Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Air Compressor System

Spring is here, and it's the perfect time to give your air compressor system a thorough maintenance check. With fluctuating temperatures, increased humidity, and pollen levels on the rise, your air compressor system can face a variety of challenges. We'll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to prepare your industrial air compressor and compressor room for the upcoming season to ensure optimal performance and avoid costly downtime. 

Monitor Compressor Temperatures and Ensure Proper Ventilation 

Air compressors generate a lot of heat, and with spring's fluctuating temperatures, it's very important to monitor and log compressor temperatures to detect and address overheating issues. Make sure your cooler is functioning properly and that your compressor room is well-ventilated to prevent overheating and downtime. 

Tackle Increased Humidity 

As temperatures rise, so does humidity. Ensure your condensate traps, drains, air tanks, and dryers are functioning optimally to prevent moisture related problems in your compressor system. 

Compressed Air Filters 

Spring brings increased pollen and allergens, which can affect your compressor system. Make sure your filters are in good working order by following a preventative maintenance schedule. Keep a closer eye on your filters during the summer, especially air intake panel filters and coalescing filters, and consider checking them twice as often as recommended. This will help extend the life of your compressor filters and system.

General Cleaning for Your Air Compressor and Compressor Room

Thoroughly clean the compressor itself and the area around it. Dust compressor surfaces, clean coolers and heat exchangers, and remove debris from air intakes. Check and clean connectors and condensation drain traps. Ensure adequate airflow around the compressor, heat exchangers, and air dryers by clearing stored materials and cleaning the room. Also make sure that your compressor room has proper air flow and does not get too hot for your compressor.

Inspect and Clean Compressed Air Pipes, Hoses, and Connectors

Perform a complete inspection of your compressed air distribution system, including pipes, hoses, and connectors. Check for signs of leaks, corrosion, and buildup of moisture or particulates. Schedule a leak detection and repair appointment with an air compressor technician if needed. If you see moisture or corrosion, consider upgrading your air drying system. If you notice dry particulates, add an inline filter or change your filters more frequently. 

Check Oil and Oil Filters 

For oil-lubricated air compressors, spring is a great time to perform a complete oil change and flush. Change the oil according to your user manual and replace the oil filter at least annually or every 2,000 hours of operation. 

Evaluate or Test Desiccant

Get your desiccant air dryer ready for spring and summer by checking the condition of the desiccant. Make sure the desiccant has not degraded and that the air dryer is still meeting your dew point requirements. Depending on the type of desiccant dryer you are using, desiccant typically lasts 3 - 12 months and needs to be parodically changed for those warmer spring months and humid summer. Contact Compressor Shop if you need help testing desiccant.

Check Temperature Stabilization 

Inspect and maintain your compressor's cooling system, whether it's air-cooled or water-cooled. Clean the air-oil coolers, check for leaks or obstructions in water-cooled systems, and inspect your heat exchanger to ensure proper functioning. 

Your air compressor system is an essential part of your operation, so don't overlook its maintenance during the spring months, because you need to be ready for the hot summer months! Following these spring compressor cleaning tips will help to make sure your air compressor is ready for optimal performance in the spring and summer.