LMSNordic
    Member of the Towards Zero expert network

    Compressed air cost calculator

    Estimate what compressed air inefficiency could be costing your organisation.

    Enter a few details about your compressed air system to create an indicative estimate of annual energy cost, leakage cost and potential savings.

    The result is an estimate based on your inputs and editable assumptions. It does not replace measured site data or a formal compressed air assessment.

    Contact Daniel and the team

    Illustrative example values

    Start with an illustrative system size

    Choose the example closest to your operation, then adjust the values using your own data.

    These presets are not industry averages or measured site data. They are editable examples designed to help you understand how the calculator works.

    I am using:
    Are the key values based on measurements?
    Tell us about the compressed air system
    kW

    Enter the total rated power of the compressors normally used to supply the system.

    %

    Estimate the average percentage of installed compressor power used during operation.

    hours per year

    Enter the approximate number of hours the compressed air system operates each year.

    days per year

    Used only to help sense-check the annual operating hours.

    bar

    Enter the normal operating pressure. Used for educational context only.

    Energy and cost assumptions

    Used consistently in all outputs.

    €per kWh

    Use the organisation's total electricity cost where available.

    Estimate leakage and improvement potential
    How do you know your leakage level?
    %

    Estimate the share of compressed air production lost through leakage.

    %

    The percentage of current leakage expected to be removed. If current leakage is estimated at 20% and you expect to remove 60% of that leakage, enter 60%.

    %

    Use this only when you want to explore potential savings beyond leakage, such as improved control, reduced pressure or changed operating practices.

    What is your main responsibility? (optional)

    Leakage reduction estimate

    What the current assumptions suggest

    Potential total annual saving

    €14,040

    Indicative estimate based on the values and assumptions entered

    This estimate currently includes leakage reduction only.

    Estimated annual compressor electricity use
    780,000 kWh
    Estimated annual energy cost
    €117,000
    Estimated annual leakage cost
    €23,400
    Potential annual leakage saving
    €14,040
    Optional additional improvement saving
    Not included

    Additional improvement may include opportunities related to pressure, control, operating practices or inappropriate use. Enter a value only if you have a reasonable basis for the estimate.

    Based on the values entered, the system is estimated to use 780,000 kWh of electricity per year. At the selected electricity price, this represents approximately €117,000 in annual energy cost. With an estimated leakage level of 20%, the current leakage cost is approximately €23,400. Removing 60% of that leakage produces an indicative annual saving of approximately €14,040.

    Estimate confidence

    Illustrative estimate

    This indicator reflects the quality of the information entered, not a guarantee that the result is accurate.

    Results breakdown

    Annual energy cost€117,000
    Estimated leakage share20%
    Estimated current leakage cost€23,400
    Expected leakage reduction60%
    Potential annual leakage saving€14,040
    Potential total annual saving€14,040

    Assumptions used

    Installed power
    200 kWEntered by you
    Average utilisation
    65%Entered by you
    Operating hours
    6000 hEntered by you
    Electricity price
    0.15Entered by you
    Leakage estimate
    20%Entered by you
    Expected leakage reduction
    60%Entered by you
    Additional improvement
    Not enteredCalculator assumption
    Currency
    EUREntered by you
    Efficiency factor
    100%Calculator assumption

    Estimate possible payback

    Enter the cost of training, leak repair or another improvement initiative to compare with the estimated annual saving.

    Enter an improvement cost to estimate payback.

    This is a simplified comparison and does not include financing, maintenance, tax, implementation risk or changes in operating conditions.

    Recommended next step

    Based on your responsibility, this training route is likely to be the most relevant starting point.

    Your calculation can run without creating an account. Input data remains in your browser unless you choose to submit or email the result.

    Calculation methodology

    A transparent estimate based on energy, operating hours and leakage assumptions.

    Step 1

    The calculator estimates annual compressor electricity use from installed power, average use and operating hours.

    Annual energy use = Installed power × Utilisation × Operating hours

    Step 2

    It then estimates annual energy cost using the entered electricity price.

    Annual energy cost = Annual energy use × Electricity price

    Step 3

    The leakage estimate is applied to the annual energy cost.

    Annual leakage cost = Annual energy cost × Leakage percentage

    Step 4

    Potential savings are calculated from the share of current leakage expected to be removed.

    Potential leakage saving = Annual leakage cost × Expected leakage reduction

    Step 5

    Any additional improvement estimate is included only when actively entered by the visitor.

    Additional saving = Annual energy cost × Additional improvement percentage

    Step 6

    Total potential saving combines leakage saving and any additional saving.

    Total saving = Potential leakage saving + Additional saving

    What this calculator does not include

    • Compressor efficiency at different load points
    • Pressure related energy effects
    • Air demand profiles
    • Load and unload losses
    • Heat recovery
    • Production interruptions
    • Leak location and repair cost
    • Pipe system pressure drop
    • Air quality requirements
    • Seasonal operating changes
    • Equipment condition
    • Local taxes and electricity tariff structures

    A measured compressed air assessment may produce a materially different result.

    From estimate to measured performance

    The better the data, the more useful the decision.

    Installed power and operating hours can create a useful first estimate. Measurement of actual electricity use, airflow, pressure and leakage provides a stronger basis for operational and investment decisions.

    01Estimate

    Use available system information to understand the possible scale.

    02Measure

    Collect actual energy, flow, pressure and leakage data.

    03Manage

    Assign ownership, report performance and act on priorities.

    Independent knowledge without an equipment sales agenda.

    The calculator and surrounding guidance are informed by LMS Nordic's wider field experience.

    40 years

    Specialist compressed air experience

    12,000+

    Optimisation projects informing the educational framework

    Manufacturer independent

    No compressors to sell

    European expert network

    Knowledge strengthened through Towards Zero

    The calculation is a starting point. The next step is better knowledge and better data.

    Explore the training route that matches your responsibility, review course pricing or contact Daniel and the LMS Nordic team about your organisation.