What to Look for When Buying a Used Air Compressor

What to Look for When Buying a Used Air Compressor

Air compressors are powerful machines used to convert power into pressurized air. Used in a large range of industries, there’s no questioning their utility in ensuring the regular efficiency of everyday operations. While it’s always best to purchase an air compressor brand new, there exist circumstances in which choosing a used air compressor in Toronto would be more favourable. 

Whether it’s for short-term use, or to fill in the operational capacity of your current air compressor while it’s out of order, there are a few things to look for when buying a used air compressor in Toronto.

In today’s blog we delve into what to look for when purchasing a used air compressor. Read on to learn more!

Understanding Your Needs

This one’s a bit of a no-brainer, but when looking for a used air compressor it is best advised to take stock of your operational needs. Do you require an oilless or oil air compressor, portable or stationary? How much power will you need? Answering basic questions about the ways in which you require your used air compressor to function will aid in informing what types of compressor models you should opt for.

Visual Inspection 

Once you’ve found a suitable used air compressor option, it’s important to conduct a visual inspection in addition to asking the seller the right questions. The following are a few important parts to inspect before making the final purchasing decision.

Drain Water Valve

The drain water valve is generally located at the bottom of the air compressor tank. As its name suggests, it drains excess water and moisture build-up from the inside of the tank. Taking a peek inside the tank will tell you how well the previous owner took care of the tank. If you notice the tank is full of water - it could also indicate a lot of rust, which can be detrimental to the compressor’s functionality in the long-term.

Pressure Release Valve

An important safety feature to many air compressor units, the pressure release valve automatically releases pressure from the tank when it’s too high. Typically, a pin will pop-out of the valve indicating the pressure is too high and will release some of the pressure to prevent over-pressurization. If the used air compressor in Toronto you’re looking at does not have a pressure release valve, then it’s missing an important safety feature. This can be problematic when operating the compressor unit.

Air Cleaner 

The air cleaner cleans the air inside the tank using a filter. Before purchasing a used air compressor in Toronto, be sure to check inside the filter to see how dirty it is. If it’s really dirty inside the air cleaner you’ll have to purchase a new filter, or worst - replace the air cleaner part completely. Having a clean, operational air filter is important as it can impact the performance of the air compressor unit as a whole.