10 Ways to Improve Your Facility’s Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency isn’t just about lowering your facilities utility bills, it’s also about improving system reliability, extending equipment life, and reducing your overall cost of operation. In 2026, finding ways to be more energy efficient is crucial. As costs continue to rise, your facility needs to find ways to optimize system performance to save on energy costs and extend equipment life.
Here are ten (10) ways your facility can start saving today with the help of NCA Ltd.
- Fix Air Leaks
Compressed air leaks are often the number one energy waste in industrial facilities. Even a small leak can cost thousands annually if left unchecked. Monitoring leaks and taking appropriate action is a great way to start saving on energy costs in your facility.
What you can do:
- Conduct routine air/leak audits (ultrasonic tools work best)
- Repair leaks immediately, don’t wait until scheduled shutdowns
- Focus on fittings, hoses, and quick-connects. Ensure proper piping layout
- Install a leak detection device like the Prosaris OL2
- Right-Size Your Compressor System
Oversized compressors waste energy by cycling inefficiently or running unloaded. Ensure that your facility has the appropriate compressor(s) for your application and that it is able to achieve required CFM and PSI.
Why a Quincy compressor can help:
- Quincy Compressor offers rotary screw compressors with variable speed drives (VSD) that adjust output based on demand to ensure there is not unnecessary cycling/unloading.
- These units can help avoid constant start/stop cycles and reduces wasted power
Tip: Conduct a compressed air demand analysis before upgrading.
- Upgrade to Variable Speed Technology
If your demand fluctuates throughout the day, a VSD compressor is one of the best investments you can make to ensure your system is running efficiently. Variable speed compressors match their output to the demand so that no energy is wasted.
Benefits:
- Matches output to real-time demand
- Reduces energy consumption by up to 35%
- Extends equipment life
Many Quincy models (like the QGS or QGV series) are designed specifically for this. NCA can help you build the correct configuration for your application to ensure optimal system performance.
- Optimize System Pressure
Running your system at higher pressure than needed wastes energy! Every 2 PSI increase can raise energy consumption by ~1%. Adjusting your system pressure is a quick and easy way to start saving today.
Best practices:
- Lower system pressure to the minimum required
- Use pressure/flow controllers to stabilize output
- Ensure your compressed air system is properly calibrated
- Ensure your PM program addresses system pressure and that it is checked often
- Improve Air Treatment Efficiency
Dryers and filters are often overlooked but can create pressure drops that force your compressor to work harder. Having appropriately sized dryers and filters can make a big difference in your system’s overall output and efficiency.
Focus on:
- High-efficiency filters with low pressure drop
- Properly sized refrigerated or desiccant dryers (depending on your specific) application
- Routine maintenance/PM program to prevent clogging
- Recover Waste Heat
Did you know up to 90% of the energy used by a compressor turns into heat?
With a Quincy Compressor system, you can:
- Capture heat for space heating
- Preheat water for industrial processes
- Reduce overall facility heating costs
- Implement Smart Controls & Monitoring
Modern compressor systems can be optimized with smart controls. Quincy rotary screw compressors are equipped with intelligent, microprocessor-based controllers that actively optimize performance, protect the machine, and reduce operating costs.
What this looks like:
- Centralized compressor control systems
- Real-time monitoring of usage and efficiency
- Automatic sequencing of multiple compressors
- Real-time performance optimization
Quincy’s control systems help ensure your compressors run only when needed and at peak efficiency.
- Schedule Preventative Maintenance
An inefficient compressor is often just a poorly maintained one. Many facilities overlook the importance of a preventative maintenance program and the benefits it can offer. NCA works with companies just like yours to schedule maintenance and ensure your system is always operating efficiency.
Stay on top of:
- Filter changes
- Oil levels and quality
- Belt tension and overall motor health
Regular servicing keeps your compressor system operating at its designed efficiency reducing operating costs significantly if done properly.
- Eliminate Inappropriate Uses of Compressed Air
Compressed air is expensive don’t use it where cheaper alternatives exist.
Common misuses:
- Cleaning (use blowers instead)
- Cooling (use fans)
- Open blowing
Reducing misuse can dramatically cut energy demand.
- Work with an Expert
Compressed air systems are extremely complex and staying on top of maintenance and upgrades can be cumbersome. A professional air audit and/or PM program can uncover inefficiencies you won’t see on your own. NCA Ltd. works with companies like yours to ensure that your system is running as it should so that you can focus your attention elsewhere. From system upgrades to preventative maintenance programs, NCA has you covered.
NCA can help with:
- Proper system design including layout, piping etc.
- Accurate energy assessments and potential incentive/rebates
- Access to high-efficiency upgrades
- Preventative maintenance programming, emergency service and more
Improving energy efficiency in your facility isn’t about one big change, it’s about stacking small improvements that add up to significant savings. With the right strategy and the right equipment, you can cut your energy costs, improve system reliability, reduce unplanned downtime, and lower your environmental impact.
Give NCA a call to see how we can help your facility start saving today!
Phone: 519-659-2691
Email: info@ncaltd.ca
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