When searching for a new air compressor, it’s easy to get lost in the details…
If you don’t know enough about air compressors you need to understand some basic knowledge to reach the most practical features within your specified budget.
They help you to power a lot of devices. Therefore, you must know your needs. These lightweight air compressors turn electrical energy into kinetic energy to power up handy tools in garages, factories, and even your house.
But only a suitable air compressor will offer you efficient service and fast performance. Hence, here we are with some valuable tips for you to buy an appropriate air compressor without any inconvenience.
Types of Compressors
The compressor type plays a crucial role in fulfilling your requirements. There are two basic types including:
- Reciprocating piston compressor
- Rotary screw compressor
Reciprocating piston compressors use a piston setup with a cylinder to provide enough pressure flow. Rotary screw compressors are for continuous usage. Because of their constant usage, they are great for industrial purposes.
They can be portable for convenient transportation as well.
For light household usage, these portable compressors are highly suitable. Piston compressors are of two subtypes, single and double stage. Single-stage piston air compressors are for in-house use, including smaller and more significant tasks.
The dual-stage compressors are perfect for industrial use. However, portable air compressors are preferred for simple tasks because of their easy replacement.
Horse Power
Determining the air compressor is much easier with the help of a horsepower rating. Typical ranges of HP are 1.5 to 6.5 but can be higher as well.
It is a valuable marker, but CFM is also crucial for choosing the air compressor. Cubic feet per minute, known as CFM, helps you get a suitable compressor for your desired tasks. CFM measurements of any unit depend on the PSI range.
Hence make sure the units you are comparing possess the same PSI range. Else you will get a wrong calculation, resulting in a bad decision. Add up the numbers in standard cubic feet per minute, SFCM, and increase 30%.
The final result will help get the ideal air compressor for you; the range tells how much air pressure a compressor can deliver, which is the most important thing. Finally, the air output decides the performance of your vital work.
Portability
Small machines are portable but with limited performance. On the other hand, large machines offer efficient working. Both have their benefits: it all depends on you and your needs; you should go for the one that matches your requirements best.
If you have tight space and want a machine for ordinary usage, then a portable and smaller version is better. However, if you seek an industrial machine with higher performance, you should prefer a large air compressor.
If you invest in an air compressor for more lengthy procedures, you also have to look for a huge tank, like a 20 gallons air compressor. The tank size also affects the usage, hence don’t forget to consider tank size with portability.
Compressor Features
An ordinary, efficient air compressor offers you a bunch of features. It means you have to familiarise yourself with all the possible features. So once you buy a compressor, you know which parts are a must for you. The following are useful features a high-quality air compressor offers:
Oil-free pump: When the compressor has an oil-free pump, it will prevent the oil from mixing into the air. It results in reduced cost and maintenance.
Thermal protection: Getting a compressor with thermal protection is excellent for you and your tools. The automatic thermal switch saves the compressor from overheating, which means less damage and a longer life span.
Roll cage: A roll cage is what saves your compressor from a severe accident. There are chances that your compressor gets damaged or crushed, but the compressor will be fine because of the roll cage.
Air cooling system: The term itself defines the function of this feature. The air-cooling system is excellent for tools and machines like these. Air compressors can easily get overheated because of continuous usage. An air-cooling system will prevent such issues, providing you with uninterrupted use.
Cord: If you keep the compressor in the corner of your garage, you must get a compressor with a larger cord to reach the desired area or tool.
Buying such large appliances is a great responsibility because you are investing a considerable amount. Therefore, we have tried to gather all the vital basics to understand all the features and factors of the air compressor you plan on buying.
It will save you money and time if you keep all these things in your mind while purchasing a reliable air compressor.