Dryer or No Dryer? How to Choose the Right Air Treatment System

When it comes to compressed air systems, the air itself is only part of the equation. Moisture, oil, and particulates are almost always present in raw compressed air — and without the proper treatment, these contaminants can damage equipment, lower product quality, and create compliance issues.

So the question many facility managers ask is: Do I really need an air dryer? And if so, what kind of dryer is right for my operation?

At Industrial Air Services, we help businesses across Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga choose and maintain the right air treatment systems for their needs. This guide breaks down when you need a dryer, how to choose the right type, and how to avoid costly mistakes in your compressed air setup.

Why You Might (or Might Not) Need a Dryer

Compressed Air Without a Dryer:

When air is compressed, it heats up — and once that air cools, moisture condenses out of the air stream. Without a dryer in place, that water travels through your system and ends up:

• Inside air tools and pneumatic cylinders

• On your finished products or packaging

• In spray booths, creating defects in paint or coatings

• Inside control panels or electronics

• Causing rust in piping and valves

That moisture can also carry oil and debris, compounding the damage.

But not every application needs the same level of dryness. In some cases — such as operating basic tools outdoors or in environments where a bit of moisture won’t cause problems — a dryer may not be essential.

The bottom line: If moisture can harm your products, tools, or processes, you need an air dryer.

How Dry Should Your Air Be?

The level of dryness in compressed air is measured by dew point, which tells you the temperature at which water will begin to condense out of the air. Lower dew points mean drier air.

Here's a general guide to dew point requirements:

• +50°F dew point – General shop air, air tools, and basic pneumatic equipment

• +35°F dew point – Most industrial applications with refrigerated dryers

• 0°F to -40°F dew point – Critical applications like electronics, food, pharma, or outdoor use in freezing climates

The tighter your tolerance for moisture, the more advanced your drying system will need to be.

Types of Compressed Air Dryers

There are two main categories of dryers used in industrial air systems: refrigerated and desiccant. The best choice depends on your dew point requirements, operating conditions, and budget.

1. Refrigerated Air Dryers

These are the most common and affordable option for general-purpose use. They cool the compressed air, allowing moisture to condense and drain out before the air is sent downstream.

Pros:

• Ideal for dew points around +35°F

• Simple to maintain

• Lower initial cost

• Great for manufacturing, automotive, woodworking, and general shop use

Cons:

• Not suitable for freezing environments

• Not capable of extremely low dew points

We recommend refrigerated dryers for most indoor industrial operations that don’t require super-dry air.

2. Desiccant Air Dryers

These dryers use a chemical medium (desiccant) to adsorb moisture from the air, achieving dew points as low as -40°F or lower.

Pros:

• Ultra-dry air for sensitive or critical applications

• Works in freezing or outdoor environments

• Required for food, beverage, medical, and electronics industries

Cons:

• Higher upfront and operating costs

• Require periodic desiccant replacement or regeneration

• Often used with filtration systems to remove oil and particulates

Desiccant dryers are the gold standard when air purity and dryness are non-negotiable.

Choosing the Right Dryer: Key Questions to Ask

When selecting an air dryer, consider these key factors:

What are you using the compressed air for?

If you’re powering basic pneumatic tools, a refrigerated dryer may be all you need. But if your air touches product, paint, or electronics, you'll likely need cleaner, drier air.

How dry does the air need to be?

Look at the required dew point. For general use, +35°F is usually sufficient. If you need to avoid freezing or meet strict cleanliness standards, aim for -40°F or lower.

What are the environmental conditions?

If your compressor system is outdoors or in a cold warehouse, moisture can condense and freeze in lines. Desiccant dryers are often better in these conditions.

Do you have oil in the system?

If you’re using an oil-lubricated compressor, you may need pre-filters to remove oil aerosols before they reach the dryer — especially for desiccant systems, which can be damaged by oil.

What’s your budget?

Refrigerated dryers are more budget-friendly but offer less drying power. Desiccant dryers cost more but provide unmatched performance for critical environments.

Don’t Forget Filtration and Drains

An air dryer is only part of a complete air treatment system. To protect your dryer and ensure clean air downstream, your system should also include:

• Particulate filters – to catch dust and solid particles

• Coalescing filters – to remove oil aerosols

• Moisture separators – to remove bulk water

• Automatic drains – to continuously remove accumulated condensate

Industrial Air Services can help you design and install a complete air treatment package that keeps your tools and products safe — no matter your industry.

Do You Need a Dryer at Every Drop?

Not necessarily. In some cases, you may only need dry air at certain parts of your plant. For example, you may need dry air for spray booths or CNC machines but not for blow-off or general cleaning. In those cases, point-of-use dryers or filters can be installed where needed, helping save cost without sacrificing performance.

Let Industrial Air Services Help You Choose

Choosing the right air dryer can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. At Industrial Air Services, we help businesses:

• Evaluate whether a dryer is needed

• Choose between refrigerated and desiccant models

• Match system capacity with drying performance

• Integrate dryers with filters and drains

• Keep systems running smoothly with preventive maintenance

📞 Call us today at (615) 641-3100 to speak with an air system expert in Nashville, Knoxville, or Chattanooga. We’ll help you build an air treatment solution that protects your equipment, improves efficiency, and fits your budget.

If moisture is creeping into your process, it’s time to dry things out. Let us help you design the right air treatment system — from compressor to point-of-use.