February 7, 2024

Many people don’t think too hard about an air compressor until it stops working. 

Your current air compressor may have been a workhorse for years, but there comes a time when even the most reliable equipment needs to retire. Time flies, businesses grow, technology changes, and before you know it, your beloved air compressor might just not be cutting it anymore. 

Let’s examine some of the most common signs that it may be time to upgrade your compressor.

The obvious signs your air compressor needs an upgrade

1. Your Air Compressor is Over a Decade Old

You know the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”? Well, that doesn’t apply to all air compressors. 

If your machine is over a decade old, it’s likely not running as efficiently as newer models. You may find your business experiencing:

  • An energy bill that’s probably higher than it needs to be.
  • Your machine produces more wear and tear than necessary.
  • Your airflow is less than ideal. 

All of these factors can lead to costly downtime and repair bills.

2. Your Air Flow is Sputtering

Speaking of airflow, if you’ve noticed that your air pressure has decreased, it might be time to upgrade your air compressor. A decrease in pressure could be caused by various factors, from a clogged air filter to a worn-out regulator. 

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting tips without success, it might be time to invest in a newer model that can provide the necessary volume and pressure for your business needs.

3. Your Energy Bill is Through the Roof

As we mentioned before, running an old, inefficient air compressor can lead to high energy bills. Upgrading to a newer model can cut energy costs and save you money in the long run. Advances in technology mean that newer models require less energy to run, resulting in lower utility bills and a happier bottom line.

4. Your Compressor is Too Small

If you’ve expanded your business since purchasing your air compressor, your current model may no longer meet your needs. 

Running a too-small compressor can cause it to work harder than necessary. Breakdowns and costly downtime start to become the norm. Upgrading to a larger model might be an investment, but it can save you money by increasing efficiency and reducing repair costs.

5. You’re Ready to Upgrade Your Automation

Automation is the name of the game in the business world, and air compressors are no exception. Upgrading your compressor to a newer model can provide precision automation, which means better control over your airflow and less time spent tinkering with manual controls. 

6. Noise Pollution is Driving You Crazy

Have you ever wanted to buy earplugs to block out the sound of your compressor? Older models tend to be noisy, and prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and other safety concerns for employees.

Upgrading to a newer, quieter model will help you comply with noise regulations and improve the sound quality of your workplace environment.

7. You’ve Noticed Leaks

If you’ve reached the point where you can hear a leak in your compressed air system, you’ve most likely wasted considerable air and energy. 

Compressor tanks or lines with leaks drop system pressure and require higher energy usage to run. Leaks can cause your air compressor to overwork, leading to decreased output, increased electricity bills, and increased wear and tear on the machine. Upgrading to an air compressor with an energy-efficient motor and better pipe design can reduce energy consumption, save money, and improve operations.

8. It’s Become Too High Maintenance

A well-maintained compressor should last a long time. However, if you’re investing money into frequent failing equipment, it’s probably time to upgrade. Newer models require less maintenance and have technological features that help prevent breakdowns and malfunctions. Don’t waste valuable time and money fixing something that can’t be fixed anymore.

Don’t let inefficient machinery suck the air out of your profits. 

Upgrading your air compressor can increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve your bottom line. At Air Mac, we’re here to help you with any questions about air compressors, upgrades, or new installations so you can feel secure in knowing your machinery is working for you and not against you. 

Don’t wait until your air compressor breaks down to consider an upgrade. Contact our Air Mac specialists today to start the conversation.