How To Select An Air Compressor For Home Use

Do you ever wish you had an air compressor for your home? How many times have you wanted to put a little air in your car tires, but didn't want to make a trip to the local gas station? Having an air compressor in your home can really save time. But what type of air compressor should you choose, and how do you select the right air compressor?

Selecting an air compressor can be a bit difficult because there is a lot of information and specifications. If you aren't familiar with some of the terms, it may be difficult to make the best selection. Once you understand how these terms are used, you can pick the air compressor that works best for your needs.

When you select an air compressor, you want to find one that supports the amount of air pressure you need. For instance, air pressure is measured in pounds per square inch, or PSI. This is the amount of air that is delivered from the compressor to the device. Take a look at the PSI requirements – you'll find that they differ if you are filling tires, or filling an inflatable boat or air mattresses – all with different maximum PSI ratings.

Also look at the air compressor flow of air into the item. The rate that the air flows is measured in cubic feet per minute or CFM. Check to see if the air pressure can be adjusted, so that you deliver at a speed that you control so that you don't overfill and rupture the items.

You may also use the air compressor to run other tools, such as a nail gun. When you consider purchasing an air compressor, check your tools to see what the air pressure requirements are for that tool. Think about if you plan to run more than one tool off the compressor at a time; if so, you'll want to look at an air compressor that can run multiple tools and has sufficient air pressure.

Over time, the tools that run off of air compressors tend to leak air slightly. If you purchase an air compressor that only meets the minimum amount of air flow for the tool while the tool is working at its maximum capacity, you may find that you don't have sufficient pressure to make the tool work when it begins to leak air.

Finally, when you think about purchasing an air compressor, you want to consider the noise level when operating the compressor. If you are in a residential area, or you are going to use the machine at home, you want to have a compressor that has more insulation. If you are running the compressor in an auto shop, you might not be as concerned with the noise factor.

There's little doubt that an air compressor is a critical piece of equipment to have, either around the home or in a business. You'll be amazed at how functional this equipment is and what a difference it makes in your efficiency.