How Do You Calculate The Electrical Cost Of An Air Compressor?
The initial purchase price of an air compressor only accounts for about 20% of the total cost of ownership. The majority of the cost comes from the electricity used to operate the machine. An energy efficient compressor can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars over time. Learn how to calculate the electrical cost of an air compressor to save big bucks when purchasing a new machine, or evaluating your current compressor. You need to acquire two numbers from the motor of the compressor you are evaluating: the brake horsepower, and the motor’s efficiency rating. The compressor salesman or motor manufacturer should easily be able to supply this information. Likewise, it should be printed on the motor’s information decal or plate. You also need to find out the cost of a kilowatt (Kw) of electricity from your local supplier. It is usually listed on your power bill, or you can call your utility company and ask. A cost of $.06 – $.10 per Kw is average. Now, figure out how many hours yo