Setting Compressed Air Performance Goals for the New Year
Most facilities set goals for production, safety, and cost control at the start of the year—but compressed air systems are often overlooked. That’s a missed opportunity. Because compressed air touches nearly every operation, small improvements can deliver big results over time.
At Gordon Air Compressor, we encourage facilities to treat compressed air like any other critical system: measure it, manage it, and set clear performance goals. January is the perfect time to do exactly that.
Start by Establishing a Baseline
Before you can improve anything, you need to know where you stand. A baseline gives you something concrete to measure against throughout the year.
Key items to document include:
Average system pressure during normal operation
Compressor run hours
Energy usage tied to compressed air
Frequency of alarms or faults
Maintenance and repair history
Without a baseline, it’s difficult to tell whether changes are actually improving performance or just masking issues.
Set Realistic Pressure Targets
Running higher pressure than necessary is one of the most common—and costly—compressed air mistakes. Every unnecessary increase in pressure drives up energy consumption and accelerates wear.
A good goal for the new year is to:
Identify the lowest pressure that still meets production needs
Eliminate pressure creep at the compressor and points of use
Stabilize pressure instead of compensating with higher setpoints
Stable, correctly set pressure improves efficiency and protects equipment.
Reduce Unnecessary Compressor Run Time
Excessive run time is often a sign of leaks, pressure drop, or inefficient system design. Reducing run time doesn’t mean sacrificing performance—it means eliminating waste.
Performance goals may include:
Fixing known air leaks
Improving storage capacity
Cleaning coolers and filters
Balancing load between compressors
When compressors run less, energy costs drop and equipment lasts longer.
Improve Air Quality Consistency
Clean, dry air protects tools, machines, and products. Inconsistent air quality leads to corrosion, sticking valves, and premature failures.
Air quality goals should focus on:
Reliable moisture removal
Proper filtration at the right stages
Functioning drains and separators
Consistent dew point performance
Good air quality isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency.
Shift Maintenance from Reactive to Planned
One of the most valuable goals a facility can set is reducing emergency repairs. Planned maintenance keeps costs predictable and minimizes disruptions.
A strong maintenance goal includes:
Scheduled inspections
Routine oil and filter changes
Early detection of wear or abnormal operation
Fewer last-minute service calls
Planned maintenance almost always costs less than reactive repairs.
Track Progress Throughout the Year
Goals only work if they’re tracked. Revisit your baseline periodically and compare it to current performance.
Ask:
Has energy usage dropped?
Are compressors running fewer hours?
Is pressure more stable?
Are maintenance issues being caught earlier?
Tracking these trends helps confirm that improvements are working—and highlights areas that still need attention.
A Smarter Year Starts with a Smarter Air System
Compressed air systems don’t improve by accident. Facilities that set clear performance goals early in the year put themselves in a stronger position to control costs, reduce downtime, and extend equipment life.
If you’re unsure where to start or want help defining realistic performance goals for your system, we’re here to help.
We would love to help with your compressed air needs!
📞 901-327-1327
📧 parts@gordonaircompressor.com
📧 service@gordonaircompressor.com
📍 706 Scott Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38112
Emergency Service Available @ 901-482-5925
