Yes you are thinking correct. Reduce the velocity of air.
Approx 50% of input power to compressor is wasted as heat.
BUT why not take advantage of that heat you removed from air AND that dang water and use it to heat something else? Would take a little more plumbing ie heat exchanger tees and larger pipe say 1" and run water between outside of 3/4 and the inside of 1". Use to heat hot water for shop and or house (sink shower etc in summer) and for shop heat (mmm in floor heat) in winter.
Grainger has heat exchangers designed for this but are probably oversize and over BUDGET for you.
Dan Bentler
