Air Compressors - Choosing the Best

You're searching for the perfect air compressor for your needs, so as any consumer would, you pay a visit to your local hardware store. There, you find yourself immersed in a variety of brands and models, all with different features. You decide to wait on making a purchase and shop on the Internet. The only problem is that on the Internet you find even more brands, models, and features - so many, in fact, that you become completely confused. What do you do now?

The answer is simple. Just follow this guide to purchasing air compressors and you won't go wrong.

Make a list of the features that you need.

Do you want a fairly quiet air compressor? How much horsepower do you want? What should your air compressor weigh? Are you interested in an air compressor with a folding handle? How about one with wheels?

Before you make any decisions concerning air compressors, determine exactly what you want based on what you will be using it for. For example, will you be using your air compressor at home, in your garage, on a job site, or in a shop? The location in which you use it will most often determine how heavy you want it to be as well as how loud of a noise it makes. If you are going to be using it on a job site, you may opt for one with wheels so that it is easy to transport.

Consider the pump.

The pump is one of the main features of air compressors. Basically, there are three types of pumps to choose from: Invector pumps, Direct Drive pumps, and Belt-Drive pumps.

Invector pumps are found in the more lightweight air compressors. Air compressors with Invector pumps often have universal motors and air cooling systems. They also usually last for a long period of time. If you are purchasing an air compressor for the first time, and are unsure how often you will actually be using it, one with an Invector pump may be right for you.

On the other hand, air compressors with Direct-Drive pumps have standard induction motors, which last approximately 500 or more hours. They take no oil, so they do not require any oil changes. This can be perfect for someone who only uses it once in a while. Direct Drive air compressors are typically smaller in size.

Lastly, air compressors with Belt-Drive pumps are the quietest ones on the market. Many businesses prefer this type, as they are not a distraction to employees working around the air compressors. Air compressors with Belt-Drive pumps require more maintenance than Invector and Direct Drive compressors. They need oil and filter changes about every 500 hours.

Power.

Finally, determine how much power you need your air compressor to have. You can do this by considering what you will be using it for. Will you use it as an inflator, with a stapler, with a spray gun, or a grinder? Each takes more and more pounds of air per square inch. This is why the type of air compressor you decide to buy depends completely upon what you will be using it for and how often you will be using it.