Frequently Asked Questions
KAirFree Subscription Service
How does the cost of a KAirFree subscription compare to ownership?
If you know the volume of air you need and the average annual operating hours, you can calculate the costs of purchasing and paying for service vs KAirFree.
But this calculation will not take into account the additional benefits of KAirFree such as:
- More predictable cash flow
- Downtime insurance
- Remote monitoring
- Less administration time
- Flexibility to increase or decrease compressor size as needed
Generally, if you run the compressor less than 2,000 hours annually, the overall cost for KAirFree is lower than purchasing the compressor and paying for PM and repair services over the life of the compressor.
Most 5 to 20 hp compressor owners run far less than 2,000 hours annually. With KAirFree you are paying for the resource as you use it instead of a larger upfront cost plus pay-as-you-go service service costs. Also consider that people typically buy a larger compressor than needed, with future growth in mind. This further increases costs associated with purchase, service, and energy costs.
What’s included in the delivery and start-up fee?
This fee includes your complete compressed air station with compressor, dryer, receiver tank, mounted oil-coalescing filter with automatic drain and mounted oil/water separator. In addition, it includes freight to your location and start-up of the equipment.
What does the usage fee include?
The monthly usage fee covers all maintenance and repair to your compressor including emergency response during normal business hours. It also covers the monthly usage reports, remote system status monitoring, and downtime insurance (Note: the 5-hp plans do not include downtime insurance). This usage fee may vary month-to-month depending on the compressor’s operating hours. See plan details for rate per plan.
What are the payment options?
You can pay by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), or eCheck.
How do eCheck payments affect shipping times?
- To protect against fraudulent transactions and ensure secure processing, all orders paid via eCheck are subject to a mandatory 7-day holding period.
- When will my order ship? Your order will be packaged and shipped immediately after the 7-day clearing window has passed.
- Can I speed up the process? Once an eCheck is submitted, the clearing time cannot be bypassed. For immediate processing, please select a credit/debit card at checkout instead.”
What if I need a different size unit?
If your compressed air needs change, simply notify your local Kaeser office and we will arrange to replace the existing equipment with the new appropriate size. You only pay the difference in access fee, prorated based on the number of months of operation in the current annual contract. If the unit you select is smaller, we will credit you the difference, prorated based on the number of months in operation. The original contract start and end dates do not change.
What happens if the compressor breaks down and won't run?
In this unlikely event, contact your local Kaeser office and we will work to get you up and running as quickly as possible. If an onsite visit is necessary, you choose whether you’d like an after-hours call or during normal business hours. If after-hours service is needed, you will only pay the difference between after-hours and normal business hour labor charges.
Can I get my delivery and start-up fee back if I don’t like the unit?
This fee is non-refundable once the equipment is unpackaged on site. This is comparable to common restocking fees you would pay if you bought a comparable piece of equipment and then returned it.
Is KAirFree available in my area?
KAirFree is available in all areas in the continental United States served by Kaeser factory branches and authorized distributors.
Is equipment always available?
KAirFree equipment is nearly always immediately available. We have multiple stocking locations and maintain a high level of inventory. If there is a delay, you will be notified by your local Kaeser representative.
Is the equipment always new?
We guarantee that your KAirFree unit will either be new or in like-new condition. If used, it will always be a recent model that has been fully maintained and factory certified. It is in our interest that your compressor is reliable and looks good.
How are "operating hours" calculated?
Operating hours accumulate whenever the compressor motor is running. Our compressors cycle between loaded (making compressed air) and unloaded (idling when no air is needed). The compressor motor will stop after a short idle period if air is still not needed, but the unit will automatically turn on and load if system pressure drops below your desired set point. This control method achieves a balance between minimizing unnecessary run time and maintaining proper operating temperature for reliability.
How can I reduce my monthly operating hours?
Compressors cannot distinguish between leaks and productive uses of air, so the best ways to lower your operating hours are to find and repair leaks in piping, fittings and hoses, and to turn the compressor off at the end of the work day. This can be done manually each day or by a timer on the controller.
How can I contact you?
You can use our Chat Box to talk to a real live person who can help you choose a plan or answer any general questions about the program. You can also use the Contact Form, or give us a call at 800-777-7873, option 6.