How to improve air compressor efficiency and availability
February 20, 2026
Improving your air compressor’s efficiency is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy costs, avoid production downtime and extend equipment lifespan. Even if you invest in a premium compressor, its performance is heavily influenced by installation conditions, maintenance routines, and the right supporting equipment.
Checklist to increase air compressor efficiency
1. Install your compressor in the right enviroment
Installing your compressors in a clean environment with moderate temperature and moisture conditions is a first step to achieve optimal performance. A compressor sucks in the ambient air around it. In a dusty environment, this means the inlet air filter will be saturated more quickly and will need to be replaced more frequently. If not, critical components of your compressor will suffer.
2. Monitor key parameters regulary
Following up on equipment parameters such as outlet temperatures and pressures gives the possibility to predict potential problems. This is possible if the data is collected and analyzed continuously. Take advantage of the remote connectivity features of your compressors.
3. Proper maintenance plan
Routine maintenance is essential for sustaining long‑term efficiency. Always follow the maintenance recommendations from the manufacturer. Maintenance requirements should be adjusted to the specific ambient conditions.
4. Choose the right ancillary equipment
Consumption of air can be fluctuating which can result in a bad compressor operating mode and lower air quality. The impact can be reduced due to proper selection of ancillaries, such as dryers, air vessels, piping system and line filters.
5. Pressure optimization and leak detection
Air leaks are often the quickest win: uncontrolled leakage can account for a significant share of energy use, so a structured leak detection is a must. Tightening the pressure band and using a central controller in multi‑compressor rooms reduces energy consumption by matching supply to demand more precisely.
Maintenance planning for optimal efficiency
A good maintenance plan makes the most of your investment and manages your resources effectively. You won't need to worry about parts inventory, equipment monitoring, service interventions and repairs.
If you are performing maintenance yourself, foresee efficient parts storage, the correct, certified tools and a trained maintenance crew. Although your in‑house maintenance team can typically handle most routine preventive tasks, certain jobs should always be carried out by a qualified compressed‑air professional. These include:
- Replacing motors
- Diagnosing and repairing mechanical failures
- Moving or relocating large or heavy compressor equipment
- Conducting system safety‑shutdown inspections
- Performing any compressor‑specific maintenance tasks for which your team has not been formally trained
Keep in mind that you will not be able to file a warranty claim in case of a breakdown resulting from incorrect service.
Advanced monitoring and control systems
Visual checks have their limitations, as a lot is happening on the inside of your compressor.
To get further assurance that your machines are running smoothly, follow up on equipment parameters such as outlet temperatures and pressures. If you notice that a parameter is out of the recommended range, contact your supplier as soon as possible.
Manual follow‑ups require logging every system parameter by hand, which is time‑consuming and prone to errors. A more efficient, user‑friendly approach is to leverage your compressor’s remote connectivity features. These digital monitoring tools give you deeper, real‑time insights into your compressed air system and provide actionable recommendations to improve performance and reduce energy consumption.
With SMARTLINK, you go beyond basic monitoring. SMARTLINK not only boosts system reliability through continuous performance tracking, but it also enhances energy efficiency by identifying optimization opportunities and suggesting improvements that help your compressor run at peak efficiency.
What can I expect from my equipment manufacturer?
Leaving the care for your equipment in the hands of the manufacturer can save you a lot of time and effort. More importantly, it may be the shortest route to maximum efficiency and equipment availability.
Total Responsibility service plan is the best way to ensure the highest equipment uptime, and it can include the Availability Guarantee, our pledge that your equipment will be available for an agreed percentage of the time.
A promise we can make thanks to:
- SMARTLINK monitoring and remote diagnostic service
- The most efficient operational process
- The proper planning of regular maintenance and proactive extra jobs
To make precise calculations and informed decisions, Atlas Copco can perform an on‑site AIRScan Without disrupting production, we install measuring equipment at multiple points in your system and analyze everything from the compressor room to the point of use.
Discover your potential savings and take the first step toward a more efficient compressor system
What causes air compressor inefficiency?
- Air Leaks: One of the biggest contributors to wasted compressor energy.
- Operating at Higher Pressure Than Necessary: Running a system at excessive pressure creates artificial demand, meaning end‑use equipment consumes more air than needed.
- Poor Maintenance: Improper or inconsistent maintenance leads to several efficiency‑reducing issues
- Environmental Conditions: Dirty, dusty, or poorly ventilated rooms.
- Lack of Monitoring: Without real‑time monitoring, small inefficiencies grow unnoticed.
- No central controller: Multiple compressors running without a central controller often compete or run inefficiently.
- Incorrect System Sizing or Changes in Demand: If your compressor installation doesn't match your production requirements.
How often should I perform compressor maintenance for optimal efficiency?
Follow the manufacturer schedule, adjusted for ambient conditions; plan interventions 2–3 months ahead to align parts, technicians, and production.
Safest way is to take a Total Responsibility service plan. For an all-inclusive price, Atlas Copco takes complete care of your compressor, with on-time maintenance by expert service engineers with genuine parts.
What is the difference between isentropic and isothermal efficiency?
- Isentropic efficiency tells you how good your compressor is compared to an ideal adiabatic compressor, where no heat is transferred during compression.
- Isothermal efficiency tells you how efficiently your compressor operates compared to the theoretical minimum work required under a perfectly constant‑temperature (isothermal) compression process.
Do air leaks have a big impact on the efficiency of my air compressor installation?
In older compressed air systems, up to 20% of total compressed air consumption can be lost through leaks. A leak of just 1/8 inch can result to nearly 42 000 kWh of wasted energy annually. Repairing compressed air leaks is a highly effective way to save energy.
What’s the single biggest factor in compressor lifecycle cost?
Energy consumption, which can represent up to 70% of lifecycle cost in a compressed air installation. This is why improving efficiency can deliver long-term savings.
Discover your efficiency potential
Speak with our compressed air specialists to develop a customized efficiency improvement plan tailored to your operations and budget.