How to Get More Efficiency from Your Workshop Air Compressors
No matter what you’re working on, you need equipment that runs at its best.
It’s good for your running costs — and it’s good for the environment.
But efficiency isn’t just about the big-ticket workshop equipment. It’s also important for the smaller bits of kit you use every day.
Here’s how you can improve the efficiency of your air compressors — to help your workshop save money and stay green:
Swap to a modern compressor
This one might sound obvious — but we see plenty of workshops still using compressors that are almost as old as their employees.
Just like any other type of workshop equipment, compressors have come a long way with new technology, with manufacturers constantly updating and improving their efficiency.
Take our ABAC Spinn Compressor as an example:
As well as being compact and quiet, the modern models that we supply consume as much as 12% less energy than older types of compressor.
That’s a 12% reduction on the cost of running it — and a 12% reduction in the environmental impact it has.
So if you’re working with a compressor that’s seen better days?
You could be throwing money away. And a simple upgrade could lead to significant savings for your workshop.
Keep it well-maintained
Every piece of equipment is efficient when it’s brand-new. But systems and parts can degrade over time, leaving you with a workshop air compressor that’s simply not efficient.
But with a few simple checks, you can help to protect your investment and keep your compressor in top shape.
That means staying on top of things like:
• Changing dirty air filters
• Checking oil levels
• Tightening loose nuts and bolts
• Cleaning the air intake valves
• And checking your hoses for signs of leaks or corrosion.
This is all essential maintenance. But it’s the leaks in particular that can lead to massive waste.
Even a tiny leak can add up to a huge amount of inefficiency if it’s left for a long time, with leaks wasting as much as 30% of a compressor’s output .
That makes leaks the leading cause of energy loss in a workshop’s compressed air system — which means keeping up with your maintenance routine is one of the best ways to improve its efficiency.
Improve the air intake
You might think the efficiency of your air compressor is all down to the equipment itself.
But the quality of the air you use has a big impact, too.
You need to pay attention to:
• The temperature of the air
• The contaminants in the air
• And the humidity of the air.
All of these things make a difference to how efficiently your compressor runs — and they have a direct effect on your running costs and the energy you waste.
So what does that mean in practice?
You should always be using your air compressor in an environment that’s :
• Cool — away from hot machinery or heating panels
• Clean — away from vehicle exhausts or jobs that produce dust and particles
• Dry — away from jobs that produce steam (and especially your wash bay!)
Use the right compressor for the right job
If you’re shopping for a workshop air compressor, it’s tempting to go for the most powerful piece of kit.
But if you’re using an oversized compressor for a smaller job, you’re wasting energy and money.
When a larger air compressor runs at a partial load, they use more energy per unit of air. That means you’re pumping excess energy (and costs) into a job that doesn’t need it — and your compressor isn’t running efficiently.
So if you use compressed air for a variety of jobs, you should match the right compressor to the job at hand.
If you’re using air for smaller jobs, you’ll need a small workshop air compressor. Our ABAC Spinn range goes from 2.2kW up to 7.5kW — which makes them perfect for efficiency with jobs where you don’t need as much air.
For bigger jobs, you’ll need a bigger air compressor workshop setup. Our ABAC Genesis range runs from 5.5kW up to 22kW — matching up to high-powered jobs that need a lot of pressure.
Looking to refresh your outdated gear?
If you’re using an air compressor that’s past its best, there’s only so much you can do with maintenance and air quality.
For the biggest gains in efficiency, upgrading to a modern system is the easiest and fastest way to reduce your waste and keep your running costs low.
So if you’re on the lookout for a new workshop air compressor, check out our full range of compressors in our online shop — or have a chat with one of our experts to help you find the right fit for what you need.