How to safely shut off & maintain an air compressor

Safely Turning Off and Storing Your Compressor

1. Draining Excess Condensation

An important thing to remember with air compressors is to always drain them of condensation after every use. Locate the air tank valve by checking the underside of the air tank and then turn it counter-clockwise to allow the pressurised air to release any collected moisture. If you’re struggling to turn the valve by hand, you can use pliers to make it easier.

Once you have released the excess condensation, turn the valve clockwise until the sound of airflow stops to make sure it is sealed. If you’re adjusting the pressure of your air compressor for different pneumatic tools, you’ll want to release the drain valve once you’re finished for the safest and most efficient operation possible.

If multiple people are using the compressor, you’ll also want to drain the residual condensation and air out of the machine before you plug it in and begin working with it.

2. Turning Off Your Compressor and Draining Air Pressure

To drain the air pressure from your compressor, turn the pressure regulator anti-clockwise to shut off the supply of air, then use the power switch to turn off your compressor and give the system some time to allow the pressure to release. If you want to speed up the process, you can use the pressure relief valve, but be sure to use protective eyewear, as the high-pressure air being released can be dangerous. 

3. Removing the Hose and Storing the Compressor

Once you’ve drained the condensation and pressurised air from the compressor, you’ll want to unplug the system from the outlet and remove the air hose as well as any hose extensions you’ve used. If you’re using a smaller air compressor, then you’ll want to store it in a dry, temperate area of your workshop, such as a cupboard.

Tips for Maintaining an Air Compressor

All manufacturers will have slightly different maintenance requirements for their compressors, but there are some general things you can do to keep your machine running smoothly.

1. Oil Changes

If you have an air compressor that requires oil, changing the oil should generally be done yearly. Having said that, you’ll want to check the instruction manual for your machine to see the recommended frequency of oil changes, as some reciprocating air compressors need their oil to be changed every few months, while other compressors might require oil changes based on service hours.

When looking for what oil to use, you’ll always want to use compressor oil rather than motor oil, as it’s specially formulated to work for air compressors and it doesn’t contain the detergent that motor oils for car engines tend to have in them. The main thing is to check with your owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends, especially since deviating from these guidelines could void your warranty or potentially damage your system.

For the most part, standard air compressor oil is best for smaller home-use air compressors as it’s the cheaper option, while synthetic compressor oil tends to be better for industrial compressors, as it’s designed to reduce overheating and helps the larger machines run more smoothly, but at a higher price.

2. Change Air Filters

Dirty air filters can be a major problem for an air compressor, as a build up of dirt can make it more difficult for the pressurised air to move through the system and will cause it to exert more energy to do so, which can lead to overheating and unnecessary maintenance.

Changing the air filters on your compressor shouldn’t necessarily occur at a set time. You could aim to change them every 2000 hours of use or at the same time as you change your unit’s oil, but the decision will usually be based on checking the air filters for collected dirt and dust and making a call from there.

As with all maintenance, check the user manual for information on which air filters to use and on the frequency of when to change them.

3. Tighten Loose Parts

Air compressors tend to vibrate a lot during use, and over time, this vibration can cause screws and bolts to slowly come loose and require tightening. Performing routine checks of your compressor for anything that might have loosened is an important part of maintenance for your system.

Better Safety Through Maintenance

Not only is maintenance important for increasing the longevity of your compressor, it also helps to create a safer working environment, whether it’s in your home garage or in a workshop full of employees.

Here is some basic upkeep you can do to keep yourself safe:

1.    Check Safety Shutdown Switches

Air compressors like the Antlia Air Compressor 2HP have an automatic pressure switch that will start and stop the unit’s motor when the pressurised air in the tank reaches its limit. You’ll want to regularly check this system to make sure that the shutdown switch is triggering correctly, as it will contribute to a longer lasting and better maintained compressor.

2. Avoid Using Extension Cables

Extension cables can drop the voltage of the connection from your power outlet, which can cause your air compressor to overheat and cause problems that require unnecessary maintenance. If you find that your electrical cord can’t reach the compressor, you’ll want to extend the compressor’s air hose instead, by simply attaching a secondary hose to the first one’s receiving end, as you would when you attach an air tool.

3. Follow the Duty Cycle of the Compressor

All compressors have a duty cycle, meaning the amount of downtime the motor needs after a certain amount of use. Aluminium compressors have a 50% duty cycle time, which means that if your compressor runs for 1 minute, you’ll need to let it rest for 1 minute to refill its tank with pressurised air.

This is an incredibly important part of air compressor use and adhering to the specific duty cycle of your system will make it last longer and ensure it does a better job. Make sure you’re aware of these specifications when you purchase your compressor and check your owner’s manual for further details.

4. Follow Your Instruction Manual

Something we have reiterated throughout this guide is that your owner’s manual is your best friend. While there are similarities across air compressors, there will always be minor differences between brands and systems in terms of upkeep and features, so it’s important that you familiarise yourself with your compressor’s manual and use it when necessary.

Your Air Compressor Isn’t Just for Christmas

The important thing to be aware of when it comes to maintenance is that it’s something that needs to be done consistently. If you want your air compressor to go the distance, then there’s no point changing its oil after the first 3 months of use and then never again or only draining the condensation from the air tank when you feel like it.

Even if you’re just using a portable 12v air compressor that rattles around in your ute tray, maintenance is still going to be important to keeping it running long.

Make sure you keep our guide in mind and if you need accessories, attachments, or a brand-new air compressor (after the first one broke because you didn’t follow this guide), you can always shop online at Repco or head into a store to pick up whatever you’re after.