EXTENDED COMPRESSOR LIFE SAVINGS AND COST AVOIDANCE

Small Tonnage:

The cost of changing out a small compressor is estimated at $250.00 per ton, i.e., a 4.0 ton pot, hermetic compressor, can be replaced for $1,000.00. Assuming the compressor was intended to last 12.0 years, which is about average, it's cost per year, with 5% inflation would be:

$1,000.00 x 1971 = $142.50/per year
            12                                          

For each year the compressor is not replaced, and the money is instead invested at 10% interest, the cost avoidance can then be evaluated as worth:

$142.50 X 1.10 = $156.75/ per year, which, for 4.0 Tons=$156.75 / per year = $39.19 per ton, per year.

The 5.0 Ton and larger size Semi-Hermetic compressors are more expensive, however, they can occasionally be re-built rather then replaced outright, so that the average cost avoidance of these machines is calculated to be $45.00 per ton per year.

Centrifugal Compressors are usually re-built, and for these the cost of replacing one of the major bearings is the significant cost avoidance figure. There are varying numbers of bearings in each machine, some have three, others have six or more.