What Are Common Problems With Air Compressors?

Be it in industrial or home settings, air compressors are great tools for energy saving and efficiency in a wide variety of applications. Air compressor uses include powering tools like air guns, appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners, as well as vehicle engines and brakes. With such a wide range of uses, air compressors can be found in all sorts of settings with many different functions.

There are many different types of air compressors with different setups – common types of air compressors include piston and screw compressors, oil-lubricated and oil-free air compressors, belt drive air compressors and direct drive air compressors. While each air compressor type has its own merits, which type of air compressor to choose ultimately depends on your intended usage.

Like all machinery, air compressors require regular maintenance to ensure they run efficiently and effectively. It may not be difficult to find air compressor servicing in Singapore, as many air compressor suppliers in Singapore provide servicing after purchasing their machines or air compressor parts. Before looking into air compressor servicing, it is important to have a good understanding of what the common causes of air compressor failure are – be it for industrial, commercial, or home usage. This will help you identify the problem you are dealing with, and allow you to better understand how to deal with common air compressor problems.

Common Air Compressor Problems You Should Know
The most common cause for air compressor failure is normal wear and tear, in which the lifespan and longevity of an air compressor can be maximized with regular maintenance and inspection. Other common reasons include external causes like power surges and issues, along with poor installation. Here are some of the most common problems with air compressors that you may face, as well as simple solutions to troubleshoot your air compressor.

1. Air compressor failure
The most common basic problem you may face with air compressors is that it fails to start or stop. If your air compressor won’t start, be sure to first check on your power sources – disconnected power cords, deactivated switches, and incorrectly-set breakers are simple but common problems that can be easily fixed.

Air compressors can also fail to start if there is the sufficient air pressure in relation to the cut-in pressure, which can be resolved by adjusting the cut-in pressure settings accordingly. Lubricated air compressors may also have problems starting if there is a lack of oil, so ensure your tank has enough compressor fluids before beginning.

If your air compressor has problems stopping, it could be due to a defective power switch or faulty pressure release valve. With these issues, you could change the switch and replace the valve respectively by purchasing air compressor parts from air compressor suppliers in Singapore.

2. Air leaks
To identify an air leak in your air compressor, check the pressure gauge when the air compressor is deactivated on a full tank. If the gauge indicates a lower pressure, you may begin pinpointing the source of your air leak by listening for a hissing sound or feeling around the component to find the escaping air.

Another method is to lather your connecting parts with liquid soap, and areas that begin bubbling are the source of your leak. Be sure to tighten the affected connections once the leak has been located.

3. Air pressure and airflow issues
Pressure problems can be more tricky, as air compressors can either build up too much or not enough air. Such issues tend to occur when components like the pressure valve, intake valve, tank check valve, gasket, or piston seal are worn out or damaged. This is easily fixed by checking and replacing these affected components.

Other causes of air pressure and flow problems include obstructed intake filters, an ill-fitting coupler, and wrong pressure gauge settings.

4. Overheating
When air compressors are placed in poorly ventilated areas, overheating can easily occur. Other causes of extreme air heat include dirt accumulated in the compressor, limited air intake, and worn-out head gaskets and valves. This can be dangerous and could damage surrounding areas or the internal mechanisms of the air compressor.

Overheating can be remedied by replacing compressor parts or moving your air compressor to a more well-ventilated area, depending on the cause.

5. Oil Issues
With oil-lubricated air compressors, expired oil and aerosolized oil can contaminate your air compressor parts and damage your air compressor. These can be due to a variety of factors, including intake obstruction, oil leaks, wrong oil viscosity, excessive oil in the tank, and issues with the piston ring. Be sure to research how often you should change the oil of your air compressor and what kind of oil to use in an air compressor.

If you’re using an oil-free air compressor, these issues won’t apply as no oil is used in the air compressor machine. To learn more about oil-free air compressors and their benefits, check out our article for detailed information!

Air Compressor Servicing and Supplier in Singapore
These common issues can be found in all sorts of air compressors, including oil-free screw compressors, rotary-screw & reciprocating air compressors. To avoid your air compressor problems becoming worse over time and damaging the whole machine or its surroundings, be sure to do frequent maintenance checks and troubleshoot your air compressor as soon as problems arise.

Lian Beng Machinery Co is the leading oil-free air compressor supplier in Singapore, with over 30 years of experience in distributing industrial and construction machinery. They feature competitive pricing on a wide range of air compressor machines and air compressor parts, including popular air compressor brand MonsterAir and portable oil-free air compressors. They also provide free air compressor servicing in Singapore for new purchases above $4,000, with a quick one-day service response time.

Read more about why you should get your air compressors at Lian Beng Machinery Co here!