How To Replace A Compressed Air Filter?
Just as all your tools and equipment, your compressed air filter needs maintenance, too. A part of that maintenance is replacing it with a new one when required. After a certain period, the filter starts to lose its performance quality, causing negative impacts on the functions of your air compressor.
But that’s completely avoidable with a fresh replacement. So, let’s discuss how to replace a compressed air filter so you can take care of your systems before they show weird issues.
Do I Need To Replace My Air Compressor Filter?
Yes. It’s not like a one-time or lifetime investment. Based on its usage frequency, service life, and maintenance, it should serve you for around 3 to 6 months. Check the manufacturer’s manual to see the estimated longevity. It’ll give you an idea of the tentative timing of changing the filter.
However, as it reaches its expiry, its performance will gradually fluctuate until it collapses. If you don’t change it, there will be undesired consequences following the tool’s malfunctioning.
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How To Replace A Compressed Air Filter?
Replacing the air filter isn’t much of a hassle. First, switch off your air compressor unit, and then locate your air filter.
If you have trouble locating it, go through the compressor’s manual. The filter should be in a case. Upon finding it, grab a screwdriver to remove the cover and take out the old filter.
When removing the old one, remember how it was placed so you can install the new one properly. Now, clean the filter’s case to remove dust by using a soft and clean cloth or a vacuum cleaner.
After cleaning, put the brand-new filter in the case and position it correctly. If necessary, use the manual for more instructions.
Now, close the cover and check that it is attached tightly. Then, switch on the compressor and observe its operation.
A smooth operation means the replacement was done right, in which case, congrats to you. But if you see anything wrong, turn off the compressor and consult a professional soon.
Are There Any Safety Precautions To Take When Replacing A Compressed Air Filter?
There are several safety precautions to take when replacing a compressed air filter. Make sure you follow each of them.
Switching Off The System
Always switch off the power before handling any HVAC system or a vehicle’s engine. It is very crucial to avoid electrical shocks. Besides, you never know, something may go wrong during the replacement and cause issues with the equipment. Keeping the power off will eliminate that possibility.
Wearing PPE
Wearing PPE or personal protective equipment gives you protection against allergens, dust, and airborne contaminants. So, wear a mask, gloves, and shoes to stay safe.
Preparing The Site
Keep the area surrounding the unit neat and clean. That will make the replacement a lot less messy as there will be nothing to draw dirt into the filter case.
Removing The Previous Filter Gently
Take a bag, preferably a sealed and plastic one, before the previous filter’s filter. And be gentle when removing it so that it does not throw off the dust buildup around it. Then quickly put it inside the bag and discard it somewhere safe.
How Do I know I have Replaced The Filter Successfully?
Good Airflow
As you install the new air filter, observe the airflow’s direction. Look at the arrow’s indication to be sure of its position. If it is right, that is an indication that the installation has been correctly done.
No Leaks
Another indication of a successful replacement is the absence of leaks. It means the filter is well put in its place, and its housing slot is perfectly closed.
Taking Your Time
Take all the time you need to do the task. Do not be in a hurry. That will only increase your odds of making mistakes, especially if you haven’t done it before.
Staying Careful
I said it before that replacing an air filter is nothing challenging. Yet, let me stress that you must stay careful no matter what, since it will require you to work around machinery. Stay aware of sharp tools, hot objects, and risky materials.
Following The Manual
I have given a general process that should be more or less the same for any filter replacement. That said, if you are confused about anything, follow the manufacturer’s manual. Also, if you’ve never used a filter, and this is the first time, maybe consider having a technician install the filter. Seeing them do it will help you replace the filter easily in the future.
Is It Important To Replace A Compressed Air Filter?
Yes. In fact, replacing a compressed filter has a lot to do with the overall performance of your entire production unit. It’s like a chain reaction. Let me explain.
To start, not replacing a compressed air filter means it will get clogged with a lot of debris and contaminants. These substances will hamper the filter’s efficiency in purifying the compressed air.
That, again, makes your unit work harder to produce the same amount of output. Here, working harder implies taking up more pressure or energy. As a result, it increases your energy bills. Plus, due to the strain of pushing harder, your air compressor and other tools’ performance begin to decline.
Such declining performance with less purified compressed air makes the goods of your production unit partially damaged or ruin their quality. And before you know it, the air will be a health concern for your workforce, causing them to experience frequent asthma attacks.
Additionally, the risk is even greater if you don’t have an extra air compressor. If the filter is not replaced in time, it will affect the compressor’s performance to the point that it might stop working. Such a situation could cause you to pause your operations for some time.
Yet, a timely filter replacement can take care of it all. Spending on a quality, capable filter will save you a fortune, even if it requires you to invest routinely twice or thrice a year.
How Do I Know I Have To Replace My Compressed Air Filter?
There will be several symptoms of that. I have already mentioned some above, i.e., increasing utility bills, malfunctioning tools, excessively dirty air filters, spoiled goods, dirty air, etc. There may be more, like visible damage in the filter, dirty areas around the vents, lower airflow, sudden shutdowns, etc. Read this article to get a clearer idea about it: Signs Your Filter Needs Replacing.
But I’d rather recommend you do not wait for these symptoms. Spotting such symptoms means your filter has already started to affect your whole system. So, it is better to note down the timing of each filter replacement, monitor and check its performance regularly, and bring a new one when it nears its tentative expiration date. This way, you get to keep everything under control.
Final Words
As much as the process of how to replace a compressed air filter seems, I’d insist you take all the safety precautions to avoid any type of accidents. Moreover, make a habit of keeping a track of each replacement’s timing and regularly maintaining your air filter. They may seem trivial, but doing them consistently will have significant, positive impacts on your central air system.
