While it is easy to assume that all air compressors are created equally, they come in many different varieties and are uniquely suited to their specific purposes. They are simple machines designed to pump the air from one place to another and compress its volume. Once the gas has been stored, it can easily be used to inflate an object, for propulsion, or to provide energy.

Most home handymen use their air compressors to power simple hand tools or to inflate tires. Since they are made for a variety of uses, home compressors come in all shapes and sizes. One can find almost every combination of capacity, PSI capability, and power at their local hardware store.

Capacity

Compressors that store gas for future use have a limited area in which to place air or a capacity. Some inflators simply pull air from an intake vent and pump it through into a nozzle. This is ideal for filling up tires and other objects that need air, but they do not store and pressurize air. Compressors that store air have a tank. The size of the tank is usually measured in gallons.

It may be unclear initially why capacity is a factor to consider, but depending out what the compressor is used for, it can make a big difference. A large capacity air compressor is useful for powering large air tools for a long amount of time. For instance, an industrial nail gun uses air pressure to force the nails into wood. If the gun needs a lot of pressure and is used frequently, the air pressure in the tank drops with each use. The higher the capacity, the longer the tool can be used before the tank must be allowed to refill.

Pounds per Square Inch or PSI

A PSI measurement is the force at which air compressors release air. This is a representation of the amount of pressure the air being pumped out of the tank is exerting on something. Most air-powered tools have PSI rating. Many consumer tools use a rating of about 90 PSI. Most commercial compressors achieve this quite easily.

As the pressure in the tank drops, the PSI also drops. If the rate at which the air comes out of the machine becomes too low, the tool will stop working. This usually means that the air was depleted faster than it could be replaced and compressed.

Cubic Feet per Minute

Cubic feet per minute is another measurement for the rate at which the air leaves a device. This method uses time as a metric, so it reveals that amount of air that is passing through the valve rather than its pressure.

Many tools have both a PSI and CFM rating. Devices like sanders and spray guns require constant pressure. They not only need a certain PSI, but also a CFM that is constant. This is necessary for the tool to run smoothly for an extended period of time.

Horsepower

Horsepower is one way to estimate how much power an engine will produce. The amount of hp it is capable of producing is not the best indicator of an engine. In a device like an air compressor, design has much more to do with the performance of the machine. However, larger compressors require a larger hp motor to keep the tank filled.

Steps for finding the right air compressor

There are many different kinds of air compressors on the market. Consumers may find the choices overwhelming, but there are many uses for compressed air. Carefully consider the following before choosing a new compressor.

What is it for? Tank-less compressors are fine for inflating pools and bike tires, but air tools will require something with capacity.

How long is the job? Jobs that will require a full day of constant use, like reshingling a roof, may require a bigger capacity compressor. Hanging Christmas lights should only require a few gallons of air.

Check PSI and CFM on all air tools. It would be disappointing to find out that the compressor will not run them properly.

Evaluate long-term needs. It may be better to rent a compressor for a large job instead of buying a giant one that will never be used.

Buy the proper valve connectors. The compressor is useless unless it can be connected to other machines.

The right air compressor can help with thousands of tasks around the home. They can provide access to a wide range of powerful tools and aid in inflating everything from tires to pools.