What changed
- Federal efficiency standards are now in force for certain industrial air compressors: applies to units manufactured on or after January 10, 2025. See DOE final rule (85 FR 1504).
Federal Register – Energy Conservation Standards for Air Compressors - DOE’s amended test procedure for compressors is effective May 20, 2025 (the agency delayed the original effective date) and becomes mandatory for product testing on July 16, 2025.
Highlights: corrections to isentropic efficiency and specific energy consumption formulas (adds the K6 altitude correction), pressure ratio must be expressed in absolute pressure, and minor definition updates.
Sources: Jan 17, 2025 final rule and Mar 7, 2025 effective-date delay notice. DOE overview page: Commercial & Industrial Air Compressors.
Dates at a glance
| Date | Requirement | Who it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 10, 2025 | Efficiency standards apply to covered compressors manufactured from this date forward. | Compressor OEMs & buyers; procurement and spec teams. |
| May 20, 2025 | Amended DOE test procedure becomes effective (after DOE delayed the original effective date). | Testing labs & manufacturers. |
| Jul 16, 2025 | Use of the amended test procedure becomes mandatory for product testing/representations. | Manufacturers; certifiers; compliance teams. |
What facility teams should do
- Check the compressor’s manufacturing date and verify the model is certified to the current DOE standard and test procedure.
- Verify certification in DOE’s Compliance Certification Database (CCMS): Search compressors in CCMS.
- Keep documentation on file (datasheets, DOE certification listing, test procedure reference) with your environmental and maintenance records.
- Separator impact: These DOE rules target compressors, not oil-water separators. Your Joruva separator selection and discharge practices do not change as a result of the DOE rules; continue to follow site policy and local discharge regulations.
FAQ
Does this change how we size or service Joruva oil-water separators?
No. The rules govern compressor efficiency and test methods. Separator selection is based on condensate volume, lubricant type, and site layout. If you are changing compressors or lubricants, contact us to confirm the separator model and media are still correct.
What compressor types are covered?
Coverage and standard levels are defined in 10 CFR part 431, subpart T and DOE’s 2020 final rule. Confirm coverage for your specific compressor model/technology in the DOE materials linked above.
Need help?
Talk to an engineer about lubricant type, condensate volume, and separator sizing.
Compliance references: 85 FR 1504 (Jan 10, 2020; compliance Jan 10, 2025) · 90 FR 5538 (Jan 17, 2025; test procedure) · 90 FR 11465 (Mar 7, 2025; effective-date delay to May 20, 2025; compliance for testing remains Jul 16, 2025) · DOE CCMS database.
Disclaimer: This advisory is informational, not legal advice. Always consult the official Federal Register notice and your compliance counsel.