Why Your Compressed Air System Should Be Evaluated After the Holidays
The period right after the holidays is one of the most overlooked — and most important — times to evaluate a compressed air system. Many facilities experience reduced staffing, partial shutdowns, or altered production schedules in late December. When everything starts back up in January, systems are suddenly asked to perform at full capacity again, often revealing problems that weren’t obvious before.
At Industrial Air Services, we see a noticeable uptick in service calls across Middle Tennessee in early January. In many cases, the issues didn’t start in January — they just became visible once normal operations resumed. A post-holiday system evaluation helps catch these problems early, before they turn into downtime.
Holiday Shutdowns Change How Air Systems Behave
Even short shutdowns can affect compressed air systems more than most people expect.
During holiday periods:
Compressors may sit idle for days
Airflow patterns change
Moisture settles instead of moving through the system
Drains may not cycle as frequently
Temperature swings increase condensation
When production ramps back up, these changes can show up as pressure instability, moisture problems, or unexpected alarms.
Leaks Often Go Unnoticed During Downtime
Air leaks don’t stop just because production slows.
In fact, leaks can become harder to detect when:
Fewer tools are running
Background noise is lower
Compressors cycle differently
Pressure settings remain unchanged
Once normal demand returns, those same leaks force compressors to work harder, increasing run time and energy costs. A post-holiday evaluation helps identify leaks before they become a problem for the rest of the year.
Moisture Buildup Is Common After Idle Periods
Moisture is one of the biggest risks during downtime.
When systems sit:
Condensate collects in tanks and low points
Drains may clog or stick
Cold weather increases condensation
Dryers may not operate as consistently
Water that builds up during downtime often gets pushed downstream once the system restarts, leading to wet air at tools and equipment.
Controls and Settings Can Drift Over Time
During slower periods, it’s common for settings to get adjusted temporarily and never changed back.
This can include:
Higher pressure setpoints
Disabled alarms
Manual overrides
Altered load/unload behavior
A system evaluation after the holidays ensures controls are set correctly for normal production, not temporary conditions.
Energy Use Can Spike Without Obvious Reasons
Many facilities see energy costs rise in January and assume it’s weather-related.
In reality, post-holiday inefficiencies often include:
Longer compressor run times
Increased cycling
Higher pressure than necessary
Moisture-related pressure drop
Evaluating the system early helps prevent energy waste from becoming the new normal.
Wear and Tear Doesn’t Pause for the Holidays
Even when compressors aren’t running, components still age.
Oil can absorb moisture, seals can dry out, drains can clog, and electrical components can be affected by temperature swings. A post-holiday check helps identify wear before it leads to failures during peak production.
Small Issues Are Easier to Fix Before Production Is in Full Swing
Early January often offers a brief window before schedules fully fill up.
Addressing issues now means:
Less disruption to operations
More flexibility for scheduling repairs
Lower risk of emergency downtime
Better planning for the year ahead
Waiting until problems cause shutdowns usually costs more and creates more stress.
A System Evaluation Sets the Tone for the Year
A compressed air system rarely improves on its own.
Starting the year with an evaluation helps:
Establish a performance baseline
Identify priorities for maintenance or upgrades
Reduce emergency calls
Improve reliability and efficiency
Support production goals instead of limiting them
It’s one of the simplest ways to start the year proactively.
Don’t Let Post-Holiday Problems Linger All Year
Many air system issues discovered in January stay unresolved for months, quietly driving up costs and wear. A post-holiday evaluation helps catch those problems early, when they’re easiest to fix.
If your facility is getting back into full production after the holidays, this is the ideal time to take a fresh look at your compressed air system.
Industrial Air Services can help you evaluate performance, identify hidden issues, and make sure your system is ready for the year ahead.
Industrial Air Services
📞 (615) 641-3100
📍 138 Bain Drive • LaVergne, TN 37086
