The First Compressed Air Checks Every Facility Should Do in January
January is the reset button for most facilities. Production schedules normalize, staffing returns to full strength, and systems that coasted through the holidays are suddenly expected to perform at full capacity again. For compressed air systems, this is the most important time of the year to check in and make sure everything is ready for what’s ahead.
At Industrial Air Services, we see the same pattern every January across Middle Tennessee. Facilities that take a little time to inspect their air systems early in the month avoid many of the problems that show up later as downtime, rising energy costs, or emergency repairs. These first checks don’t require major shutdowns — just attention.
Start With a Quick System Walk-Through
Before pulling data or making adjustments, walk the system.
Look for water around tanks or drains, oil spots under compressors or filters, rust forming on piping or receivers, loose hoses or fittings, and anything that looks different than it did last year. January is a great time to catch problems that quietly developed during the holidays.
Listen for Air Leaks While the Plant Is Quiet
Early January is often quieter than peak production months.
That makes it easier to hear leaks at quick-connect fittings, hoses, regulators, valves, and older threaded joints. Even small leaks add up quickly over time, and fixing them early frees up capacity for the rest of the year.
Check Drain Operation Immediately
Cold weather and downtime are hard on drains.
Make sure automatic drains are cycling, manual drains are clear, and no condensate is backing up into tanks or piping. January moisture problems almost always trace back to drains that failed quietly during the holidays.
Look Closely at Moisture Control
Winter conditions create unique moisture challenges.
Check filters and points of use for water, verify dryer performance, and confirm dew point is stable. If moisture is present now, it will almost certainly get worse once humidity rises later in the year.
Review Pressure Settings Before Production Ramps Up
Pressure settings tend to drift over time.
Ask whether system pressure is higher than necessary, whether it was raised temporarily and never reset, and whether pressure could be reduced once leaks or restrictions are addressed. Lowering pressure early in the year can deliver immediate energy savings.
Watch Compressor Run Behavior
January is a good time to establish a baseline.
Pay attention to how long the compressor runs, how often it cycles, and whether it stays loaded during low demand. Changes in run behavior often point to leaks, rising demand, or control issues that need attention sooner rather than later.
Inspect Filters and Service Items
Filters that clogged late last year may already be affecting performance.
Check intake filters, oil filters, separator elements, and inline filtration. Starting the year with clean filters improves efficiency, reduces pressure drop, and helps compressors run cooler.
Check Ventilation and Cooler Cleanliness
Winter doesn’t eliminate overheating risk.
Dust, debris, and restricted airflow still cause problems. Make sure coolers are clean, fans are working properly, and hot air isn’t recirculating back into the compressor room.
Confirm Controls and Alarms Are Enabled
Temporary settings made during downtime often get forgotten.
Verify alarms are active, control logic is set correctly, sequencing hasn’t been altered unnecessarily, and manual overrides have been removed. Controls should reflect normal production conditions, not holiday operation.
Note Small Issues Before They Become Big Ones
January checks aren’t about fixing everything at once.
They’re about identifying:
Small leaks
Early moisture issues
Pressure instability
Rising run times
Components nearing service intervals
Documenting these early makes planning much easier throughout the year.
January Sets the Tone for the Whole Year
Compressed air systems rarely improve on their own. Small inefficiencies discovered in January often turn into year-long problems if they’re ignored. A few simple checks now can prevent months of frustration later.
If you want help reviewing your system or establishing a clean baseline for the year, Industrial Air Services is ready to help you start strong.
Industrial Air Services
📞 (615) 641-3100
📍 138 Bain Drive • LaVergne, TN 37086
🌐 www.industrialairservice.com
