/7 service to our clients, along with superior customer service. Day or night, we’re here to answer your questions and address your concerns about your commercial air compressor.
Having been in business for over six decades, we’ve seen it all when it comes to air compressor systems, and we ensure our staff is up-to-date on developments within the industrial air compressor market to provide our customers with the best service possible.
Whether you need repairs or a full compressor replacement or upgrade, we’re dedicated to helping our clients save money at ESA, meaning you’ll never find hidden fees while working with us.
