How often should an air compressor have maintenance work done?

The regularity of maintenance work on all air compressors is difficult to pinpoint to just one time period, as each machine’s requirements vary depending on the manufacturer, model, technology, and size. Some of the ways we would specify the maintenance required for your compressor is by assessing the site conditions where the equipment is located, how many hours the compressor has ran for and how it will be treated. This could, for example, range from needing scheduled maintenance twice a year, to other compressors requiring assessments every 3 months. If you are not actively using the system it is still recommended that you maintain a schedule to keep up with its general status.

Our Do you have a compressor maintenance strategy blog gives great tips to help you produce an effective maintenance process.

How are air compressors serviced?

There are several ways to service an air compressor, depending on the systems you have implemented.

Our scheduled maintenance includes:

  • Visual Inspection – the inspection will require a visual from an authorised technician and should give insight into where problems may arise. These inspections can be performed every six months for smaller systems and must be performed every three months on larger systems.
  • Lubrication – lubricating moving parts will keep them in good condition over time and maintain their usefulness. This can be performed every six months or so depending on usage.
  • Air Dryer Filter Replacement – filters used in lubricators, receiver tanks and other areas must be replaced frequently to avoid dirt and grime build up that will reduce the air quality in your system (and cause damage).
  • Using a Blower and Gauges – performing blow-downs on larger systems is important to maintaining the efficiency of the compressor. This is done by using an approved blower and gauging device to ensure adequate performance every few months.
  • Oil Changes – larger systems require regular oil changes and filter replacements to ensure proper lubrication. These can be done, for example, every 1500 hours or six months – whichever comes first. However, similarly to the maintenance work, this is manufacturer recommendation dependent.
  • Thermal Imaging Inspections: – these are done periodically to ensure that your equipment is not overheating or experiencing other issues.
  • Vapor Leak Testing – this is essential for systems which have refrigerant units, as compressed air can contain many hazardous gases/materials.

How often do air compressors need oil?

This will depend on your compressor type and how much you use your compressor. Some will require oil changes every 1000 hours, while others need it slightly less often. It’s recommended that oil is attended to at least annually for most compressors, however this is confirmed upon manufacturer recommendation.

Why should you use an expert to service your air compressor?

It is important to have a qualified and experienced technician service your air compressor. All of our service engineers will be able to identify faults and problems and give advice on further inspection and maintenance if needed.

Keeping up with the required inspections and oil changes is vital, as these are necessary to ensure your system remains reliable over time. It is also important to keep the machine clean and dry, as moisture can cause corrosion to metal parts/components which will lead to malfunctions.

Alongside this, manufacturer trained engineers ensure that any warranty remains valid which could save you on vital costs for expensive compressed air components.

How do I know whether or not my compressor needs servicing?

There are a few signs which indicate your system needs servicing. One of the most obvious is that it takes longer to fill as required, as this indicates that there is an issue with pressure or flow rate. Other possible problems include reduced air production over time, irregular noise from the machinery and vibrations when running.

The machine should work on a compressor manufacturer schedule (requiring a service after running a certain number of hours) and depending on the model, the compressor will usually indicate that servicing is required. However, if you are uncertain as to whether your system needs servicing or not it is best to consult with an expert.

And that’s a benefit of having a compressed air provider, you can leave it all to us and we’ll let you know when it’s time for your compressor to be serviced!

Who are you registered with?

Direct Air are registered members of the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS).

We also are accredited by Achilles, SafeContractor, CHAS and Constructionline.

Find out more

Are you available 24/7?

Customers with Direct Air service contracts benefit from our 24-hour response team.

How long are your compressors under warranty?

Subject to maintaining the recommended service and maintenance schedule:

  • Most CompAir compressors fall under the Assure warranty for up to 44,000 operating hours or 6 years (whichever is the soonest).
  • The Hydrovane ADVANCE warranty is valid for up to 10 years or 48,000 hours on new 4kW-75kW compressors.
  • BOGE bestcair offers a 5-year guarantee on all replacement parts.

To discuss the exact warranty details on the air compressor you are interested in, please contact us for more information.

What is a written scheme of examination (WSE)?

Under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR), all users and owners of pressure systems need to be able to demonstrate that their equipment is safe to use and that they are firmly aware of its safe operating limits.

This is achieved by having a Written Scheme of Examination (WSE) completed by a ‘Competent Person’ with associated thorough examination reports.

Find out how to get a WSE

Do you provide installation?

All air compressor installation work is carried out by our own fully skilled engineers in compliance with current approved codes of practice and pressure systems regulations.

Our installation team are fully conversant with compressed air, and all cooling and chilled water system requirements.

Our ability to provide a total system solution and turnkey packages while maintaining control over the project from start through to final completion ensures that the air compressor installation system is correct from design to commissioning.

Visit our installations page

Do you offer finance options on buying new equipment?

Yes, we offer different financing options including leasing and rental packages – available subject to a credit check.

Find out more about finance options

What maintenance/servicing options do you provide?

At Direct Air we offer a full range of air compressor and air treatment servicing options to meet your sites requirements. Direct Air provide air compressor service packages ranging from a basic service to comprehensive 24-hour monitoring of your compressor system.

  • Compressor Servicing
  • Dryer Servicing & Repairs
  • Compressed Air Filter Servicing
  • Dewpoint Monitoring
  • Condensate System Servicing

Choose your level of service

What areas of the country do you cover?

We cover sites all over the UK for many of our nationwide accounts and we are happy to conduct work abroad.

Direct Air & Pipework are based in our Coventry and Cheltenham offices, enabling us to easily cover the Midlands and South West counties, and only be a few hours away from anywhere else in the country.

Our specialised project department work with MNE contractors throughout the UK.

How long can I hire a compressor for?

Direct Air can offer both short and long-term hire arrangements ranging from 1 week to 10 years.

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What is the difference between a screw, vane and piston compressor?

Rotary Screw Air Compressor

The rotary screw air compressor is probably the most common type of air compressor today. A male and a female screw move towards each other while the volume between them and the housing decreases. The pressure ratio of a screw is dependent on the length and profile of the screw and of the form of the discharge port. The quietest style of air compressor, the maximum pressure achievable from a screw air compressor is 13 bar (188psi). Direct Air & Pipework are distributors of both CompAir and Boge screw air compressors and can offer both oil lubricated or oil free machines.

Vane Air Compressor

A Vane air compressor is driven at very low speed and is favoured for its outstanding reliability. The rotor rotates within a cylindrical stator and is the only continually moving part. The rotor is offset and uses centrifugal force to extend the vanes from their slots forming compression cells. Oil is used to lubricate and seal the cells as they decrease in volume, compressing the air. Direct Air & Pipework supply the popular and reliable Hydrovane air compressor in a range from 1.1kW to 75kW.

Piston Air Compressor

One of the earliest compressor designs, the versatility of the piston compressor allows it to change from compressing both air and gases with very few alterations. Piston compressors are normally quite loud and through multi staging can reach incredibly high pressures for applications such as breathing air.

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What is the most energy efficient air compressor?

The most energy efficient air compressor really depends upon the application it is used for. It is widely recommended that when thinking about compressed air energy efficiency you should conduct an energy audit to measure your current usage and identify areas where you could make effective cost saving changes.

What is the quietest air compressor?

Rotary vane and screw compressors are generally available as silenced units.

Typically noise levels range from 40 dBA to 82 dBA dependant upon manufacturer and size.

How do I dispose of condensate from my compressed air system legally?

All condensate generated needs to be responsibly disposed as stated in the water industry act of 1991 and the environmental protection regulations of 1991.

Zero loss drains can be installed to remove condensate from your compressed air system and be treated onsite keeping your company compliant with legislation.

How can I get a better quality of air?

The quality of air compressed within your system is directly affected by ambient influences. Contaminants such as water, oil and particles are present in the air around us and get intensified in industrial settings. To improve air quality, you need to consider implementing downstream solutions such as filtration and dryers.

I have a dryer installed, so why do I get water in my air lines?

The most common cause of water in air lines generates from either a faulty or inadequate air dryer. Direct Air have extensive knowledge and experience with refrigerant, desiccant and membrane dryers and have specialist refrigerant engineers who can diagnose and quickly repair a range of common issues.