Electric Motors: Repair vs. Replacement
Electric Motors: Repair vs. Replacement
Electric motors are necessary for your business to operate efficiently. They are responsible for powering machine tools, pumps, blowers, fans, conveyor systems, and other critical industrial equipment that allow you to meet customer demand in a timely manner.
It’s expected that electric motors will wear down with daily use. Over time, you may find that you are spending more money on repairs, and you may wonder at what point a motor replacement might be necessary. While you want to ensure that you get the most use out of your motors, you don’t want to worry about being left without the power you need to sustain your business operations. 
At Valley Power Systems, we want to help you make the best decision for your company. Here are some key indicators for electric motor repair versus replacement to guide you.
When to Repair an Electric Motor
Not all malfunctioning motors will need to be replaced right away. Sometimes, it does make more sense to schedule a repair with a Valley Power Systems technician if:
- The motor is just a few years old. Under the right conditions, a good electric motor can last a decade (or even two) without showing significant signs of decline. If your motor is just a few years old and has been well-maintained, it is unlikely to require major repairs. Address any repair needs promptly, and you will reduce the risk of a premature breakdown.
- The motor has only needed minor repairs so far. As motors age, it’s normal for them to deteriorate and need minor repairs to deliver adequate performance. If your electric motors have been maintained well, repairs are usually cost-effective compared to full motor replacement. Investing in these repairs can extend the lifespan of your motor and maximize your overall investment.
- The motor has worn bearings. Worn-out bearings can adversely impact the motor’s efficiency and power. Replacing the bearings is usually a straightforward and affordable process that can keep your electric motor working reliably. Once your bearings are replaced, remember to keep them properly lubricated to minimize friction between moving parts and help prevent future wear and tear.
- The electric motor is contaminated. Motors sometimes become contaminated with moisture, dust, dirt, and other debris. If caught early, the electric motor can be cleaned before the contamination causes major problems for your unit. If you notice your motor is dirty, you should have it addressed as soon as possible to prevent severe damage.
When to Replace an Electric Motor
If you have an older electric motor that is beginning to wear down, you may be considering a replacement. Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to invest in a new motor:
- The motor has had excessive repairs. At a certain point, your repair costs may exceed the cost of a new motor. If you find that your electric motor is frequently needing repairs, it may be wise to invest in a replacement unit to keep your power products working reliably.
- Your motor keeps overheating. This is usually a sign that it can no longer keep up with your power needs. Overheating can cause significant damage to the unit and impact reliability. At this point, you may be better off with an electric motor replacement from Valley Power Systems.
- The electric motor is no longer efficient. An inefficient motor wastes energy and costs more to run. It also decreases the performance of your powered devices, potentially leading to downtime and financial losses for your company. Additionally, your electric motor will be at a higher risk of overheating and needing major repairs. Investing in a new motor can help keep your operations running smoothly.
- The motor has extensive core, winding, or physical damage. These are serious issues that would be extremely costly to fix. An electric motor replacement would be more economical while ensuring reliable performance for your business.
If your electric motor is showing one or more of these signs, a replacement may be necessary to minimize your operating costs and enhance reliability.
Extending the Lifespan of Your Electric Motor
At Valley Power Systems, we understand the important role that electric motors play in your everyday business operations. We are here to support you with routine maintenance and repair work from highly qualified and certified technicians. We offer customized maintenance contracts to suit your individual needs.
Preventative maintenance will be your best defense against premature motor breakdown. This will involve:
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Inspecting and cleaning the motor —We will look for any signs of dirt, dust, or debris that could wreak havoc on your motor. You can trust that our team has the proper tools and equipment to clean motors without damaging the units.
- Lubricating bearings—This will minimize friction and reduce wear and tear on moving parts and components. Our experienced technicians will know what kind of lubricant to use for your specific motor as well as the proper amount to maintain consistent performance.
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Replacing brushes—Some motors are equipped with brushes that transfer electrical current to the rotor. As the brushes wear down, your motor may perform inconsistently. We will inspect these brushes for wear and replace them as necessary.
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Addressing vibrations—Excessive vibrations need to be addressed as soon as possible. We will look for the source of the vibration, which could be a faulty gear, a worn-out bearing, or an unbalanced rotor, among other issues. You can count on our skilled technicians to handle the repair promptly.
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Tightening electrical connections—Loose electrical connections can result in inconsistent power and reduced motor performance. We will check and tighten all connections as needed to keep your unit working reliably.
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Testing motor operation—Our technicians will also check the overall motor functioning. This will include assessing windings, electrical current, motor speed, temperature levels, voltage, and insulation resistance as well as a variety of other factors to ensure your unit will work as expected.
At Valley Power Systems, we see ourselves as your partner in power. When conducting maintenance, our top goal is to ensure that your power products remain reliable and efficient to keep your business up and running for years to come. We take a meticulous approach to each maintenance task, looking for hidden problems that could cause issues for you later on. By catching these early and providing you with prompt repairs, we help you reduce operating costs and maximize the lifespan of your electric motors. Our electric motor maintenance is ultimately designed to bring more value to your operations.
Contact Valley Power Systems Today
U.S. Motors is the nation’s largest manufacturer of electric motors and related components. Valley Power Systems is proud to be an authorized distributor for this trusted brand to provide our customers with the best power technology on the market. These motors are used in numerous applications, including wastewater treatment, freshwater distribution, agriculture, and virtually any pumping application. They are available in many sizes to suit your specific needs.
Need an electric motor repaired or replaced? Contact the professionals from Valley Power Systems today. We have been working with California business owners since 1949 and are ready to assist with all of your power-related needs.