Choosing the Right Air Compressor for Your Home

More people are finding the idea of having an air compressor at home an essential thing because they realize that the machine has several practical applications. Previously, air compressors were found only in professional service shops, garages, and construction companies, among others.

An air compressor is now one of the most valuable home equipment that helps homeowners save time and money. Depending on your need and the size of the air compressor you want to purchase, the investment can be minimal to moderate. If you envision that you will be using the air compressor regularly, it is better to find a high-quality unit. If you need more information, buying guide, or practical knowledge about air compressors, you might want to visit Air Compressor Club. Getting the correct information will help you purchase the most suitable machine, get a significant return on your investment, and you are not likely to regret buying the equipment.

What type of air compressor do you need?

Air compressors are available in different types and sizes, and they can either be movable, portable or stationary. Type of compressor can refer to the power source needed to run the compressed air tools you own. Type can also mean the compressor’s storage tank capacity. How you will use the air compressor will be one of the determinants of what type of machine you need. It will help if you make a list of all the tasks you will do using the compressor. After making your list, you can search for the air compressor that meets your needs.

Another thing that will determine your choice is the frequency of use. If you are a hobbyist who does woodwork on weekends, you only need a light-duty compressor with enough power to operate a brad nailer. But if you do plenty of automotive work in your home garage, you will need an air compressor with higher capacity so you can operate an air-driven sander, air driver brad nailer, or an impact wrench.

For a home garage compressor, here are the factors you should consider:

Power supply

It is more common to get an air compressor that runs on electricity. For example, most home garage units run on 115-volt, 20-amp current, which is more convenient. In addition, the electric compressors are cleaner, and the operation is quieter. The alternative is a gasoline-fueled air compressor. This unit is a good option for a portable air compressor that you will use in places where the power grid is not always handy. However, it is not recommended for a home garage because it is not as clean as an electric air compressor due to the exhaust fumes. Moreover, a gasoline-fueled unit’s motor makes a loud noise.

Air capacity

The air capacity of the machine is the next consideration. Air capacity refers to the volume of compressed air the machine can produce, store and replenish at a specified time. Air pressure and air volume are two factors that affect the compressor’s capacity. The latter refers to the amount of compressed air the machine can draw in and store in its tank. The former refers to the amount of air it can store in its reservoir tank. Air volume, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), determines how long the machine can operate the tools. On the other hand, air pressure, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), specifies how much power the machine produces.

Design of the compressor

Another important specification to consider is the compressor’s design. The piston-powered compressor unit is the most common. In this design, the machine uses cylinders with reciprocating pistons to compact the air before sending it to the unit’s reservoir. The other models are scroll compressors and rotary-screw, which are unavailable for home garage compressors. Instead, these two models are used in high-performance and industrial applications.

Configuration

Several forms are available, but the most common, especially for home use, are the air compressors with horizontal or vertical tanks. Your choice will depend on the application and the site. For example, having a vertical tank compressor is more practical if you have a home garage because it will take less space. However, compressors with horizontal tanks are more applicable in most homes and construction sites because they are more stable.

What size do you need for your air tools?

When it comes to size, it does not refer to the physical configuration of the air compressor. Instead, you are talking about capacity and ability to handle specific work.

Air reservoir

The air reservoir refers to the unit’s tank size. The size will depend on what tools you will operate. The reservoir tank should be big enough to contain sufficient air level so you can continue working while the machine is recharging. The air compressor’s tank size is measured in gallons.

Types of air tools

The types of air tools you use to determine how much compressed air you need to operate them. Some air tools need minimal pressure, while bigger air tools typically require more air supply. For example, an air-driven framing nailer and an air drill will need more air supply than a single-use air stapler or a small impact wrench.

Horsepower

The horsepower rating is usually attached to each unit of air compressors. It means the power source that the compressor unit needs to run. You should not be too concerned about the horsepower. Instead, you need to consider the unit’s air pressure and air capacity. Most reputable brands will always supply the power rating.

Last Words

So many variables go into choosing the most suitable air compressor for home use or your home garage. First, see that the air compressor is of the right size and will fit the area where you will store the equipment. If you have a portable air compressor for home use, you will not have storage and installation problems. But if you operate a home garage, it is best to install it in a central location to ensure that it will be close to all the air tools you are using.

Also, placing the air compressor in the central area prevents you from using long hoses and air-line runs because these things decrease the efficiency of the compressor. Finally, one critical factor to consider is matching the capacity of the air compressor to all the air tools you use.