Air Compressor Maintenance Checklist: What to Do Daily, Weekly & Yearly

Get straight to the facts. Click below to jump to each section or read on for full detail. 

• Why You Need a Checklist 
  Small oversights (like skipping daily draining) can lead to major failures. 
  → Jump to Section 

• Daily / Weekly / Monthly Checklist 
  Drain daily, inspect filters weekly, replace separators quarterly. 
  → Jump to Section 

• Customize by Compressor Type / Environment 
  Rotary screws run hotter and need more oil attention; outdoor units demand more frequent checks. 
  → Jump to Section 

• How to Track Maintenance Consistently 
  Use printed logs or mobile apps; assign and verify tasks. 
  → Jump to Section 

• Pro Tips from the Field 
  Use IR thermometers, zip-tie markers, and pressure drop tracking. 
  → Jump to Section 

 

Why You Need a Checklist (Even for Small Systems) 

Whether you're running a 5 HP piston compressor in a small shop or overseeing a bank of rotary screw systems in an industrial facility, preventive maintenance beats reactive repairs every time. A checklist might feel unnecessary, especially for seasoned techs, but it’s one of the most effective tools for reducing downtime and protecting your equipment investment. 

Even minor oversights can cause major issues: 

• A clogged intake filter can restrict airflow and overheat your system 

• Skipping daily draining leads to moisture buildup, corrosion, and oil contamination 

• Forgetting oil checks results in costly internal damage 

Checklists don’t just catch what’s easy to forget, they build discipline and consistency into your routine. They help ensure nothing gets skipped when you're short on time or dealing with multiple units. 

At Industrial Air Power, we believe checklists are a sign of professionalism, not inexperience. They standardize maintenance, reduce mistakes, and help facilities avoid costly surprises. 

Want the full picture? Start with our Air Compressor Maintenance Blog to explore deeper maintenance strategies, oil intervals, and part replacements. 

The Complete Maintenance Checklist (by Interval) 

A well-run maintenance program isn’t just about knowing what to inspect—it’s about knowing when to inspect it. Whether you’re responsible for a single shop compressor or a multi-unit system, following a routine schedule improves efficiency, protects uptime, and reduces repair costs over the long haul. 

Below is a practical, easy-to-follow breakdown of key tasks by interval. You can bookmark this or print it as a shop reference. 

 

Daily Maintenance Tasks 

Perform these checks before or after each shift: 

•  Drain moisture from the tank and lines 
  Shop Drain Valves 

•  Check oil level in sight glass or dipstick 

•  Monitor system pressure and operating temperature 

•  Listen for unusual noises (knocking, humming, pulsing) 

 

Weekly Maintenance Tasks 

These should be done at least once per week: 

•  Inspect air filters for dirt or clogs 
  Shop Air Filters 

•  Check for visible leaks around fittings, valves, and lines 

•  Inspect belts for tension and wear 

•  Clean cooling surfaces and intake vents 

 

Monthly Maintenance Tasks 

Every 30 days or 200–300 operating hours: 

•  Check fastener torque (especially on base mounts and covers) 

•  Test pressure relief valve for function and safety 

•  Clean intake screens and surrounding areas 

 

Quarterly / Annual Maintenance Tasks 

These deeper checks help extend compressor life: 

• Change compressor oil (or sooner depending on hours) 

•  Replace the oil separator element 
  Shop Oil Separators 

•  Replace intake or inline filters (based on condition) 

•  Check motor alignment and vibration 

•  Review service logs and update records 

 

Maintenance Checklist Table 

Interval	Task Description	Products
Daily	Drain moisture from tank	Drain Valves
Daily	Check oil level
Weekly	Inspect and clean air filter	Air Filters
Monthly	Inspect belts and pulleys	Belts
Quarterly	Change oil / replace oil separator	Oil Separators
Yearly	Full inspection + test all safety features	Safety Relief Valves

 

Checklists ensure nothing slips through the cracks, even when the workload gets busy. Consistent small actions now will save you from expensive breakdowns later. 

 

Customize by Compressor Type and Environment 

While every air compressor benefits from regular inspections, not all systems—or environments—demand the same level of attention. Factors like compressor design, location, and air quality can dramatically influence how often maintenance should be performed and which components are most vulnerable. 

Rotary Screw vs. Piston Compressors 

Each type of compressor operates differently and has its own maintenance rhythm: 

• Rotary Screw Compressors 

• Designed for continuous operation 

• Require consistent oil quality and separator performance 

• Need tighter monitoring of filters and cooling systems 

• Reciprocating (Piston) Compressors 

• Typically cycle on and off 

• Simpler oil systems, but require frequent belt, gasket, and valve checks 

• More prone to moisture buildup in low-use or short-cycle environments 

Shop Air Compressor Oil Products 
Browse Air Intake Filters 

Environment Makes a Big Difference 

• Dusty Shops / Industrial Environments 

• Inspect filters and drain valves more frequently 

• Clean intake screens weekly 

• Watch for signs of contamination in oil earlier than scheduled 

• Clean Indoor Spaces 

• May allow for extended intervals between filter changes 

• Lower risk of moisture contamination or dirt intrusion 

• Outdoor Units or Mobile Compressors 

• Require moisture protection and aggressive drain valve maintenance 

• Susceptible to faster oil oxidation and debris ingestion 

Visual Suggestion: Environment vs Frequency Adjustment Tips 

Environment	Filter Checks	Drain Tank	Oil Change
Clean Indoor Shop	Monthly	Daily	Every 500–1000 hrs
Dusty Manufacturing	Weekly	Daily	Every 300–500 hrs
Outdoor/Mobile Use	Weekly	Daily	Every 300–500 hrs

Tailoring your maintenance to how and where your compressor operates ensures more effective service and longer life between breakdowns. 

 

How to Track Maintenance Consistently 

Even the best checklist is only effective if it’s actually used. Whether you're running a small shop or a large industrial facility, having a clear, trackable process for maintenance ensures accountability and keeps your system in top condition. 

 

Tools for Tracking 

• Laminated Checklists: Keep one mounted near each compressor. Use dry-erase markers for quick daily logs. 

• Printed Logs: Use our Maintenance Log to keep track of inspection dates, tasks, and technicians. 

• QR Code Systems: Link directly to digital checklists or manuals stored in cloud folders. 

• Mobile Maintenance Apps: Use tools like MaintainX or UpKeep to assign tasks, store service history, and trigger reminders. 

• Shared Spreadsheets: A Google Sheet on a shop tablet works well for mid-sized teams. 

 

Train Your Team to Own It 

• Assign ownership to specific techs per compressor 

• Require initials or digital sign-off per inspection 

• Review logs weekly to spot gaps or equipment trends 

 
Need help finding your system’s checklist? Explore Compressor Manuals & Parts Books 
Contact IAP for Support if you want help building a custom plan. 

 

Pro Tips from the Field 

A checklist gives you the structure. But real-world experience fills in the gaps that manuals don’t always cover. Here are a few proven tips from technicians, service managers, and reliability experts that help compressors run longer and smarter: 

 

1. Take a Baseline Temperature Reading

Use an infrared thermometer to record motor and head temperatures before problems occur. When readings start to rise unexpectedly, it’s often a sign of filter restriction, low oil, or bearing wear. 

 

2. Use Zip Ties as Maintenance Flags

Attach a small colored zip tie to your drain valve or air filter housing. When the task is completed, cut it off. This gives a visual cue to supervisors and team leads that the job was done—especially helpful across large facilities. 

 

3. 3. Match Maintenance to Run Hours, Not Just Time

Instead of only checking compressors by the calendar, check your hour meter. A unit running 2 hours a day will have very different needs than one running 16. Adjust intervals accordingly. 

 

4. Log Pressure Drops Across Filters

If your system has gauges before and after inline filters, keep a log of pressure differentials. A rising delta signals clogging—and helps you replace filters before they become a restriction point. 

 

5. Always Stock a Spare Filter and Drain Valve

Downtime often comes from missing a basic replacement part. Keep one spare of each critical item (filter, drain valve, oil separator) near the unit or in a service kit. 

Shop Filter Elements 
Shop Drain Valves 

 

Conclusion: Protect Performance with Routine Checks 

A strong maintenance program doesn’t have to be complicated, it just needs to be consistent. Whether you're operating a single compressor or managing an entire facility, following a structured checklist protects your investment, reduces unplanned downtime, and keeps air flowing when it matters most. 

From daily draining to quarterly oil changes and filter swaps, each task plays a critical role in long-term reliability. And when you track service intervals, stock key parts, and tailor your schedule to your environment, you’re not just maintaining equipment, you’re protecting uptime and performance. 

Looking for a deeper dive into system care? Start with our Air Compressor Maintenance Blog. 
Ready to restock key components? 

• Shop Filter Elements 

• Shop Drain Valves 

• Browse Compressor Oils 

 

Need help building a custom checklist for your compressor setup? Contact our team today, we're here to help.