Common Misconceptions About Compressed Air Maintenance

If there’s one thing we’ve learned after years of servicing air systems across Tennessee, it’s this: a lot of good equipment is lost to bad maintenance habits. Sometimes it’s from neglect, but more often it’s from misunderstanding how compressed air systems really work.

At Industrial Air Services, we’ve seen every kind of setup — from small shop compressors to full-scale industrial systems — and we’ve noticed that certain myths keep showing up again and again.

Let’s clear the air on some of the most common misconceptions about compressed air maintenance — and what you can do instead to keep your system running strong.

1. “If It’s Running, It’s Fine.”

This is the number one myth we hear, and it’s also the most expensive.

Just because a compressor turns on and builds pressure doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Problems like air leaks, overheating, or moisture buildup can go unnoticed until they cause major damage.

A compressor can appear to run fine even while consuming excessive energy or quietly wearing down its components. Regular inspections and preventive maintenance catch those issues before they turn into costly downtime.

2. “Oil Changes Aren’t That Important.”

Skipping oil changes is like never changing the oil in your car — it’ll run for a while, but not for long.

Compressor oil lubricates, cools, and seals internal components. Over time, it breaks down and becomes contaminated with metal particles, moisture, and heat degradation.

Ignoring oil changes leads to:

Bearing and rotor wear

Overheating

Efficiency loss

Shortened compressor life

Follow your manufacturer’s schedule (or even better, base changes on oil sampling results) to keep your system protected.

3. “Air Filters Can Wait Another Month.”

Dirty air filters restrict airflow, forcing your compressor to work harder and use more electricity. They also let dirt and debris enter the system when the filter media becomes compromised.

Replacing filters on time isn’t optional — it’s one of the cheapest ways to prevent expensive repairs. If you’re not sure when they were last changed, it’s probably time.

4. “Draining Condensate Isn’t Urgent.”

Moisture is the enemy of every air system. It causes corrosion, damages tools, and can contaminate products — especially in food, beverage, and paint applications.

Automatic drains make the job easy, but they must be checked regularly to ensure they’re actually working. A failed drain can fill tanks and filters with water, causing pressure drops and costly cleanup.

If you ever see water in the lines, don’t ignore it — it’s a sign your condensate management needs attention.

5. “We Don’t Need an Air Dryer.”

Unless your air system is running in the desert, you need a dryer.

Compressed air always contains moisture, and when that air cools, water condenses. Without a dryer, that moisture travels through your lines and damages everything it touches.

Refrigerated or desiccant dryers remove this water, keeping your air supply clean and your tools protected. Even in Tennessee’s mild seasons, humidity makes dryers essential year-round.

6. “Leaks Don’t Really Matter.”

Leaks are easy to ignore because they’re often invisible — but they cost more than you think.

A single 1/8-inch leak at 100 PSI can waste more than $1,200 per year in electricity. Multiply that by several leaks across your plant, and you could be throwing away thousands annually.

Regular leak detection and repair are among the fastest, most cost-effective energy-saving steps you can take.

7. “All Compressors Are the Same.”

They’re not.

Each compressor type — rotary screw, piston, scroll, or centrifugal — has different maintenance needs, oil requirements, and service intervals. Treating them all the same can cause problems like premature wear or oil contamination.

That’s why having a service provider who knows your specific equipment (and keeps proper records) is critical.

8. “Preventive Maintenance Is Too Expensive.”

This one might be the biggest myth of all.

Preventive maintenance actually saves money — sometimes thousands per year. When you maintain your system, you avoid emergency repairs, lost production, and inefficient energy use.

The truth is, maintenance isn’t a cost — it’s an investment in uptime, reliability, and lower utility bills.

9. “We’ll Just Run It Until It Breaks.”

It might sound practical, but this approach almost always backfires.

When a compressor breaks down unexpectedly, you’re not just paying for parts — you’re losing production time, labor, and sometimes entire product batches.

A planned shutdown for maintenance is a controlled, predictable event. An unplanned breakdown is chaos. Keeping a maintenance schedule avoids that kind of disruption.

10. “We Can Handle It Ourselves.”

Some in-house teams are great with general maintenance, but compressors are specialized equipment. Electrical systems, lubrication management, and pressure controls all require trained technicians.

Partnering with a professional service provider like Industrial Air Services ensures your system is inspected by experts who know what to look for — and how to keep it running efficiently.

The Truth About Air System Maintenance

Good maintenance isn’t complicated, but it does require consistency. The biggest difference between plants with constant compressor issues and those running smoothly isn’t luck — it’s discipline.

If you take care of your air system before it demands attention, it’ll reward you with reliability, energy savings, and fewer surprises down the road.

Industrial Air Services proudly serves Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, offering preventive maintenance, air audits, leak detection, and complete compressor system support.

📍 138 Bain Drive • LaVergne, TN 37086
📞 (615) 641-3100
🌐 www.industrialairservice.com