As we come out of the winter months and the weather starts to change here in the Midwest, there are some key preventative maintenance tasks you need to perform to keep your compressed air system running smoothly. Increasing temperatures, humidity levels, precipitation, and contaminants in the air are all elements Spring brings that can have a major impact on your compressor efficiency.

Here are some Spring maintenance things to keep in mind as we enter the warmer months. Consider these compressed air system maintenance tasks when prepping your system and equipment for Spring and Summer to keep things running smoothly.

Increased Environmental Temperature

Pay attention to the environmental temperatures this Spring. Compressors already generate massive amounts of heat. Increased environmental temperatures will also increase the heat your compressor is generating. 

It is imperative to monitor temperatures closely to avoid overheating and, in turn, decreased efficiency or increased downtime. There are a few ways you can prevent overheated systems.

Here are some ways to help your system:

1. Make sure your compressor room has proper ventilation and regulated ambient temperatures
2. Keep your intercoolers and aftercoolers clean
3. Regularly sample and test your compressor oil

Increased Humidity & Condensate

Pay attention to humidity and condensate. Just like a cold glass of ice water on a hot summer day; cool, dry air will form condensate as it heats up. Also, as pressure increases, air is unable to hold the original moisture levels it once had. Therefore, when you compress humid air, condensate results. 

In the warmer months, this condensate can cause bacterial growth or corrosion in your system, and it can ultimately end up in your product! It is important to properly remove this condensate, which your system is set up to do.

Here are some tips to maintain when this happens as spring weather approaches:

1. Check for improperly open or clogged valves throughout the entire system
2. Test your air drains, drops, and any added connection pieces
3. Drain your compressed air receiver regularly

Increased Contaminants

Pay attention to contaminant levels. The number one particulate pollutant to your compressor in Spring is pollen. If you have allergies, this is no surprise to you as you have probably noticed an increased amount of irritation in your own body. 

Well just as you try to prevent your system from irritation and sneezing, you must also help prevent your compressed air system from becoming irritated as well. As your compressor intakes ambient air, it also takes in the pollen that is floating around in it. Your system will be working extra hard in the spring to remove this contaminant and will need the air filters constantly maintained to do this properly. 

Here are a few tips to help:

1. Change your air filters so that no filters are clogged going into heavy pollen season
2. Check your filters twice as often throughout the spring
3. Dust air compressor surfaces, clear surrounding area of debris, and mop/vacuum the floor for any loose particles that could enter your system

Last general air compressor system tips:

1. Check your shutdown options
2. Establish an ongoing maintenance schedule to be proactive rather than reactive
3. Inspect belts
4. Stay within your compressor’s demand capabilities- if you are seeing increased demand and need an upgraded system, call Zorn Compressor & Equipment!

Zorn is committed to ensuring effective air systems.

Need help with your air compressor maintenance? We are the experts to get things working properly.

Zorn is the Midwest leader of custom, engineered compressed air and vacuum solutions. We provide the best customer experience by understanding your applications and needs and offering an unparalleled commitment to customer satisfaction.

Our comprehensive product and service solutions keep you running 24/7.

• Reliable equipment
• Trusted brands
• Seamless, easy installation
• Post-sales support
• Local, 24/7 service

Our compressed air experts look forward to meeting you to discuss your equipment and support needs. Please contact us directly at (262) 695-7000 with any questions or to schedule service for your system moving forward.

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