Preventative maintenance is essential for operational efficiency and system longevity. A well-structured checklist helps identify minor issues before they escalate, preventing unexpected downtime and unnecessary air compressor repair costs.
Looking for an easy checklist for air compressor maintenance and inspection? Fluid-Aire Dynamics has maintenance checklists for rotary screw air compressors, reciprocating air compressors, oil-free compressors and compressed air system components like air dryers and oil/water separators.
Oil-Flooded Rotary Vane/Rotary Screw Air Compressor Maintenance Checklist
An oil-flooded rotary screw air compressor typically requires a full PM service every 2,000 to 4,000 operating hours or annually, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations and the operating environment.
Routine maintenance:
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Daily: Inspect for air/oil leaks, top off oil, drain condensate, check noise/vibration.
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Weekly: Clean/change inlet filters, test controls.
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Monthly: Clean heat exchangers; check belts and hoses.
PM intervals:
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Basic PM (1,000–2,000 hrs/6 months): Change filters, log conditions, tighten connections.
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Full PM (2,000–4,000 hrs/12 months): Add oil separators, replace belts and drain valves.
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Triennial PM (8,000–12,000 hrs/3 years): Rebuild valves, replace thermal/solenoid valves, drive coupling, and starter contacts.
Oil-Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor Maintenance Checklist
An oil-lubricated reciprocating compressor needs more frequent service — typically every 500 to 1,000 hours.
Routine checks:
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Daily: Visual inspection, oil check, condensate drain.
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Weekly: Air filters and safety systems.
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Monthly: Heat exchanger cleaning, belt inspection.
PM intervals:
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Basic PM (500 hrs/6 months): Replace air filter, oil (if needed), and log performance.
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Full PM (1,000 hrs/12 months): Includes drain valves and belt replacements.
Oil-Free Air Compressor Maintenance Checklist
Oil-free compressors are lower-maintenance in some areas, but still require consistent attention — especially filter replacements and desiccant integrity (if integrated).
Routine checks:
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Daily to monthly: Similar structure to other types — with emphasis on clean intake and consistent cooling.
PM intervals:
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Basic PM (500 hrs/6 months): Replace air, oil (if any), and panel filters.
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Full PM (1,000–2,000 hrs/12 months): Same as above plus belts, drain valves.
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Triennial PM (8,000–12,000 hrs/3 years): Rebuild internal valve assemblies, replace seals, drive coupling.
Refrigerated Air Dryer Maintenance Checklist
These systems protect downstream equipment by keeping compressed air dry and clean — but require care themselves.
Routine checks:
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Daily: Dew point check, leak inspection.
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Weekly: Clean panel filters and coils.
PM intervals:
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Basic PM (6 months): Clean strainer, inspect filters.
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Full PM (12 months): Replace filter elements, full coil cleaning.
Desiccant Air Dryer Maintenance Checklist
Vital for moisture control in sensitive environments (e.g. food, pharma, paint lines), desiccant dryers require multi-stage maintenance.
Routine checks:
- Daily to monthly: Dew point monitoring, muffler and valve checks.
PM intervals:
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Basic PM (3–6 months): Replace pre-filters, inspect desiccant.
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Full PM (12 months): Replace all filters and mufflers.
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Triennial PM (2–5 years): Replace switching valves, entire desiccant media.
Oil/Water Separator Maintenance Checklist
To meet environmental regulations, separators need inspection and cleaning — especially in high-oil-content systems.
Routine checks:
- Weekly: check for leaks, drainage issues, flow irregularities.
PM schedule:
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Basic (3–6 months): Drain system, clean internals.
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Full (6–12 months): Replace carbon and absorption elements, deep clean.
