Air compressors are getting popular. Whether it’s in construction, manufacturing, agriculture or home use, you can find air compressors in a wide range of uses. They create and move pressurised air, which can be used to power many types of tools. You can use air compressors to inflate tires and inflatable products, paint with an airbrush, clean crevices and tight spaces and run different air tools. With their uses, these machines are now becoming a necessity in running a business or doing home maintenance.
So who wouldn’t want an air compressor if it can make your work easier? But before you grab any ad saying air compressor for sale, check on these six quick tips on buying your first air compressor first. You wouldn’t want to mess up on your first buy.
Determine the Requirements of Your Air Tools.
The key function of an air compressor is to power air tools. When you thought of buying it, consider your tools’ specific requirements, particularly pressure and volume requirements. The compressor must satisfy these requirements so your tools will function properly. How should you do it?
Check which tool needs the highest cubic feet per minute (CFM) at the highest horsepower rating. Add 50% to the required CFM as a safety margin, and make sure the compressor meets that requirement. Take note that when you fail to choose a compressor that fits the intended use, you should expect a decreased work efficiency in your tools.
Know the Different Types of Compressors Available.
Finding the right air compressor starts with understanding the different types available in the market. If it’s your first time buying an air compressor, you should make sure that it will closely match your work requirements.
An air compressor can be stationary, portable or inflator. Stationary compressors are typically used by professionals because they can deliver a high volume of air, which is ideal when powering automotive or production air tools. Portable air compressors are largely popular due to the obvious reason that you can bring them anywhere you need to work. Meanwhile, inflators are better suited for inflating tyres, pool toys and others.
Check the Power Ratings and Other Features.
To make sure that an air compressor will serve its purpose, you should check its features before buying it. Among these features are the horsepower rating, air pressure, CFM, the belt drive system, thermal protection and other tools and accessories.
CFM tells you how fast an air compressor can supply air. The horsepower rating indicates the motor’s power and helps you determine the size of the compressor you need. Air pressure, which is commonly rated in pounds per square inch (PSI), measures the amount of air pressure the compressor can generate within the tank. Most of the tools need 90 PSI to operate, and it’s the common metric you’ll see around the air compressor shop.
It is also good to note that if you want your air compressor to have a quieter operation, it should have a belt-drive system. To prevent damage due to overloads, your compressor should have thermal protection to stop the motor.
Consider your Power Source.
Air compressors are powered by either electricity or gas. If you have electricity supply at all times, then buying an electric air compressor is feasible. The common ones run on 110 V, while some large compressors run on 240 V. However, if you’re most likely to be in an environment where there is no electricity, you should consider a portable air compressor that can run on gasoline or diesel engines.
Another difference between electric- and gas-powered air compressors is that the former is better used indoors because it doesn’t produce fumes or exhaust. On the contrary, the gas-powered one should be utilised for outdoor use because it emits exhaust.
Think About the Tank Size, Space and Portability.
Before you buy any compressor, you should check on the space available where you can let it stand. Whether it’s in your shop or at home, you should have a designated place for it, and the size of the area you’ll need can be determined by the size of the compressor’s tank. If you’ll be working for long hours, you will need big tanks while small ones if only for short hours. Additionally, do you need to lift the compressor while working or are you going to use a high-capacity compressor and opt for a longer hose?
Explore Reviews and Ratings.
With the different types and features of an air compressor, there are also different brands and models available. Before heading out to the nearest hardware store, it’s good to check out the reviews and ratings of your target air compressor. The publicly available feedback from the manufacturer’s or the seller’s website may give you an idea on warranties, after-sale support and other invaluable information.
The use of an air compressor is advantageous due to many reasons. It’s more powerful than a regular electric tool. However, its work efficiency will depend on the kind you’ll be able to purchase. Make sure to consider these quick tips so you’ll find the right air compressor for your needs.
