FAQs

Compressed air is one of the most energy-intensive utilities in industrial environments. Several practical measures can significantly reduce operating costs:

• Reduce system pressure where possible – Lowering system pressure can reduce energy consumption by approximately 3% for every 0.5bar
• Conduct an air leak survey – Many industrial sites lose a significant proportion of compressed air through leaks. In some cases, leak rectification can reduce energy consumption by 15% or more, depending on system condition.
• Optimise compressor control systems
  Modern control systems can manage multiple compressors efficiently, reducing unloaded running and improving overall energy performance.

The size of the compressor depends on the production demand, pressure requirements and future expansion.

Oil-injected compressors use oil to assist in cooling and sealing processes, whereas oil-free compressors reject the use of oil to make the air purity as clean as possible. The best choice depends on the air-quality requirements of the industry.

Excessive energy use can result from dirty heat exchangers, incorrect refrigerant charge, poor water flow, incorrectly sized equipment, high ambient conditions, or control system issues.

Efficiency can be improved through regular maintenance, clean heat exchangers, correct refrigerant charge, properly treated water circuits, variable speed drives, and optimised control strategies.

CPA Engineered Solutions has a team of 20 directly employed engineers, supported by 11 apprentice engineers currently progressing through structured development programmes.

However, the more important measure is not simply headcount — it is capability.

Our engineering team operates across our Compressed Air, Refrigeration and Controlled Air divisions, delivering installation, commissioning, planned maintenance and 24/7 emergency response to industrial facilities across Scotland and the wider UK.

Several of our engineers hold advanced qualifications, including DipCAM, and members of our Refrigeration team are F-Gas registered, ensuring full compliance with environmental legislation and industry standards.

We continue to invest in apprenticeship development to strengthen long-term engineering capacity — an essential consideration in a sector facing ongoing skills shortages.

Where projects require additional specialist trades or scale, we work with carefully selected subcontract partners. These are managed directly by CPA to ensure quality, safety and accountability remain fully under our control.

For our customers, what matters most is confidence — knowing that experienced, accredited engineers are available when it matters most, and that support is built for the long term.