The working pressure of a screw compressor affects energy consumption. A higher working pressure results in higher energy consumption, approximately 7% per bar.

The working pressure is determined by the minimum required pressure of the various compressed air consumers. Almost every pneumatic tool operates optimally at 6.5 to 7 bar. Excessive pressure will lead to damage to the pneumatic tools.

Often, a higher working pressure is chosen for the compressor to compensate for pressure losses from couplings, filters, or a piping network (with a diameter that is too small). The pressure of the compressed air in combination with the required capacity determines the choice of compressor.