When we talk about saving energy we are really talking about saving money – that power isn’t free now is it?
Up to 70% of the total cost of ownership on an air compressor is buying the electricity – it can be less if you buy smart… But it’s a good indication of the lifetime cost of power.
The aim of the game is to use as little power as possible in order to achieve your goals.
Here are some ways to cut your compressed air power bills.
Use the Off Switch
Unless you are a 24/7/365 operation, you don’t need compressed air 24/7/365. Turn your compressor(s) off when you aren’t working. Depending on when you are open you might only need air for 60-100 hours a week rather than the full 168 hours there are in a week.
Turning the thing off when you are shut down could see a 20% reduction in your power consumption.
‘Free’ Heat Source
To me, one of the highest art forms in industry is taking waste product and turning into a useful input for another process.
Compressing air gives of heat – quite a lot of it. Turning that from a waste product into a useful input could cut down your power bills somewhere else – you could use it to augment or replace a conventional hot water unit for example or you could pump that warmth into a work space keeping your employees warm.
Don’t Use it if you don’t have to…
Are you using compressed air for applications where it would be more efficient to use something else?
I thought so…
Compressed air is frequently used for cooling or applications where a lower air pressure could be used. In many situations it would pay off to change from using compressed air to using a more efficient and economical air source.
Bonus Tip: Use a more efficient compressor. Gardner Denver and Quantima make excellent energy efficient air compressors that can reduce the total cost of ownership compared to many traditional models.
If you are looking to reduce the energy costs of your compressed air system then the best investment you can make is in an efficient air compressor. Contact Pye-Barker on 404-363-6000 or email us at sales@pyebarker.com to see just how much you can save on your energy bills.
