Have you noticed your energy bill climbing over the last year?
Your compressed air system could be to blame. In fact, a large portion of the total energy bill in industrial plants and manufacturing facilities can often be attributed to compressed air systems.
To combat excessive energy consumption, Air Handling Equipment offers energy audits. Energy audits can identify the source behind wasted energy and uncover significant opportunities for energy savings.
The Importance of Air Audits
Over time, air compressors can develop leaks or other hidden issues that lead to costly energy wastage. The goal of an energy audit is to help businesses understand their system’s current performance and identify opportunities for energy and cost savings.
Air energy audits accurately identify where your compressed air systems may be failing or underperforming. They can pinpoint areas of inefficiency and parts needing repairs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air leaks alone are a significant source of wasted energy in a compressed air system, often wasting as much as 20%-30% of the compressor’s output. Combine leaks with other issues, such as pressure fluctuations, and you’ll start to see a decrease in system efficiency and an increase in energy bills.
Steps Air Handling Experts Take in Conducting Air Audits
Our team of experts uses innovative technology and data logging to form the basis for our recommendations. The steps in our air audit process include:
1. Supply Side Assessment
Supply side assessments focus on the process of air compression. We examine:
Compressor Utilization: Evaluating if the current compressor meets the plant’s air demand efficiently.
Pressure Levels: Monitoring and analyzing system pressure to identify inconsistencies and over-pressurization.
Dryer Dew Point Performance: Assessing air quality, moisture, and the effectiveness of drying processes.
Annual Electrical Operating Costs Estimate: Calculating the annual cost of energy consumption and electricity needed for system operations.
Temperature Differentials: Identifying potential inefficiencies through temperature monitoring.
Desiccant Sampling: Using a sample of compressed air to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of desiccant material removing moisture in the dryer.
2. Demand Side Assessment
Following the supply side, our focus shifts to the demand side, which involves the end-use of compressed air. Some of our solutions for demand include:
Inspection for Inappropriate Compressed Air Usage: Offering alternatives for inefficient uses of compressed air, including open blow-offs, air knives, and vacuum generators.
Point-of-use Flow Metering: Measuring airflow at the specific points it’s being used to assess demand.
Bag House Pulses: Monitoring the frequency and efficiency of cleaning pulses in baghouse filters.
Header Pressure: Analyzing the discharge pressure within the compressed air lines.
Pressure Drop Locations: Detecting areas within the system experiencing significant pressure drops.
By analyzing both the supply and demand sides of your compressed air system, Air Handling Equipment can provide actionable insights and recommendations specifically tailored to your operational needs.
Your Action Plan
Upon completion of the audit, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining specific energy-saving opportunities and recommendations. Air Handling Equipment audits are targeted toward enhancing your compressed air system’s efficiency, reducing operational costs, and lowering your carbon footprint.
We believe transparency is one of the best policies, and we’ll explain each section of the audit so you know exactly what’s going on with your system. You’ll receive a personalized, recommended course of action based on your data results, and we’ll help you through the steps to putting that plan into action.
Data-Driven Decisions Lead to Smart Solutions
Like we mentioned before, major air leaks and equipment failure is easy to spot, but wasted energy is much less likely to be noticed right away. Our data-driven approach ensures that our recommendations are backed by accurate and comprehensive data.
An audit highlights inefficiencies like small, silent leaks or pressure fluctuations that aren’t obvious at first glance. Data collected during an audit gives detailed insights into how to improve the system and avoid excess costs. You can take some of the guesswork out of why your energy bill climbs each month and make an informed decision about areas to improve or modify within your compressed air system.
Choose Air Handling Equipment for Your Energy Audits
Partnering with an experienced air compressor supplier like Air Handling Equipment ensures your air audits are thorough and effective. Our expertise in data logging and system analysis helps us provide tailored solutions for each of our customers to maximize system efficiency and performance.
For more information on scheduling an air audit or learning more about how data logging can benefit your operations, contact us online today online or call 1-800-736-3321.
With office locations in Sidney, Loveland, and Gahanna, Air Handling Equipment has provided compressed air system solutions to the Midwestern and Southern Ohio markets since 1977. This includes proudly serving the greater Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Lima, and Findlay, Ohio areas. For questions about our selection of air compressors, call one of our locations or fill out our online contact form, and someone from our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
