If your production line relies on compressed air, a breakdown resulting in downtime hurts. When faced with an industrial air compressor breakdown, you need to consider whether to repair or replace your air compressor.
Yes, a repair might be cheaper and get you back up and running quicker but is it the most cost effective in the long term? Let’s take a look at what to consider.
Factors influencing your decision
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Cost
Cost will always be the primary consideration. But, over time, the initial cost of buying a new compressor only equates to 10% of the life cycle cost. If you think of it over a ten year period the life cycle cost of your air compressor roughly equates to; 10% purchase price, 10% maintenance and 80% energy. -
Age and efficiency
How many birthday’s has your compressor had? If it is getting on a bit, it may not be as energy efficient as the new equivalent models. - ReliabilityHas it been a trusty workhorse? Looking at the reliability record will help you decide the likelihood of it breaking down again.
Common sense check - before you go too far down the repair or replace route, check over your full compressed air system. Has the breakdown been caused by something that can be easily fixed?
Advice for troubleshooting your air compressor
Breakdowns occur for many reasons, some that you may be able to identify, which will aid an engineer and help to get the fault fixed faster.
A power source problem could have led to the failure, perhaps there is something in the system between the compressor and power supply that has caused the failure.
If the compressor is regularly blowing fuses, then they are not the right size for its electrical load. Finding the right size and replacing them may be all you need to do.
Checking the air compressor oil level - has this been done recently and the lubricant levels adjusted? If your compressor is getting through a lot of oil it could be due to worn piston rings, loose bolts or poor/restricted air ventilation.
Too loud! Don’t turn the radio up, a compressor that is louder than normal is trying to tell you something. There could be problems with flywheels, bearings, crankcases or belts.
Has your plant room become a sauna? If there is excessively hot discharge air from your air compressor, it could be a problem with your cooling system - potentially needing to be repaired or increased.
Time to repair your air compressor
Repairing your air compressor is the best option when…
- It’s quite new and has low run hours.
- It is the most up to date technology.
- Spare parts are still easy to get hold of for that model.
- It’s a reliable machine and the problem hasn’t uncovered any bigger issues.
Time to replace your air compressor
The cost of a replacement compressor is worth it when…
- It’s broken down a lot and you can’t trust its reliability anymore.
- The new compressor will pay for itself in energy savings.
- You are struggling to find spare parts for the old model.
- The old compressor is not matching your production needs anymore, a new unit can increase capacity and future proof your business.
Air compressor repair or replacement near me? We can help.
PPS can help you to repair or replace your air compressor. Our engineers are able to work across all makes and models of compressor and our emergency response is available 24/7, 365 days of the year.
If it is time to replace your industrial air compressor, we can help you get back up and running quickly with a hire compressor - then look at what is the best option to match your production needs.
Give us a ring. Drop us an email. Fill in the contact form. Whatever your preference, we are here to support you.