Yes, new air compressors are significantly more energy efficient than older compressor technologies, especially if you get a variable-speed drive. If you want to save money in the long run, the best way to do that is to decrease the energy costs it takes to operate the compressor. Keep in mind that 76% of an air compressor's total lifecycle cost is in the electricity it takes to operate it. The more energy efficient the unit, the less you'll spend in electricity bills to run it.