The electric motor is the single largest energy consumer in an air compressor, so its efficiency class has a direct effect on running cost. Super premium IE4 motors reduce losses compared with IE3 and older classes, compounding savings over the machine life.
Efficiency classes
- IE1 standard efficiency
- IE2 high efficiency
- IE3 premium efficiency
- IE4 super premium efficiency
Why it matters
A compressor runs for thousands of hours each year, so a small efficiency gain translates into large lifetime savings. In variable speed machines, motor efficiency also stays higher across partial load, where compressors operate most of the time.
Payback
Compare the small price premium of an IE4 motor against the energy saved over five to ten years. For machines running continuously or near full load, the premium is usually recovered quickly and keeps paying back for the life of the compressor.