How to Shop for Air Compressors

Having the right air compressor will increase productivity and prove to have a lasting impact on your bottom line. Finding a quality air compressor that meets your specific needs, and at the right price, can be a challenge. Our website offers complete information on air compressors and gives you a streamlined approach on how to find the best air compressor for your needs.

Simply fill out the basic information on our short form. Then, you will be contacted by local air compressor dealers who will answer your questions and offer you free quotes on air compressors. The process is complete in three quick and easy steps. Here's how it works...

3 Easy Steps to Your Air Compressor

1. Fill out a simple form to let us know your compressor needs.
2. You'll be contacted by reputable dealers who will offer free quotes.
3. Choose the compressor that's right for your small business or industrial needs!

By speaking with local dealers, you can have all of your questions answered as well as compare features and prices from multiple compressor dealers. Whether you're looking for rotary screw, reciprocating or centrifugal air compressors, you've come to the right place. The basic form is short and simple and our site is easy to use. There is absolutely no obligations to buy. Just get free quotes and choose the compressor that is right for your business needs. Why wait? Get started now!

In addition to offering a quick and easy way to obtain free compressor quotes, our site also offers the information you need to make an informed decision on your purchase. At any time, you can review the comprehensive information on our Frequently Asked Questions page ("FAQ") and learn what to look for while getting quotes on our "Dealer" page.

Our FAQ page will help you determine your exact compressor needs in a simple format. You will learn about the different types of air compressors, what size compressor you need and whether you need one that runs on electric power or diesel fuel. You will also find out if a permanent, portable or tow-able air compressor is right for you. Other important questions will be answered, such as how much maintenance is required and how much compressors cost. You will also learn about why it is important to compare compressor prices, when it is imperative to have a compressor dealer and when you can just purchase a compressor at a chain big-box retail store.

On our Dealer page, you will learn about what to look for in a dealer and what questions you should ask when you are speaking to them about your needs. You will find out why longevity and area focus in the business are important. You will also learn about deciding factors such as warranties, on-site repair performance and other maintenance requirements. Finding the right dealer for your needs is an important step in your overall satisfaction of your compressor performance and maintenance. It is recommended to learn what questions to ask potential local dealers.

Benefits and Uses of Air Compressors

Air compressors are used as a power source over other means for a wide variety of reasons. Compressed air is generally safer, less expensive, easier to use and more portable than other power sources. The following are a few examples:

• Safe Alternative - Electricity lines are very dangerous when cut. Compressed air is a much safer alternative power source than electricity - especially on construction sites where there are a lot of moving parts to an operation.
• Less Expensive - Since air-powered tools do not need an internal motor source, they are less expensive than electric tools.
• Easier to Use - Hand tools powered by compressors are weigh less and do not heat to high temperatures the way electric versions do. This is especially true when compared to battery-powered tools.
• More Efficient Portable Power - Many job sites do not offer electricity. For extended use at such as site, tow-able air compressors provide a far more efficient power source than setting up an electrical generator.

One of the most impressive aspects to air compressors is their versatility or ability to do a wide range of tasks. After purchasing a compressor, many businesses find so many additional uses for it, that they begin to purchase new tools or replace old electric tools with ones that are capable with their compressor. This is why it may be recommended that you choose a model slightly larger than what you initially anticipate you will need so your business can grow into it.

The most common use for compressors is to power hand tools; however, there are a wide variety of other uses. Print shops use compressors for power and for blow off. Air compressors power many types of spray applications, such as sand blasting, sealants and paint in auto body shop and other applications. Larger models are used to power entire assembly lines. Conveyor belts and the tools that operate the entire line can all be run from a central compressed air source.

Main Types of Air Compressors

Reciprocating and rotary air compressors are the two most common types. Reciprocating compressors use a piston to control their primary function and are therefore often called piston-driven compressors. In this type of compressor, the air in a cylinder is caused to rise by the use of a piston, and then that high pressure air is stored in a holding tank. Rotary compressors are a little more complex than reciprocating compressors. This type uses two screws that rotate inside a sealed compartment to create pressure rather than using a piston.

Reciprocating compressors are less expensive and are comparably a smaller. As such, they can generally be bought from a hardware store. This type of mini air compressor should only used for low-end applications, typically for hobbyists in a casual home shop. This type of mini air compressor does well powering hand tools but will work only if it is used intermittently. The duty cycle of reciprocating compressors can be as low as 50%. This means this small compressor will have to rest for as long as they are needed to run.

Rotary air compressors, on the other hand, have a duty cycle of 100%. This means that these compressors will run for hours continuously. If you will be using your compressor for a business operation and require your compressor to run continuously, you should be considering a rotary compressor. These models are much more efficient than a mini air compressor. A rotary compressor is important if you are in need of an industrial air compressor.

In addition to reciprocating and rotary air compressors, there are models for large-scale industrial operations. Different types are used, such as super-powered centrifugal compressors.

Permanent, Portable and Tow-able Air Compressors

There are three mobility types of compressors, each meeting different needs. You can choose between a permanent, portable or tow-able air compressor. Like a back up generator, permanent compressors are installed on a concrete slab outside of the area that needs the compressed air power source. Occasionally, permanently installed compressors will be added to an interior room. This needs to be considered carefully because compressors are hot, loud and can cause issues if they are installed indoors without adequate sound barriers and ventilation. Because of the large amount of heat and airflow, your HVAC system must be proper for the application or you will have serious problems.

A portable air compressor can be wheeled onto the back of a pick up truck with relative ease to move from one work area to another. Although these small air compressors are easier than others to move, they are so because of their small, light motors - not because they are designed to be a portable air compressor. Mini air compressors have the benefit of being portable, but their small motors also have the drawback of having less power than tow-able and permanent compressors.

The options that gives you the benefit of mobility and the power to handle larger jobs, is the tow-able compressor. These are typically used if you need to transport a heavy duty compressor from one work area to another. Tow-able compressors are mounted on wheels with a tow hitch and are freestanding once at the work area. Tow-able air compressors can be moved from one area to another with ease by will give you more airflow and power than a portable compressor.

Air Compressor Pricing

Compressors can be an expensive, but financially rewarding, investment. They can range from $500 to $100,000. Like most big purchases, you don't want to search merely for the cheapest model or overspend excessively. You need to find a compressor that slightly exceeds your needs but you don't want to over do it and end up wasting money. If you purchase a compressor that is slightly more capable than you immediate needs, you will more than likely grow into it as you find more uses for your machine.

Many companies will find air compressors so versatile, that they begin using it for more jobs than they originally intended. In addition, they begin to purchase new tools and replace old electric tools with ones that can be used with air compressors. As such, you will want to purchase a model slightly larger than what your immediate needs require. However, you do not want to grossly overspend. Although the few hundred extra dollars up front may not seem like a lot initially, the long term operating costs could end up wasting much more. To learn more about what size compressor will meet your specific needs and how much it will cost, you can visit our FAQ page and click on the questions you are interested in having answered.

Finding Air Compressor Dealers

Finding the right compressors to meet your business needs can be daunting because there are so many choices and a wide variation of price points. Choosing a dealer that is knowledgeable about their products and confidently stands behind there performance is crucial. You will want to obtain at least 3 or 4 quotes before making a final decision. When you are speaking with a dealer, there are certain questions you can ask to to help you make the process easier and conclude it with the best compressor for your needs. For complete details on how to find the right dealer for you, please visit our Dealer page. It will outline what you are looking for in each of the following questions:

• How long have you been selling compressors?
• What percentage of your business sales are in compressors?
• Have you sold compressors to other businesses similar to mine?
• How long have you sold specific brands of compressors?
• Do you have technicians that perform on-site repairs?
• How many repair technicians are on your staff?
• What kind of maintenance do certain compressors require?

Many dealers specialize in one type compressor. There are many different brands, which each have recommended uses and strengths. There is Quincy, Husky, Ingersoll Rand, Porter Cable and Campbell. Other brands include Coleman, Devilbliss and Sanborn.

Anyone shopping to buy the best and cheapest air compressors should review our free buying guide that is only available for online shoppers. Making sure you know what you want is important when you're going to spend a few hundred dollars on professional grade air compressors. Get all the information you need about the different types of gas, electric and diesel air compressors with our free buyers guide and rest assured that you can get quality air compressors for the right price.

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