Should I Repair or Replace My Air Compressor?
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Whether you should Repair or Replace an Air Compressor can sometimes be a tricky thing to decide, we all know that anything that you use will experience wear and tear and that sometimes things will break or wear out and they will need to be replaced, but when should you consider replace your air compressor?
If your air compressor is relatively new and the cost of the repairs are minimal, it may be cost-effective to repair it. On the other hand, if your air compressor is old or it has undergone several repairs in the past, now may be a more sensible time to replace it, especially if the cost of repairing it exceeds the cost of buying a new air compressor.
Ultimately, the decision to repair or replace your air compressor comes down to several factors, including the age and condition of the air compressor, the repair cost, and your budget. Before you make any major decisions though it's advisable that you consult with a professional technician, they will be able to provide you with a better assessment of the situation and help you make an informed decision.
Table of contents
As we have mentioned earlier, the decision to repair or replace your air compressor will depend on a variety of factors, so to help you make your decision lets look at them in a bit more detail.
Replacing an Air Compressor - Factor To Consider.
Age of the air compressor:
If the air compressor is older than 10 years, it may be time to consider replacement it as it may not be cost-efficient to repair such an old air compressor.
You should also consider that age is not just a number, regardless of whether you purchased the most durable air compressor right now, you have to understand that age will catch up with some of the parts.
There are some parts that should be replaced after a few years. If the air compressor gets old, there is a chance that you won’t be able to find new part. There is a chance that you will only have opportunities to replace the ageing parts with second hand parts obtained from used or worn out models.
Cost of repair:
If the cost of repair is more than 50% of the cost of a new air compressor, it may be more cost-effective to replace it. Failing to do so could led to costly repair bills in the future and no one wants to throw good money away, cutting your losses today and purchasing that new compressor could just be the way to go.
Frequency of breakdowns:
If your air compressor frequently breaks down or requires repairs, replacing it with a newer model may save you money in the long run. This may also be a good time to revisit whether your existing air compressor is still the correct size for you needs? If your needs have expanded a larger air compressor may help reduce breakdown and repair costs.
Energy efficiency:
If your current air compressor is outdated and inefficient, you may have an opportunity to save money on energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. Air compressors continue to evolve enabling larger CFM from lower powered motors ensuring lower running costs which is definitely great for the hip pocket.
Newer features:
Along with the advances in air compressor technology come a swag of new features that may not have been available when you purchased your existing air compressor. Newer features such as automatic shutoff or improved noise reduction may be very desirable, if this is the case it may be time to upgrade to a new air compressor.
Warranty:
If your air compressor is still under warranty, it may be more cost-effective to have it repaired rather than replace it. On the other side if you are out of warranty then buying a new air compressor with a multi year warranty can reduce your repair cost as well as giving you some peace of mind.
Usage:
If you only use your air compressor occasionally, repairing it may be more economical. However, if you use it frequently, it may be more practical to replace it.
Overuse:
There is a chance that the air compressor is already overused. For industrial or for small business operations, this is a common scenario. Keep in mind that tools will always experience fatigue as you use them, the same goes for the air compressors.
Though this is not really a bad thing if you think of it, since this means that you made use of the equipment well, unfortunately you have to accept the fact though that this overuse could accelerate the wear and tear on the air compressor.
Air Compressors Damage - Typical Causes.
The way you use your air compressor and the environment it is used in can all play a part in causing damage to your air compressors, lets have a look at some of the common things to try and avoid to maximize the life of your compressor:
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Overheating: Excessive heat buildup in the compressor can cause damage to the internal components and reduce its overall lifespan.
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Moisture: Moisture can accumulate within the air compressor tank and air lines, this can lead to rust and corrosion that can damage the compressor's components. Draining your air compressors tank regularly is a great maintenance procedure to get into.
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Contaminants: The presence of dirt, debris, or other contaminants in the air being compressed can cause damage to the compressor's valves, pistons, and other internal components. Trying to maintain a clean environment around the air compressor will help reduce the risk of damage.
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Improper maintenance: Failure to perform regular maintenance, such as changing the oil, cleaning the air filters, and inspecting the valves, can cause the compressor to malfunction and suffer damage. You also need to ensure that an oil that has been specifically designed for air compressor needs is used as efficiency and damage can result from using the wrong tye of oil.
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Overuse: Running the compressor continuously without proper rest periods or exceeding its rated capacity can cause it to overheat, wear out its components, and eventually fail.
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Weather: It is possible that weather conditions could be one of the most common reasons why the air compressor ages. Ensuring that your air compressor is not directly exposed to the elements is always a good practice to have.
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Vermin: Another possible reason is that there are pests that damaged the air compressor such as the rats and other rodents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let look at some questions that other people are asking when they are trying to make the decision as to repair or replace their air compressor.
Q: Can an air compressor be repaired?
A: While it is recommended to seek the assistance of professionals for intricate repairs, operators can also perform basic air compressor repairs. Such repairs may involve fixing leaks, replacing unloader valves, adjusting airflow, restoring power, addressing electrical issues, and replacing damaged intake filters.
Q: What is the life expectancy of an air compressor?
A: The expected lifespan of reciprocating air compressors is around 50,000 hours, while centrifugal air compressors can last for 250,000 hours or more. Oil-free rotary screw compressors have a lifespan of approximately 70,000 hours. The longevity of portable air compressors is highly dependent on the number of operating hours they experience.
Q: What type of air compressor lasts the longest?
A: Rotary screw compressors operate continuously, ensuring uninterrupted performance for completing your tasks. Compared to reciprocating compressors, rotary screw compressors have a longer lifespan.
Q: What is the difference between a 2 and 3 stage air compressor?
A: A compressor with two stages involves the air passing through two chambers. The second chamber is responsible for achieving the desired level of pressurization. On the other hand, a three-stage compressor goes through an additional cycle of compression and cooling before reaching the desired level of pressure in the second chamber.
So When Should You Stick With Repairs?
It is imperative that you stick with repairs early in the ball game. You have to make sure that you are not going to invest on a repair when so many other parts are already affected. If you can prevent further damage by acting early, then perhaps, this can be the best thing that you can do.
But of course, there will be times when it is already time to replace the air compressor. There are times when it is very hard to find a replacement part for the equipment or the motor was already damaged. If the trouble is already no longer practical, it is ideal that you stick with a new air compressor.
Final Thoughts
There are many air compressors in the business and finding what is right your you can be hard, so it is a good thing to look at the reviews of the air compressors before you even purchase them.
Try to see if there is a possibility of getting an air compressor that is easy to repair. It is even a good idea if you could purchase an air compressor that has an office within the area where you are located. This way, you can easily ask for help and if your compressor needs servicing they can get you the necessary parts and customer support necessary.
The final decision as to whether to repair or replace your air compressor is down to you but we hope that this article has been able to provide you with good information to help with your decision.
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