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:

DOE finalized the first federal standards for commercial and industrial air compressors in 2020, which require compliance starting on January 10, 2025. DOE issued a final rule at the end of 2016. However, the Department delayed final publication for three years until compelled by the courts. 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.

California, Colorado, Vermont, and Washington adopted the final DOE standards as state standards with a 2022 effective date. States that adopted the standards prior to publication of the national standards can implement the standards until the 2025 federal compliance date. 

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.