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 year to pause, inspect, and make sure everything is ready for the months ahead.

At Gordon Air Compressor, we see the same pattern every January. Facilities that take a little time early in the year to check their air systems avoid many of the problems that show up later as downtime, rising energy costs, and emergency repairs. These first checks don’t require major shutdowns — just attention to the right details.

Below are the key compressed air checks every facility should make in January.

1. Check for Air Leaks Before Production Ramps Up

Air leaks never stop costing money, but they’re often easiest to spot in January. Quieter plants, colder temperatures, and visible condensation can make leaks more obvious than later in the year.

Walk your facility and listen for hissing around:

• Quick-connect fittings

• Hose ends and reels

• Filters and regulators

• Valves and solenoids

• Piping joints and drop legs

Even small leaks add up. A handful of minor leaks can force compressors to run longer, increasing energy use and wear. Fixing leaks early in the year is one of the fastest ways to improve system efficiency.

2. Inspect Filters and Drains

Filters and drains quietly protect your entire air system, and January is the perfect time to see how they’re really performing.

Look for:

• Filters clogging faster than normal

• Rust or debris in filter housings

• Drains that stick open or fail to discharge properly

• Moisture appearing downstream

Cold weather can expose drain problems quickly. If condensate isn’t being removed properly, moisture can build up in piping, tools, and equipment — leading to corrosion, pressure loss, and product issues later on.

3. Verify System Pressure Settings

Pressure creep is common over time. Operators raise pressure slightly to overcome performance issues, and before long the system is running higher than necessary.

Check:

• Compressor setpoints

• Regulator settings at points of use

• Pressure stability during normal operation

Higher pressure than needed increases energy consumption and stress on equipment. January is a good time to bring pressure back to where it should be and confirm that tools and machines are receiving consistent airflow.

4. Observe Compressor Run Behavior

How your compressor runs tells you a lot about the health of your system.

Pay attention to:

• Excessive run time

• Short cycling

• Frequent load/unload activity

• Alarms or fault codes

If compressors are running longer than expected without increased production, it often points to leaks, pressure drop, or air demand changes that haven’t been addressed.

5. Look for Moisture Where It Doesn’t Belong

Moisture problems often show up early in the year. Temperature swings between warm compressor rooms and cold piping can create condensation even when dryers seem to be working.

Watch for:

• Water at tools or hose connections

• Moisture in filters or separators

• Condensation in low points of piping

Catching moisture issues now helps prevent rust, stuck valves, and damaged air tools later.

6. Review Maintenance Records

January is also a good time to step back and review how maintenance has been handled.

Ask:

• Are oil changes and filter replacements on schedule?

• Have repairs become more reactive than planned?

• Has the system been evaluated recently as demand changed?

Small maintenance gaps often turn into major failures if they’re ignored. Addressing them early keeps costs predictable and downtime to a minimum.

Start the Year with a Strong Air System

Compressed air systems don’t usually fail all at once — they drift. January is one of the best times to catch that drift and correct it before it becomes expensive.

A few simple inspections now can:

• Reduce energy costs

• Improve pressure stability

• Extend equipment life

• Prevent emergency repairs later in the year

If you’d like help evaluating your system or addressing anything you find during these checks, we’re here to help.

We would love to help with your compressed air needs!

📞 901-327-1327
📧 parts@gordonaircompressor.com
📧 service@gordonaircompressor.com
📍 706 Scott Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38112

Emergency Service Available @ 901-482-5925