There are tons of commercial and domestic uses of portable air compressors. If you are looking for one, you might be asking, how long do portable air compressors last?. Although it’s a simple question with a detailed answer, here is the shorter version:
Depending on several factors, portable air compressors can have a lifespan of anywhere from 10 years to 25 years. You can, however, extend it even further by following the best practices we’ll discuss in this post.
Why should you have an idea about the lifespan of a portable air compressor though? Because overusing it can lead to a serious accident. Plus, it’s important that you know how to keep the compressor functioning and safe for as long as possible.
Let’s dive in.
What is a Portable Air Compressor?
A portable air compressor offers everything a typical air compressor does. The only difference is that you can move it around fairly easily, hence the name “Portable”.
A common misconception about portable air compressors is that because they are relatively smaller in size, they are less powerful. That simply isn’t the case; if you need it for power-intensive applications, you can always get a bigger one. But, of course, the smaller an air compressor is, the less powerful it would be.
If you own a vehicle and move around a lot, you might be thinking of buying a cost-effective portable air compressor for yourself.
After all, it can offer multiple benefits and can be a life-saver in particular situations. For instance, you can use it to inflate your car’s tires on the go.
How Long Do Portable Air Compressors Last?
A portable air compressor can last as long as 20 years, and maybe more if you lookout for the red flags and maintain it properly. So, if you want to use a portable air compressor for as long as possible, you’d have to take care of it properly.
What this means is that a single high-quality portable air compressor can even last a lifetime.
Keep in mind that there is no expiry date for a portable air compressor. Its life will mainly depend on how you use it. The number of hours you use a compressor also affects its longevity.
The type of portable air compressor also affects its lifespan. For instance, the spare parts of a reciprocating air compressor are less durable than a rotary air compressor.
Rotary air compressors are typically heavy-duty. As a result, you can use them for even 60,000 hours. This can easily lead to a 40 years lifetime.
A major benefit of using portable air compressors is that their spare parts are easily available. So, if any part malfunctions, you can always replace it with a new one easily.
Plus, they aren’t that expensive either; for instance, check this one on Amazon.
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of a Portable Air Compressor
The lifespan of a portable air compressor depends on several external factors. These include:
- Temperature
- Maintenance
- Air humidity
- Usage
Humidity
Air is a mixture of multiple substances, including water vapors. When a compressor compresses the atmospheric air, the water vapors are converted into water droplets. These droplets then fill the air tank of the air compressor. As a result, rust is formed inside the compressor tank.
This rust eats into the compressor tank material and makes it weak, which increases the chances of a blast. The bottom line is: Rust is the biggest enemy of a portable air compressor.
Temperature
If you are using a portable air compressor in extremely cold weather, the water inside the tank can turn into frost. You might already know that the volume of water increases as it turns into solid ice.
And, as the volume increases, it puts extra pressure on the walls of the compressor. This can lead to cracking. To prevent that from happening, what you can do is drain your compressor after every use.
Usage
How you use a portable air compressor also impacts its life. To make sure you are using it right, carefully read the user manual.
Maintenance
This is arguably the most important factor affecting the life of an air compressor. Here is how to maintain a portable air compressor effectively:
- Drain the water and air pressure after every use
- Clean its parts with a lubricant
- Keep the piece of equipment in a well-ventilated room
- Use an air filter. It separates the compressed air from the moisture
- Don’t use an extension cord to power the compressor
- Use quality, branded oil
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Symptoms of a Weak Compressor?
When a compressor reaches its maximum lifetime, it’ll start showing signs of weakness. These can include excessive noise, leakage of moisture, motor vibration, less flow of air, and sudden pressure drop.
Do Oil-Less Portable Air Compressors Have a Shorter Life?
Although oil-free air compressors are cheaper and might require less maintenance, they aren’t as durable as oil air compressors.
Why Do You Need a Portable Air Compressor?
A portable air compressor is one of the most useful pieces of equipment a vehicle owner can have. This is because you can conveniently inflate your tires on the go whenever you need to.
Thinking of buying one for yourself? You might like this portable air compressor on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
This was all about how long do portable air compressors last. A high-quality portable air compressor can even have a lifespan of around 30 years. Generally, portable air compressors with oil last longer than oil-free ones.
If you want to maximize the lifespan of your portable air compressor, you need to have a consistent maintenance schedule.
Hello Automotive Gear Lovers!
Sourav Biswas is here! I write for the VehicleOnly Automotive Blog and am passionate about automotive tools. I am also a publisher on Amazon & Medium.
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