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Energy savings tool

Calculate Your Energy Savings

Compare PM VSD vs Fixed Speed compressors. See your projected 5-year cost difference, with formulas modelled on CAGI, US DOE, and Compressed Air Challenge benchmarks.

Compressor specs
Compressor power
HP
Average load factorAverage air demand vs nameplate capacity
Operating profile
Hours per day
h
Days per year
d
Years to project
yr
Cost inputs
Currency
Electricity rateDefault for currency
USD/kWh
Equipment payback (optional)
How much more does the VSD model cost?Enter to calculate payback. Ask sales for typical figures.
USD
5-year projection
Energy cost
Fixed Speed
$157,492
EMAX PM VSD
$110,602
Total savings
$46,890 (29.8%)
Annual savings
$9,378 / year
Cumulative cost
Year-by-year totals
  • Fixed Speed
  • EMAX PM VSD
Y1 · Fixed Speed: $31,498Y1 · PM VSD: $22,120Y1Y2 · Fixed Speed: $62,997Y2 · PM VSD: $44,241Y2Y3 · Fixed Speed: $94,495Y3 · PM VSD: $66,361Y3Y4 · Fixed Speed: $125,993Y4 · PM VSD: $88,482Y4Y5 · Fixed Speed: $157,492Y5 · PM VSD: $110,602Y5
  • Year 1$31,498$22,120
  • Year 2$62,997$44,241
  • Year 3$94,495$66,361
  • Year 4$125,993$88,482
  • Year 5$157,492$110,602
Methodology + legal

The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and projected energy savings figures provided by this calculator are qualified estimates intended strictly for preliminary evaluation and educational purposes. Actual financial and energy savings will vary significantly based on facility-specific variables, including but not limited to actual compressed air volumetric demand profiles, load factors, piping network pressure differentials, downstream storage receiver capacity, ambient operating temperatures, system leakage rates, and localized utility rate structures. The default formulas are modelled on industry-standard performance data (CAGI Performance Verification Datasheets, US DOE Better Plants benchmarks, Compressed Air Challenge guidance) for a Permanent Magnet Variable Speed Drive (PM VSD) architecture compared against a traditional Fixed Speed unit utilizing standard load/unload controls. If your facility operates at near-continuous full capacity (95-100% load factor), VSD energy savings may be negligible or non-existent. EMAX makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees — whether express or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose — regarding the ultimate accuracy, completeness, or actual financial realization of these projections. Use of this tool does not absolve the user from the responsibility of conducting independent engineering due diligence or engaging a certified compressed air auditor prior to capital procurement. In no event shall EMAX be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from reliance on these estimates.

Need help interpreting these numbers?

Our compressed-air engineers will look at your real demand profile, leak data, and tariff schedule, then return a model recommendation that accounts for the variables this calculator can't see.