How Often Should You Change Air Compressor Filters?
Start from the compressor maker's service intervals, shorten them on dusty sites, and watch for oil carry-over.
Start from the service schedule
Compressor makers set replacement intervals, in running hours, for the intake filter, the oil filter and the air/oil separator. Those intervals assume reasonably clean air, and they are the place to start.
Shorten intervals on dusty sites
Near foundries, shot-blasting, cement handling or crushing, the intake air carries far more dust. Intake elements load faster there, so inspect them more often and replace them as soon as the indicator or the pressure drop says so.
Watch for oil carry-over
If oil starts collecting in receivers, drains or downstream equipment, do not wait for the next service. A saturated separator lets oil through and can damage dryers and the equipment after them.