What Gordon Air Compressor Looks for When Evaluating an Existing Air System
When a compressed air system struggles, the compressor is often blamed first. In reality, most performance issues originate elsewhere—leaks, pressure drop, poor controls, or mismatched equipment. A proper evaluation looks at the entire system, not just the machine producing air.
At Gordon Air Compressor, we approach system evaluations methodically. The goal isn’t to sell equipment—it’s to identify what’s actually limiting performance and reliability.
Start with How Air Is Being Used
Every evaluation begins with understanding demand.
We look at:
Which processes rely on compressed air
Whether demand is steady or intermittent
How demand changes across shifts
Where peak usage occurs
Many systems are sized based on assumptions made years ago. Actual usage often tells a different story.
Measure Pressure Where It Matters
System pressure should be evaluated at points of use—not just at the compressor.
We check for:
Pressure drop through piping
Restrictions from filters or dryers
Inconsistent pressure during peak demand
Running higher pressure to overcome system losses increases energy costs and stresses equipment without fixing the root cause.
Identify Air Leaks and Losses
Leaks are one of the most common—and most expensive—issues in compressed air systems.
During evaluations, we look for:
Audible leaks at fittings and hoses
Worn or damaged connections
Leaks that worsen under load
Even small leaks add up quickly, increasing run time and energy consumption.
Evaluate Storage and Control Strategy
Inadequate storage and poor control settings cause compressors to work harder than necessary.
We assess:
Tank size and placement
Compressor control modes
Cycling frequency
Pressure stability
Proper storage and control reduce wear, stabilize pressure, and improve efficiency.
Review Air Treatment Performance
Air quality problems often masquerade as equipment failures.
We inspect:
Dryer operation and capacity
Filter condition and sizing
Drain function
Moisture levels in the system
Poor air treatment leads to corrosion, contamination, and premature component failure.
Check Operating Temperatures and Ventilation
Heat is a major contributor to compressor downtime.
We look at:
Ambient conditions
Cooler cleanliness
Ventilation and airflow
Temperature trends over time
Many overheating issues are caused by restricted airflow or dirty cooling components.
Consider Equipment Age and Duty Cycle
Equipment age matters—but how it’s used matters more.
We evaluate:
Run hours versus design duty cycle
Maintenance history
Signs of stress or wear
Whether the equipment still fits current demand
Sometimes older equipment performs well because it’s correctly applied. Sometimes newer equipment struggles because it’s not.
Focus on Root Causes, Not Symptoms
Raising pressure, adding small compressors, or bypassing problems may keep production running temporarily—but these are rarely permanent solutions.
A proper evaluation identifies:
Why problems are occurring
Where losses originate
How the system can operate more efficiently
Fixing root causes delivers lasting improvement.
The Goal Is Reliable, Predictable Performance
A successful system evaluation results in:
Stable pressure
Reduced run time
Lower energy costs
Fewer emergency repairs
Most importantly, it gives facilities confidence that their compressed air system can support production without constant attention.
Better Decisions Start with Better Information
Evaluating a compressed air system isn’t about guessing—it’s about understanding how all components work together. When systems are evaluated correctly, solutions become clear, costs become predictable, and reliability improves.
If your air system feels inefficient, inconsistent, or unpredictable, a thorough evaluation is often the most effective first step.
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
