How Often Should You Change Your Air Compressor Filter?

Air compressor filters are regular investments. You may not want to hear it, but it’s a must to keep your air compressor system going at full throttle. Otherwise, it’s a matter of time before its performance weakens, eventually causing your tools and equipment’s performance to decrease also. 

So, how often should you change your air compressor filter? Let’s talk about that today. 

How Long Do Compressed Air Filters Last? 

Typically, most compressed air filters last around 2,000 hours. To be certain about it, you should check the manufacturer’s recommendation. They usually mention the approximate service life of the filter. Some even mention months.

Your job is to calculate the average time your filter runs daily and figure out when it is supposed to get closer to the recommended hours. That is when you should consider changing your air compressor filter. 

Are There Any Factors That Can Change The Replacement Frequency?

Yes, there are. Despite the recommended time of replacement, you may have to change your air filter earlier rather than later. 

• If your air filter runs to support continuous operation, its service life will be shorter than that of others. It will have visible tears and wear, signaling the timing of changing it. 

• Maintenance is pivotal for extending an air filter’s lifespan and maintaining its performance quality. The lack of it will affect its performance, necessitating an early change. 

• Physical damage is often the key reason behind a malfunctioning air filter, even if it is not old. So, if you spot such damage during your routine inspection, consider getting a new filter. 

• If the operating environment of the air filter is excessively dusty, the dust particles will clog it badly. That will also require you to bring a new replacement before the current one exceeds its expected service life. 
  
  

How Do I Know I Should Change My Air Compressor Filter? 

If you look for the following signs, you’ll be able to tell on your own that you have to change your air compressor filter soon. 

• Poor performance (either of the filter or the air compressor or both) 

• Increased production downtime 

• Higher energy bills 

• A yellow, brown, or blackish air filter 

• Lower airflow due to the clog in the filter 

• Sudden shutdowns 

• Physical damage

• Frequent allergic triggers for the people around the air filter (because of the dust) 

• Poor air quality 

• Excessive dust in the area around the air vents 

Whenever you notice the signs, make sure you change your filter on time with our air compressor filter selection.

Why Is It Important To Change My Air Compressor Filter In Time? 

I know, right? I mean, a little bit of dillydallying shouldn’t be any problem! Well, postponing the replacement for a short while will not be a big deal. But I’d still rather you do it in time and enjoy the following benefits. 

• A new air compressor can extend the life expectancy of your whole air compressor system. That is because it will block dust and pollutants more efficiently than the old one. That will surely boost the system’s performance and keep it in good shape for a long time.

• Assuming you don’t have a backup air compressor, a poor-performing air filter can break down your current compressor, causing you to shut down all operations. 

• Delaying until your air compressor collapses will cost you a lot of money for the repairs. You can easily prevent this by getting a brand-new air filter. So why not do that and save yourself from the potential hassles?
  

Now, if you don’t know anything about the replacement process, here’s a guide on How To Replace A Compressed Air Filter breaking it down for you.

Can Regular Maintenance Help Extend My Air Filter’s Lifespan? 

Yes, changing your air filter is a must in certain situations or after a certain time, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking care of it. In fact, regular maintenance can help extend its lifespan by retaining its performance level. Here are some useful suggestions regarding that.

Maintaining A Routine For Regular Maintenance 

Creating a routine for maintenance and following it regularly are the first things to do to maintain your air filter. Such a routine should involve frequent monitoring of the air quality, careful inspection of the filter itself, and bringing replacements when necessary.  

Apart from self-inspections, prepare an annual schedule for preventive maintenance with a technician, too. They will check the entire filtration system to see if everything is alright or if something needs your attention. 

Cleaning The Air Compressor 

External buildups of dust, rust, and other particles can cause damage to your air compressor system and air filters. So, cleaning the compressor system should also be part of your filter maintenance routine. 

And that’s really simple. Every time the air compressor is done with its service for the day, switch it off. Then, wait for it to cool down. Now, grab a cloth or take a mild cleaning agent and use it to wipe down the compressor. This easy drill can do wonders for your air compressor system and filter if you do it consistently. 

Cleaning The Filter Regularly 

To extend the service life of your air compressor filter, it is a must to clean it regularly. It will also enable it to filter dust particles more efficiently and keep the air quality safe.

But how do you clean an air filter? No worries. I got you covered. Keep reading! 

Observing The Air Quality 

It is best to have the air compressor operate outside instead of inside the workshop or close to other tools, smoke, or potential contaminants. However, if you have to keep it in a small area, try to minimize pollutants by ensuring the space has really good ventilation. Observing the air quality will help you in that regard. Also, it will offload some pressure from your air filter, making it last longer. 

Let me add here that while doing everything you can to take care of your air filter, it is bound to go bad at some point. So, it is necessary to take note of the timing of replacements. It will give you an idea about the replacement frequency. 

How Do I Clean My Air Compressor Filter? 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean an air compressor filter.

• Switch off the air compressor and wait for it to cool down. 

• After it has cooled, loosen the filter’s top cover from its base and remove it. 

• Monitor the top cover and see if it has any damage or issues worth your attention.

• Now, remove the air filter from its base and do a thorough inspection. Do it in a well-lit area so you can see it properly.

• To unclog the dust in the filter, apply compressed air (low-pressure) to puff it away.

• You can also apply a cleaning agent to wash the filter. But let the liquid solution soak first. 

• Afterward, when it has dried, put it back in its place and attach the cover again.

Final Words 

The answer to how often you should change your air compressor filter is pretty simple. A filter usually lasts 2000 hours. Check the recommended timeline mentioned in the manufacturer’s instructions to get a more accurate idea.

At the same time, bear in mind the other factors that can affect the timing. Plus, keep a routine maintenance schedule for your filter so it lasts longer, keeping your entire air compressor system smooth as butter!