Commercial and Industrial Air Compressors

THE PRODUCT:

Commercial and industrial compressors are used in industrial facilities and commercial buildings to provide compressed air for a wide variety of processes such as the operation of pneumatic tools, pneumatic controls, and automated equipment.

THE STANDARD:

The first federal standards for commercial and industrial air compressors took effect on January 10, 2025. The standards apply only to lubricated rotary air compressors between 10 and 200 hp, which are used almost exclusively in industrial facilities. Other types of compressors such as reciprocating compressors, centrifugal compressors, and lubricant-free compressors are excluded from the scope of DOE’s regulation.

In May 2025, DOE proposed to withdraw the determination of coverage for air compressors. DOE also proposed to withdraw the test procedure, certification requirements, and energy conservation standards.

KEY FACTS:

Technology options for improving the efficiency of air compressors include improved controls, improved cooling fan efficiency, higher efficiency motors, variable speed drives, and use of multi-staging.