A Quick Air Compressor Guide

A Quick Air Compressor Guide - What you need to know.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.

Our Quick Air Compressor Guide covers the basics of air compressors, including their features, cost, and fun ways to use them as well as providing you with essential information to help you choose the right air compressor for your needs.

So what is an air compressor? the simple answer to this question is that it is a device that functions by converting power (using energy sources such as gas, diesel or an electric motor) into potential energy.

The basic functionality of an air compressors is that when the air is compressed, typically through the use of a reciprocating piston, it decreases in volume results in an increase in it's pressure, which is then stored as pressurized air in a tank.

Table of contents

Now that we have covered the

What are the Features of an Air Compressor?

Air compressors are machine used to compress air and increase its pressure. The components that make up and air compressor are a reciprocating piston, valve head, cylinder, crankshaft, piston, and connecting rod. These parts work together to facilitate the compression process.

Air compressors can be powered by either gas or electricity depending upon the environment where the air compressor will be used. Some air compressor models are designed to be portable allowing them to be easily moved around, while others air compressor are stationary, requiring a dedicated space for installation.

The essential features that need to be carefully considered when determining an air compressor for your individual needs is the amount of air it can compress and deliver, this will be measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). As well as the pressure it can generate, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), these 2 features will determine if the air compressor will be able to service your needs.

Other features that you should consider include the number of cylinders, the lubrication system used, and the noise level produced during operation. Understanding all these features will help you choose the best air compressor for your specific needs.

Air Compressor Manual

The Air Compressor Manual shows you how to operate and maintain your specific type of air compressor. The information is usually detailed and clear, with images of the air compressor. This is an important document that you need to keep so as to refer to it should you have issues with your equipment.

What Types of Air Compressors Are Available?

The Following Are The Types Of Air Compressors:

Reciprocating air compressors. These function by increasing the pressure of the air by reducing its volume (positive displacement machines). This is achieved by a piston which is in a cylinder, acting as the element of compression and displacement.

Rotary screw compressors. Just like the reciprocating air compressors, this is a positive displacement machine. The common types are the spiral lobe oil flooded screw compressor and the single stage helical compressor.

There is no valve but two rotors, which are within a casing and they compress the air internally. Unlike other types of compressors, this type of compressor does not have extreme temperatures while operating. This is because the cooling (by water or air) takes place within the compressor.

Applying a variable displacement or a variable speed on the compressor enables you to control its capacity. Generally, this type of compressor is easy to maintain and operate. They are durable, offering you a high output volume through the pulse- free air output which is smooth and in a compact size.

Rotary centrifugal compressors. This is a dynamic air compressor which is designed to be oil free and with a higher capacity, with a continuous flow. Its functioning depends on the energy from a rotating impeller which is transferred to the air. So as to control the capacity of this compressor, you may adjust the inlet guide vanes. The volume of flows and capacity are reduced when the guide vanes are closed.

Who’s Using the Air Compressor, and What For?

  • Air compressors can be applied for use in various areas, be it commercial or industrial. They enable you to get some work done in a safe and efficient manner. Tools such as impact wrenches, sanders, staplers, grinders, spray guns , nail guns and drills are powered by air compressors. Air compressors vary in size and power, which matches their use. The following are the grades of air compressors and their uses:

  • Consumer grade air compressors (single-stage or pancake model) are the simplest ones, used for simple tasks for personal and household use. You can use them for inflating tyres and other products such as brad guns and staplers.

  • Professional grade air compressors, which can be rotary screw or two stage reciprocating models provide a higher level of power and pressurized air. You may use it intermittently to power more tools.

  • Industrial grade air compressors are applied where a steady flow of compressed air is required for a longer period of time. Major industrial plants use them and so as to ensure their reliability and energy efficiency, this type of compressors are built with high quality components.

How Do You Properly Maintain an Air Compressor?

The first and basic step of any air compressor maintenance is to be familiar with its operating manual which guides you on how to operate and maintain the specific air compressor correctly.

As you use your air compressor you will find that the nuts and bolts loosen, you should periodically check and tighten them as needed. To extend the useful life of the air compressor, remove the dust by cleaning the intake vents. Regularly check the hoses and replace them if they leak. Clean the fuel tank and change the compressor oil periodically.

To protect you in case of an accident ensure that the safety shut-off system is operating well (the manual can guide you on this). The air and oil separator should be replaced after being in use for a period of time (500-1000 hours).

For more useful tips and tricks on how to to get the most out of your air compressor you might like to check out or article: Air Compressor Tips and Tricks [Getting the Most From Your Air Compressor]

Cost of an Air Compressor

Estimating the cost of an air compressor depending on several factors such as the type, size, and power source of the air compressor that you need. In General, smaller air compressors designed for home use can cost anywhere from $100 to $500, while larger industrial-grade air compressors will range in price from $1,000 to $10,000 or more.

Other influencing factors effecting the cost of an air compressor include the brand, features, and additional accessories such as hoses, fittings, and regulators. Additionally, you should factor in the cost of maintenance and repairs when calculating the overall cost of owning an operating an air compressor.

It is important to do your research and compare prices from different manufacturers and suppliers so that you can find the best value air compressor for your specific needs.

Fun Ways to Use Your New Air Compressor

An air compressor is an efficient device and it can enable you to do so much in an efficient manner. With this Buying Guide The following are some fun ways to use your new air compressor:

  • Spray painting on various surfaces, giving them a new splash of color and brighter look.

  • Sandblasting your pieces of furniture, for a finer finish. This will work quickly and better than using sandpaper. Carpentry and building of other projects is made easier by the use of air compressors.

  • Removal of tough stains, paint or moulds. This can be done in an easy and efficient manner by adding sandblasting equipment to your air compressor.

  • Inflating sports equipment. You can use your air compressor to quickly inflate footballs, basketballs, soccer balls, and other sports equipment.

  • Cleaning hard-to-reach areas. Attach a blowgun nozzle to your air compressor and use it to blast dust and debris out of hard-to-reach areas in your workshop, garage, or home.

  • Blowing up balloons. Save time and effort by using your air compressor to blow up balloons for parties or events.

Efficiency Of Air Compressor

An efficient air compressor is one that enables you to reduce the costs of energy. By consuming lower levels of energy, you will be able to reduce the operation costs.

A poorly designed air compressor is costly as it leads to wasted payments of utilities. So as to ensure that your air compressor is in top form and highly efficient, it is advisable to check you air compressor regularly for the following causes of inefficiency, air leaks, over pressurization and drops in the pressure, all of which will cause your air compressor to cost you more than you need to be paying.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! Our Quick Guide on how to best choose the very best air compressor to suit your needs as well as meet the needs of your surroundings is over.

We hope that the next time you are in the market to buy an air compressor that, by follow this Quick Guide we can help you determine what features you need, so that you can get your perfect air compressor.

More Resources

We hope you found our article helpful, if you would like to read some more of our articles then we think these below may be interesting for you.