Compressed air systems are critical for most industrial operations — but they're also among the most inefficient. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, compressed air leaks alone can waste up to 30% of a system’s output, driving up operating costs, damaging equipment, and reducing productivity. ComEd offers energy incentive programs for Northern Illinois manufacturers, covering leak detection, VSD compressor rebates, and other energy-saving upgrades — all funded through your existing electricity bill.
BONUS! ComEd is offering 20% bonus incentives on new capital equipment purchases installed by October 31. Contact us now to see if your purchase qualifies and get your project started.
At Fluid-Aire Dynamics, we offer energy efficiency audits that identify waste, recommend upgrades, and help you qualify for ComEd’s compressed air incentive programs. With available rebates, system optimization may cost little or nothing.
ComEd Compressed Air Incentive Programs: What’s Available in 2025
СomEd offers two main types of incentive programs for compressed air systems:
- Custom incentives: Performance-based rebates for specialized projects like right-sizing systems or pressure reduction.
- Industrial systems programs: Comprehensive programs for facilities with 25 HP+ systems, including free leak repairs and energy studies.
Not sure if your facility qualifies for ComEd compressed air incentives? Review the requirements below to determine your eligibility:
- Location: Northern Illinois ComEd service territory.
- Customer type: Non-residential/commercial account.
- System size: Any size for standard programs; 25 HP+ for Industrial programs.
- Equipment: Existing compressed air system or planned installation.
- Timing: Projects must meet current program deadlines.
Standard Compressed Air Prescriptive Incentive Programs
ComEd offers several additional prescriptive incentive programs for compressed air. Pre-application is not required for projects with a cost of under $1,000.
Available incentives:
- VSD compressors ≤200 HP: $220/HP.
- No-loss drains: $250 per drain.
- Refrigerated dryers: $1–3/CFM.
- Desiccant dryers: $4/CFM.
Upgrading to VSD delivers the highest payoff for compressed air systems. An average-size manufacturer may see $15K–20K in annual energy savings when upgrading from a fixed-speed rotary screw compressor to a VSD compressor.
The ComEd standard prescriptive incentive program covers $220 per HP for new air compressors with integrated VSD (up to 200 HP) when replacing an existing fixed-speed rotary screw compressor or installing a new one for a new facility or expansion.
VSD air compressors larger than 200 HP may qualify for incentives under ComEd’s Custom Efficiency programs.
Custom Compressed Air Energy Efficiency Programs from ComEd
The Custom Energy Efficiency Program provides incentives for other types of improvements based on the kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy saved. The incentive for custom projects is $0.18/kWh saved.
Custom incentives pay for upgrades not otherwise qualifying for prescriptive rebates under the Standard or Small Business Programs.
Examples may include:
- Right-sizing the compressed air system
- Multiple compressor systems
- VSD for compressors over 220 HP
- Load or pressure reduction
Projects must be pre-approved. To get started with a custom study, contact ComEd or an authorized industrial service provider such as Fluid-Aire Dynamics.
Industrial Compressed Air Systems Programs
Industrial Systems Programs include the Fix-It-Now Program and Comprehensive Energy Studies.
ComEd Fix-It-Now Program covers compressed air leak detection and repair at no cost for systems 25 HP+. We use ultrasonic detection to find and fix leaks on the spot, billing ComEd directly.
Real leak repair savings:
- Typical 100 HP system: $3,000–8,000 annual savings from leak repairs.
- Large facility (300+ HP): $15,000–25,000 annual savings from comprehensive leak repair.
- Average repair cost covered: $2,000–5,000 per visit (paid directly to vendor).
To qualify, manufacturers must:
- Have a compressed air system of 25 HP or larger (not including backup compressors).
- Be a ComEd customer.
Leak repair can save thousands of dollars on your compressed air energy bill. ComEd will cover leak detection and repair as often as every nine months, so you can stay on top of new leaks as they develop.
Aire tip: Leaks in your compressed air system can add 30% or more to your compressed air energy bill. Read more about the cost of leaks in your compressed air system.
ComEd Comprehensive Energy Studies
Large businesses may also qualify for a full facility assessment from ComEd. Industrial customers who implement recommended measures from these studies receive the same $0.18 per kWh incentive rate. In many cases, this is enough to cover all or most of the cost of the upgrade.
Study examples and savings:
- Manufacturing facility audit: Identified $45,000 in annual savings, $35,000 in ComEd rebates.
- Food processing plant: $28,000 annual savings, $22,000 rebate coverage.
- Automotive supplier: $65,000 annual savings, $48,000 in incentives.
The projects have three phases:
- Investigation: Each project starts with an energy efficiency study completed by ComEd and/or an authorized ComEd partner. The study identifies the biggest opportunities for energy savings and estimates the annual kWh savings for each improvement.
- Installation: The recommended installation, repair, or upgrade is completed by an authorized ComEd partner, such as Fluid-Aire Dynamics, who will work with you to identify a statement of work and plan your implementation.
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Verification: Custom programs must have a follow-up study completed after the installation to verify the actual energy savings realized. ComEd pays the end customer once the verification study is complete.
Getting Started with ComEd Energy Incentives for Compressed Air Systems
Fluid-Aire Dynamics makes it easy to apply for incentives and incentive programs from ComEd. We are an authorized service provider for compressed air system energy incentives through ComEd. We’ll even fill out the paperwork for you and provide all the required documentation.
We can:
- Conduct compressed air studies through the ComEd program.
- Identify your greatest opportunities for energy savings and incentives.
- Detect and repair leaks through the Fix-It-Now Program.
- Install qualifying equipment and upgrades, including VSD air compressors.
Reach out to learn how we can help you improve the energy efficiency of your compressed air system. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can start saving money on your energy bill!
Start Saving with ComEd Incentives Today!
Ready to slash your compressed air energy costs by thousands? Let Fluid-Aire Dynamics, your trusted ComEd-authorized partner, do the heavy lifting. With expert teams in Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Detroit, and Philadelphia, we'll navigate the entire incentive process for you from qualification to installation, so you can focus on what you do best.
