Getting your hands on an air compressor can be quite beneficial. First and foremost, you will forget about visiting your nearest gas station or mechanic whenever you have a flat tire. It also makes inflating your sports balls easier and more convenient. These are just but a few of the advantages of owning an air compressor. Don’t forget that air compressors are also ideal for a variety of air-powered tools.
If you are researching what kind of air compressor I need, chances are you are familiar with its benefits and are looking for tips on how to choose the best air compressor. When choosing one, you need to consider your needs and preferences. In the guide below, we will discuss factors that will help you know what is the best air compressor for you.
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Let’s Start with The Air Compressor Size
The biggest challenge for many people is choosing the right size for an air compressor. As you may know, air compressors come in various sizes. There are bigger and heavy-duty ones that are ideal for commercial purposes. The smaller ones come in handy for simple home uses, such as inflating a tire amongst other uses.
When talking about size, we usually refer to the tank size. The bigger it is, the more effective it will be. However, bigger air compressors are typically expensive, and it’s why we only recommend them for commercial uses. Not to mention, a big air compressor will consume more storage space, and this is a requirement you should consider before.
Air compressor tanks range from 80 to 240 gallons. Therefore the perfect choice for you is dependent on how much you are willing to spend and your air compression needs. The ideal air compression tank size is 100% dependent on the sort of work you wish to be doing with it. In instances where you might want to power a variety of tools at once, a bigger air compression tank would suffice. One of the main benefits of bigger tanks is that it offers a lot of conveniences. You won’t have to pause to refill the tank in between work. When you want air-powered tools for nailers and brad guns, a small air compressor can do the job correctly.
Tips for Choosing The Right Air Compressor Size
1. Understand your Air Needs
This includes knowing the CFM (cubic feet per minute) of your tools. You can find this information on your tool’s manual or confirm with the manufacturer.
Secondly, you need to add up your tools CFM. This will give you the total CFM that you will use in identifying a suitable air compressor size.
2. Confirm the Duty Cycle
That is, how long would it take for the compressor to run before filling it with air.
You also need to know the pressure levels of your air-powered tools. In most cases, they range from 90 to 150 psi.
3. Check The Voltage Required to Run The Air Compressor
Identify the voltage and phase of the power outlet where the compressor will be connected. If you are having doubts, kindly get an electrician to confirm this for you.
4. Check out the Size of the Tank before making a purchase
This size of the tank of air compressor means a lot when you want to make a buying decision. You should check the air storage capacity of the tank of the air compressor you want to buy. The right tank size lets you refill the tank less often than the small tank size.
Different Kinds of Air Compressors to Choose From
There are four main types of air compressor pumps. They include;
1. Piston Compressors
Piston compressors, also known as reciprocating compressors, are the most popular. They come in different ranges from fractional to high horsepower. They entail cylinders, valves, pistons, and housing blocks. They boast of a simple design, are easy to install, and have various ranges of horsepower.
2. Rotary Screw Compressors
This type works by filling a void that exists between casings and mated helical screws. These screws get rotated when in work, and as they do this, the air volume decreases increasing pressure. Its simple but elegant design ensures the air and oil are separated. The purpose of the oil is to lubricate and cool the moving parts.
3. Rotary Sliding Vane Compressors
It’s also a positive-displacement compressor that entails a stator, rotor, and eight blades. It attains compression when the rotor makes a complete turn. There is also oil that is injected into the system to lubricate and cool the moving parts. The main advantage of a rotary sliding vane compressor is that it has a low maintenance cost.
4. Centrifugal Compressors
This kind of compressor doesn’t use a positive displacement mechanism. It, however, utilizes impellers spinning at high speeds of up to sixty thousand RPM. This mechanism is known as dynamic compression and builds pressure by using velocity. It’s efficient and guarantees high-pressure levels of up to 1200 psi.
Factors to Consider When Looking for The Best Air Compressor
As you try to identify the ideal air compressor for your needs, you should consider the below factors:
- It should feature a pressure gauge that will help you know the amount of pressure you are putting into items.
- An excellent air compressor should also have a long hose that allows easy access to equipment.
- Having extra sets of attachments can also come in handy when using the compressor for a variety of tasks.
- Finally, you need to consider the price. Although some people always say that price shouldn’t be a top factor for consideration. You should be mindful of not buying an air compressor that exceeds your budget. Don’t forget that bigger models will cost more and vice versa.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Size and Kind of Air Compressor
By now, you probably have a clear picture of the air compressor you need in matters regarding the type, size, and other factors. Ensure that you only buy an air compressor from a reputable seller. This calls for you to do some light research on the best sellers of air compressors. Once you get the perfect air compressor, remember to conduct regular maintenance on it to extend its life.
