When to fix or replace compressors

When should you fix your compressor package and when should you cut your losses and replace it? Getting the timing of this decision right can save considerable expense, and eliminate a great deal of stress and disruption.

There are a wide range of reasons why your compressor may not be performing at an optimum level. Leaks, for example, can waste 30% to 50% of the output in a compressed air system, leading to higher energy bills. On the other hand, a poorly maintained system can result in less productivity, longer downtimes, lower equipment life expectancy and the need for additional capacity to compensate for escaping air and other inefficiencies.

Eventually, there comes a point when the compressor costs more to operate than it would to replace. A cost-benefit analysis helps you establish when you reach this point. It is a systematic approach to estimating the strengths and weaknesses of alternatives and is used to determine options that offer benefits while also preserving savings.

It has two main purposes – to decide if an investment or decision is sound (verifying whether its benefits outweigh the costs); and provide a basis for comparing projects that examine the total expected cost of each option against its total expected benefits.

The criteria to consider when deciding whether compressor repair or replacement is the best option include the compressors’:
 

• Service life
• Service intervals
• Operating costs
• Reliability
• Repair costs
• Sizing – is it right for the job in hand?
• Payback period of a new installation
• Technological advances – would a replacement be quieter, cheaper, more compact, or, most importantly, offer better energy efficiency?

An established and reputable manufacturer can help you review your existing systems and make an informed decision on whether to repair or replace your compressor.