Winter can be tough on more than just your heating bill. Cold temperatures and seasonally affected indoor air can quietly impact the performance and lifespan of your lab equipment. Dust collectors, sandblasters, and air cleaners all work harder during the winter months as ventilation decreases and airborne particulate count increases.
The good news? A little preventive maintenance goes a long way.
Winter is the ideal time to inspect key components, replace worn parts, and make sure your Vaniman equipment is set up to perform reliably year-round. Below are a few essential winter maintenance steps to help protect your investment and avoid unnecessary downtime.
Change Filters Regularly
Your equipment’s filters are the first line of defense, and they tend to take the biggest hit during winter.
When filters become clogged, airflow is restricted. This forces motors to work harder and increases heat buildup, which reduces the life of the motor (not to mention overall system efficiency).
In many cases, reduced suction or louder operation isn’t a motor problem at all — it’s a filter problem.
Winter filter maintenance tips:
- Inspect filter bags and pre-filters regularly, especially in high-use environments.
Filter bags should be replaced when about half to two-thirds full. Use your hand to feel how full it is, and use your judgment. You’ll know if it’s time to swap it out. If you see dust escaping or collecting on external surfaces, internal filters are likely overdue. - Replace HEPA cartridges according to usage, not just time (typically every 6–12 months).
The more dust you collect, the sooner you’ll want to replace the cartridge. Also: don’t forget to use that shaker motor to keep your HEPA cartridge clear! - Never try to “stretch” a filter’s lifespan — it costs more in wear and tear than it saves.
- Dust collectors AND air purifiers have the same filtration challenges in the winter.
If you’ve got air cleaners like the Pure Breeze HEPA Air Purifier, this is also a good time to inspect and change out your filters.
Fresh filters help maintain proper airflow, protect motors, and improve air quality for technicians and patients alike.
Pro tip: Did you know the Vanguard lineup of dust collectors has space for an additional HEPA filter inside? Add more filtration power with the Internal HEPA Filter, Part Number 97016.
Filter Replacement Information
Inspect and Replace Motors When Needed
Motors are the heart of your dust collector or air cleaner, and winter conditions can expose underlying wear.
Colder temperatures and restricted airflow all increase motor stress. If a motor is running hotter than normal, drawing excessive amperage, or getting louder over time, it may be nearing the end of its service life. (Or, if your unit simply won’t run at all, the likeliest culprit is the motor.)
What to look for:
- Increased operating noise or vibration
- Reduced suction even with clean filters
- Motors that get excessively hot during operation
Vaniman systems are designed with easy maintenance and a low cost of ownership in mind. Replacing a motor can restore your unit to like-new performance, extending the life of your equipment and protecting your investment.
Your Sandblasters Need Extra Attention as Well
Moisture is the enemy of abrasive media, and winter creates perfect conditions for condensation. You should always store your sandblasting media in a dry environment, and it’s never more apparent than in colder months.
Media that absorbs moisture can clump, clog lines, and create inconsistent blasting pressure. This leads to unnecessary wear on valves, nozzles, and internal components — and can disrupt workflow when you need consistency most.
Best practices for winter media care:
- Store abrasive media in sealed containers, away from cold floors or exterior walls.
Avoid exposing media to temperature swings that cause condensation. - Never use media that shows signs of moisture or contamination.
If you can visibly see clumps in your media tank, you’ve already got a problem.
Keeping media dry improves blasting consistency and helps protect the internal components of your sandblaster.
Related: What Causes Blockage In The Blasting System?
Also: Make Sure Your Compressed Air Is Dry
Even perfectly stored media won’t perform well if moisture is entering through the air supply.
During winter, compressed air systems are more prone to condensation as warm air cools inside lines and tanks. Moisture in the air line can mix with abrasive media, causing blockages and accelerating wear inside your sandblaster.
Winter air supply checklist:
- Drain compressor tanks regularly
- Use moisture separators close to the sandblaster
- Inspect air lines for water buildup or corrosion
- Maintain stable, regulated air pressure
Clean, dry air ensures consistent blasting performance and prevents avoidable damage.
A Smart Season for Preventive Maintenance
Winter doesn’t have to be hard on your equipment. With routine filter changes, timely motor replacement, and proper handling of abrasive media and compressed air, your Vaniman systems can continue performing at their best.
Preventive maintenance now helps avoid costly repairs later — and ensures your lab or practice is ready for higher workloads when warmer months arrive.If you have questions about replacement filters, motors, or winter maintenance best practices, the Vaniman team is always here to help! Contact us with any questions and a real person will get back to you just as soon as we can.