Air Compressors - FAQ

1. What are the different types of air compressors?

Consider how your air compressor will be used then read about the different types to get an idea of which air compressor will best meet your needs. After you have a general idea, you can talk to a dealer to learn more specific details and have your questions answered.

Two of the most common types of air compressors are rotary compressors and reciprocating compressors. Reciprocating compressors are often referred to as piston-driven compressors because a piston is used in the primary function. A piston is used to raise the pressure of air in a cylinder and then that high pressure air is stored in a holding air compressor tank. Rotary compressors are slightly more complex. Rather than using a piston in a cylinder, rotary compressors use two screws, which rotate inside a compartment that is sealed to create pressure.

Reciprocating compressors can be bought at a hardware store because they are a small air compressor and are less expensive. This type of mini air compressor is used for low-end applications, and as such, are more affordable models. This type of mini air compressor will only suit you if you will be using it intermittently, like powering hand tools. Reciprocating compressors have a duty cycle that can be as low as 50%, which means they have to rest as long as they run.

If you need to run your compressor continuously, you should consider a rotary compressor. Rotary compressors generally have a duty cycle rated at 100%, which means they can run continuously for hours on end. Rotary compressors are more efficient than a small air compressor and are important if you need a industrial air compressor. There are larger types of air compressors, such as the super-powered centrifugal compressors, but these are used for the largest-scale industrial air compressor operations.

2. Do I want an air compressor that runs on electric power or diesel fuel?

Think about what type of environment you will be using your compressor. Will you be indoors or out? Will you need to move your compressor from one job site to another or will it stay in one place?

If your air compressor will be used indoors, you will usually want an electric air compressor. However, if you need a large permanently installed air compressor, you can set it up outside of your workspace with air piped in. This allows you to use a diesel compressor if you prefer one.

If you will be moving your air compressor from site to site, you will typically want to purchase a diesel powered air compressor. Diesel air compressors are long-lasting and reliable. Plus, diesel fuel is usually readily available at most construction sites. There are air compressors that run on gasoline, but they are generally mini air compressors that are used for powering small hand tools and inflating tires.

3. Should I choose a permanent, portable or tow-able air compressor?

Permanently installed compressors are often set up similar to a backup generator. They are installed on a concrete slab directly outside of the area in need of the air. They can also be installed in an interior room; however, this should be carefully considered. Air compressors are hot, loud and can cause problems if they are installed inside without proper sound barriers and airflow applications. Air compressors bring in a large amount of heat and air, so they need the right type of ventilation or you will have problems with your HVAC system.

A portable air compressor is relatively easy to transport from one job site to another by simply wheeling them into the back of a pickup truck. However, many small air compressors are not designed specifically to be a portable air compressor; they just are because of their small motors and compression sets make them lighter weight and easy to move. The drawback is that a portable air compressor does not have as much power as the permanently installed and tow-able options.

Tow-able air compressors are generally used if you need to move a large air compressor from one job site to another. They are mounted on wheels and include a tow hitch for easy transport. Once on the job site, they are freestanding. Tow-able air compressors allow you to move them from location to location with ease but offer more power and airflow than a portable air compressor.

4. How do I choose the right size air compressor?

If you do not choose the right size air compressor for your needs, you run the risk of damaging your tools and the air compressor itself. It is essential to choose a compressor that will give you the right airflow and pressure.

Air pressure is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). Consider the tools you will be powering with your air compressor. The tool with the highest required PSI must be your absolute minimum PSI. For example, if you have a sprayer that requires 90 PSI, your minimum requirement is 90 PSI.

However, you should not purchase a piece of machinery that simply matches your minimum requirements; you will want to have a safety margin. If 90 PSI is your minimum requirement, choose a compressor that offers 95 - 105 PSI.

In addition to having a safety margin, you also want to consider going slightly larger so you can grow into your air compressor. After purchasing air compressors, many companies find so many additional using for it that they widen their scope. They also begin to purchase new tools and replace old electric tools with models that are capable with the air compressor.

Airflow is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). Determining your airflow requirements is slightly more complicated than figuring out your PSI needs. In addition to picking your highest rated tool, you need to add the tools requirements. If you expect to use 4 hand tools at the same time, and each requires 50 CFM each, your compressor needs to be capable of delivering 200 CFM.

Determining your safety margin is more important with airflow than with pressure. The recommended method for figuring your safety margin for CFM is as follows: collect the CFM requirement for all of the tools and equipment you will be using simultaneously. Add up the requirements then multiply this number by 1.5. This figure accounts for any inefficiencies that may occur.

When speaking with a dealer, tell them you need "xxx CFM at xx PSI." Some air compressors alternate between delivering higher pressure at lower airflow, and higher airflow at lower pressure. Be sure the air compressor you pick has the amount of air you need at the right pressure.

You do not need to be overly concerned with horsepower (HP). This is just a measurement of engine output and does not correlate to the volume or pressure of the resulting air. If you are looking into purchasing a reciprocating compressor, think about the size of the holding tank. The more air it is able to hold in the air compressor tank, the less often it needs to be run. This helps you to avoid overworking the machine or exceeding the duty cycle.

5. How much maintenance do air compressors need?

When you are narrowing down your choices, a deciding factor may be the amount and cost of maintenance required for your air compressor. Talk to a dealer about specific brands, their reliability and expected lifespan. Find out how often they break down, what kind of regular maintenance is required and what is covered by a warranty and what needs to be paid out-of-pocket.

Like your vehicle, you will find that some preventative maintenance is required to keep the machine running optimally, such as inspections and changing air compressor oil and filters. This can be an extra cost, but considering the importance of the machine in regular business operations, it is important to make sure it is running efficiently. Remember, it is cheaper to change air compressor oil than to have to purchase new air compressor parts.

Air compressors take on a lot of abuse simply from regular use. Find out what type of maintenance is covered by the dealer or warranty and what will have to be paid for out-of-pocket. Find out how long certain areas will be covered by the dealer or warranty. Also find out how likely and how expensive out-of-pocket costs can be. If you do not have a qualified maintenance tech on your staff, it is probably worth purchasing a maintenance contract to cover any potential issues.

6. How much should I spend on an air compressor?

Your specific needs will dictate how much you will spend on a compressor. You can find a big box chain store sale and pick one up for $500, but this is only recommended for hobbyist - not professional businesses and industrial air compressor uses. These cheaper models will not meet your needs and will likely end up costing you more in the long run.

Like most big purchases, you don't want to go as cheap as possible or exceedingly overspend. You should spend enough to make sure your air compressor is capable of handling your workload for years. But you must be careful not to overspend. Although buying a model that is more capable than you need is recommended, you don't want to over do it and waste money. By upgrading to a bigger compressor, you will spend a couple hundred dollars up front, which may not seem like a lot. But over the long run, you will have higher ongoing operating costs and could waste quite a bit of money by upgrading to too large of a model.

7. How much do air compressors cost?

Air compressors prices vary greatly, which is why you should consider your exact needs. Small reciprocating air compressors are less expensive than rotary air compressors; however, they are not made to be capable of handling the same workload. Prices begin to even out, and even favor, rotary air compressors as you start to compare bigger and bigger air compressors.

For business use, 5 HP (horsepower) reciprocating air compressors usually start at $1,500 - $3,000 and will give you up to 20 CFM (cubic feet per minute) and 100 - 130 PSI (pounds per square inch). If you need higher PSI ratings, but do not want to spend too much more money, you can choose a two-stage compressor. At this level, you probably do not need a rotary compressor, but if you do, it will run $2,000 - $4,000.

If you need a larger air compressor, that has about 25 HP and offers 100 CFM at over 200 PSI, you will spend more. You could pay $6,000 - $9,000 for a rotary compressor and over $10,000 for a reciprocating compressor.

If needed, you can purchase a model that offers CFMs in the thousands, which are used for running a large number of tools, an air-powered conveyor or manufacturing systems. In this case, installing a complete air power system can cost tens of thousands of dollars; however, the pay off is significant.

If you are working with food, semiconductors or other applications with no tolerance for oil in the air, you need to purchase an oil-free or oil-less air compressor. Standard air compressors use oil to lubricate moving parts and keep the compression chamber sealed. The problem is that this allows some of the oil into the compressed air. If you are working in any of the aforementioned situations, an oil-free model is essential. If an oil-free model is not essential, then go with a regular compressor. Oil-free models that offer 100% guaranteed pure air can cost twice as much or more than a regular compressor.

8. How do I find an air compressor dealer?

Choosing the right dealer is an important step in the buying process. Air compressors are expensive, vary greatly in type and quality, and take a lot of abuse. As such, it is important to find a dealer that is knowledgeable about their product and stands behind its performance. You will want to get at least 3 or 4 air compressor quotes. When talking to a dealer, you will want to ask a few basic questions, which are listed below. For complete details on how to choose a dealer, visit our find a dealer page.

• How long have you been in the business of selling air compressors?
• What percentage of your business is specifically focused on air compressors?
• Have you sold air compressors to any other businesses like mine?
• How long have you sold specific brands of air compressors?
• Do you perform on-site repairs?
• How many repair technicians do you have on staff?
• What kind of maintenance do the air compressors require?

When you are ready to get air compressor quotes from reputable dealers, you can simply fill out a basic form on our site. You will be contacted by local dealers who will answer your questions to help you find the air compressor that is right for you.

9. Do I need to buy my air compressor from a dealer?

If you are a hobbyist and will only be using your air compressor to power small tools intermittently, then you can purchase a cheaper air compressor at a big box chain store. You can find one on sale for around $500 or so. If you will be using your air compressor for a business that will have greater needs than power small tools occasionally, you will be much more satisfied with your purchase if you work with a dealer. Air compressors can be an expensive, and critical, piece of your business. They also take a lot of abuse. You need to find a dealer that is knowledgeable about their product and is confident in its performance. You also need a dealer that will offer service beyond the initial purchase.

Many dealers will specialize in one type of air compressor. There are several different brands, each with different strengths and recommended uses. There is the Husky air compressor, Ingersoll rand air compressor, Quincy air compressor, Campbell Hausfeld air compressor and Porter Cable air compressor. Other brands include the Devilbliss air compressor, Coleman air compressor and Sanborn air compressor.

To compare air compressor prices, fill out our simple form and you'll be contacted by professional dealers that will help you find the air compressor that is right for you and your business.

10. Why should I compare prices of air compressors?

Air compressors vary greatly in price. They can run between $500 - $100,000. There are a wide range brands, types and models, and countless uses. If you are a hobbyist that is only occasionally powering small hand tools, you can get away with purchasing a $500 air compressor at a big-box chain store. However, if you have needs any greater than this, you should talk to a dealer. Air compressors are an expensive business investment and an important business need. You need this machine to meet specific requirements or you could end up loosing a great deal of money. You will want to compare air compressor prices by talking with at least 3 -4 dealer to make sure you get the right air compressor for your business needs.

Choosing the right air compressor for your business needs is an important investment. Getting started is quick and easy. Simply fill out the simple form, and you will be contacted by local dealers who will help you to compare air compressor prices.