Most manufacturing centers shut down for a couple of weeks around Christmas and New Year’s. This shutdown is often mandated by the government or the relevant accrediting boards. Still, even if it isn’t, many plant managers see the value in giving their people (and their industrial equipment) a little time off.
It may seem like the seasonal shutdown is still a way off, but actually, it’s right around the corner. So now is the time to plan how your facility can use the shutdown as productively as possible, allowing you to hit the ground running when you reopen in January. Preventive maintenance is a critical task that every business should invest in, and the holiday shutdown is a perfect time to give your systems tender, loving care.
A Scheduled Shutdown is Ideal for Equipment Maintenance
Indeed, making wise use of the festive downtime can be the perfect way to solve a common production problem: Namely, how do you find time for equipment maintenance without interrupting your daily operations?
On the one hand, air compressors and other equipment require routine care to maintain proper performance and prevent failure or costly downtime later. But, simultaneously, servicing equipment often means suspending or slowing normal production. So it just makes sense to plan this maintenance for the one time of the year when your equipment will be taken offline anyway.
One of the biggest challenges with air compressor maintenance is the lack of knowledge about compressor servicing and desired work conditions. Mistakes can easily waste time and money and leave your technicians without tools unexpectedly. Therefore, selecting an experienced air compressor maintenance company is crucial to help ensure that you won’t have costly repairs on your hands down the road.
Seasonal Maintenance for Your Air Compressors
Specifically, what maintenance tasks should you schedule for the holiday shutdown? Here are a few suggestions:
- First and foremost, take some time to review maintenance notes and records from last year, which may provide insight into the necessary or overdue tasks.
- Address any issues that might have arisen due to the stress of summer weather. For example, change the oil and inlet filters, check the fluid system, and inspect belts and couplings.
- Take some time to clean your coolers, which have likely developed a fair amount of dirt and debris over the preceding months. High-pressure or ultrasonic cleaning methods may be advised.
- If you’ve considered any system upgrades or improvements, the holiday shutdown may be the ideal time to take action.
- The holiday season may also be the right time to check in with your routine maintenance provider, schedule an inspection, or do any other work.
The bottom line? Taking your machinery offline for the holiday season is an ideal time to schedule preventive maintenance tasks. So don’t let this annual opportunity pass you by!
Preventive Maintenance Services with ESA
The company you select for air compressor preventative maintenance is almost as significant as choosing the compressor itself. At Engineering Sales Associates, we’re passionate about keeping compressed air machinery working at peak performance, no matter the time or the season.
If you’re looking for air compressor preventative maintenance in North Carolina, contact us today!
Ready to schedule a consultation with ESA? Reach out to our experienced team today.
