Increase Your Compressed-air Efficiency

Receive significant energy savings

Present in nearly all industrial facilities, compressed air is often referred to as the fourth utility. It can be used for simple tasks, such as operating air tools, or more complex tasks, such as running pneumatic controls.

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that 10% to 30% of a typical industrial facility's energy use is consumed by compressed-air systems while the overall efficiency of a typical compressed-air system can be as low as 10% to 15%. Most systems only use about one-fourth of the power consumed to create useful compressed air. 

To operate a 1-horsepower air motor at 100 pounds per-square-inch gauge, approximately 7 to 8 horsepower of electricity is supplied to the air compressor. Some companies use a value of 18 cents to 30 cents per 1,000 cubic feet of air, estimating that a leak expelling 1 cubic foot per minute of air costs about $125 annually. 

Suggested actions

Improvements in the efficiency of compressed-air systems could lead to significant energy savings.

• Determine the cost of compressed air for your facility by periodically monitoring compressor operating hours and load duty cycles.
• Use a systems approach while operating and maintaining a compressed-air system.
• Adopt a facility-wide compressed-air management policy to cut costs and reduce waste by eliminating inappropriate uses, fixing leaks, and matching system supply with demand.

The best way to evaluate potential savings is with a compressed-air system audit. Plus, you may be eligible for rebates as well as additional financial help through our commercial and industrial grant program.