How to Maintain Your Air Compressor Motor for Peak Performance
Because your air compressor is an integral part of daily operations, maintaining your unit’s motor is essential. Proper air compressor motor maintenance reduces the risk of equipment failure and associated downtime, extends the life of your air compressor and helps maximize the energy efficiency of your air compression system. As your partner in air compression systems, JHFOSTER provides assistance and services designed to keep your air compressor – and operations – up and running.
What Maintenance Does an Air Compressor Motor Require?
A proactive maintenance routine that includes preventive maintenance activities is your best defense against unexpected breakdowns. Below you’ll find a preventive maintenance check list for your air compressor motor. Following these steps will help prevent failure, extend the useful lifetime of your air compressor and increase energy efficiency, saving your operation money and ensuring reliable productivity.
As an essential safety precaution, disconnect power before performing these activities.
Perform Routine Inspections
Routine inspections can go a long way toward identifying small issues before they become larger ones that can compromise your air compressor’s performance and efficiency. Here is a checklist of items to inspect during daily operations:
● During normal operation, listen for unusual motor noises or vibration.
● Check for signs of wear and tear or damaged motor wiring.
● Check for and tighten any loose bolts, belts or pulleys.
● Check and secure electrical connections and replace any that appear corroded.
Keep It Clean: Motor Cleaning
A clean air compressor motor runs cooler and more efficiently, boosting your compressor’s performance and energy efficiency.
● To keep the motor exterior clean, periodically wipe down the air compressor and motor with a soft cloth to remove dirt, dust and other contaminants before they enter the system.
Ensure Proper Lubrication
Many air compressor motors require periodic lubrication.
● Grease the motor bearings as recommended by the manufacturer.
Maintain Proper Ventilation
Overheating is a major cause of motor failure, so ensuring proper ventilation around the air compressor is essential.
● Clean the area around the compressor and the compressor room on a regular basis to ensure dirt, dust and other contaminants are not introduced to the motor or motor controls.
● Provide enough space around the compressor for air to circulate.
● Temperatures in the air compressor room should be kept between 50° and 85°F to avoid overheating. If the room temperature is warmer, use fans and increase ventilation to ensure proper temperature.
Signs of Air Compressor Motor Issues
While proactive air compressor maintenance will prevent many failures and extend the life of the unit and its motor, you may still encounter issues. Recognizing early warning signs may help you avert catastrophic failure.
Common symptoms of a bad air compressor motor include:
● Unusual noises: Unusual humming and vibrations can indicate internal issues that should be addressed.
● Overheating: A motor that is unusually hot to the touch is a sign of motor strain and overheating.
● Frequent breaker trips: Breaker trips occur when the motor is drawing too much current, alerting you to potential electrical faults or mechanical issues.
● Difficulty starting: Hesitation or failure to start indicates problems with motor and/or motor control components.
● Reduced performance: A noticeable drop in pressure or airflow from the air compression system may signal an issue with the motor.
How Long Should an Air Compressor Motor Last?
While there is no specific “expiration date” for air compressor motors, a well-maintained motor in an industrial setting should last for many years. Operating hours, workload, quality of power provided, environment and, most importantly, proper maintenance, all influence the lifespan of a compressor motor.
JHFOSTER’s preventive maintenance programs are key to maximizing the lifetime of your air compressor motor.
When DIY Isn’t Enough: Partner with JHFOSTER for Expert Service
While routine inspections and preventive maintenance activities will keep your air compressor motor running in top condition, there are limits to what can and should be done in house. Complex diagnostics and repairs require certified expertise to avoid further damage and ensure safety. As your air compression partner, JHFOSTER can provide:
Comprehensive Diagnostics and Repair
● Our certified technicians can accurately diagnose issues using the latest tools and equipment.
● Our 24/7 emergency service minimizes downtime so you can get up and running again ASAP.
System Evaluations that Uncover Hidden Savings
● Our professional compressed air evaluations can help identify issues and inefficiencies that in-house staff may miss.
Preventive Maintenance Programs
● Learn about our scheduled maintenance agreements today.
● This worry-free solution will help keep your air compression system in peak condition.
Get Expert Support for Your Compressed Air System
Don’t wait for a catastrophic failure to address the health of your air compressor motor. Whether you need an emergency repair, a system evaluation or a reliable maintenance plan, the experts at JHFOSTER are ready to help. Request air compressor service or repair, learn more about our air compressor repair services, or call us at 855-688-0065.
