We know about air compressors really a lot. On our website you can find a lot helpful tips, air compressor reviews and much more. If you choosing best air compressor for your needs at the moment, you can find here a lot information about different manufacturers and their products. If you are experiencing some problem, you can ask you question in appropriate section. We and our grown community will try to help everybody who have some problem with his air compressor.
Air compressors are machines that convert the electrical energy flowing in its motor to potential energy in the form of pressurized air. The pressurized air it produces can be utilized in many ways, as compressed air is also a necessity in certain products.
Pressure delivered in air compressors may vary and there are three types of pressure to be considered. The low pressure air compressors have 150 psi discharge pressure, which may even go less. The discharge pressure of about 151 psi up to 1000 is for medium-pressure air compressors while those that work above 1000 psi are high-pressure air compressors.
Anatomy of an Air Compressor
Air compressor parts are basically just the same for any other air compressor, however, there could be additional parts depending on the model. The important thing here is that you learn the basic components of an air compressor and see how each one functions to make it work. Read on below to have an overview about the parts of an air compressor:
- Electric motor – The electric motor is responsible for powering up the compressor pump. When the power is transferred, the pistons move through the crankshaft and the flywheel. The flywheel in turn will provide a cooling mechanism for the compressor pump.
- Compressor pump – Given the name, this is where the air is compressed in a cylinder. The pressure of the compressor pump can vary, depending on the air compressor unit.
- Inter-cooler tube – The compressed air will pass through an inter-cooler tube, leading to the tank. Another flywheel will cool the compressed air as it goes through the tube.
- Tank – Some may also refer the tank as the receiver as it receives the compressed air. A check valve is there to prevent the compressed air from going back.
What is the best brand to choose?
When it comes to choosing air compressors, you should be able to find out the top brands out there. There are really a lot different air compressor manufacturers which produce quality air compressors. Husky compressors, Campbell Hausfeld, DeWalt, Porter-Cable, Makita, Ingersoll Rand and other manufactures making really quality air compressors that are guaranteed suitable for your needs, whether for an industrial purpose or at home use only. Price range of air compressor units may vary and as mentioned earlier, it would depend on the type and tank size you choose. To get more information about each manufacturer go to Manufacturers section on our website.
Terms to Know About Air Compressors
Aside from the basic components, it will also be good to understand some other terms you will encounter when handling air compressors:
- CFM – CFM stands for cubic feet per minute; this is the rate at which volume of compressed air is delivered from the compressor pump
- HP – HP stands for horsepower, a unit used to describe the power of a particular air compressor unit; air compressors can have 1.5 HP up to 7.5 HP, depending on the type.
- Pressure Switch – responsible for turning off the motor once a factory set limit is reached
- PSI – PSI stands for pounds per inch; this is the term used when referring to the discharge pressure of air compressors
Is it worth it to invest in buying an air compressor?
You might not realize the importance of having an air compressor yet. You might think that you do not really need it every day or it might not be practical on your part. However, there are actually more that you can do using an air compressor. Read about the following information about the advantages of having one to your home:
Owning an air compressor is a cost-effective choice
If you are experiencing trouble in your home and some parts may need some fixing, consider calculating your cost of hiring a technician to do the work for you. You can also think about the cost of having battery-operated nailers. Any of the two options can actually cost you much than having an air compressor of your own. Pneumatic nailers that work with air compressors are just priced around $50 to $300, compared to battery-operated nailers that are more expensive. Instead of hiring a repairman or investing in battery-operated nailers, having an air compressor will make things a lot easier and cost effective for you.
Having an air compressor is admired for its versatility
You might think you already have enough tools in your home to make some quick repairs, but having a compressor will actually speed up the process even more. After doing some carpentry work, the idea of cleaning up the carpentry mess like sawdust might be tiring already. But with an air compressor, you can just connect your air blower tool to the compressor and have it cleaned up in few minutes.
There are a lot more uses of air compressors that you can try. If you want to do some serious repaint, you can just setup the needed accessories and have it spray-painted right away. Instead of using staple guns, you can apply the power from an air compressor motor to install whatever it is you are trying to put up. There are several other home repairs that you can do at lesser effort and faster time whenever you use an air compressor.
Using an air compressor is unbelievably practical
Indeed, air compressors may come at a certain price, but it actually depends on the brand and model that you choose. Another factor that may contribute to its pricing is the size of its tank. There are also different technologies when it comes to air compressors. The oil-lubricated air compressors and oil-free compressors are two examples and each can have their pros and cons. The bottom line here is that using an air compressor will come in handy for your various needs.
Using air compressors for other purposes
Air compressors are not just about practical uses. You can actually use it for any recreational purpose like making your own snow machine, firing up your paintball guns, pumping up kiddie pools and floaters, and many more. Having an air compressor is actually a great deal not just for your home repair needs, but for the enjoyment of your family as well.
Quick tips in buying an air compressor
After reading the practical reasons and advantages of having an air compressor to your home, buying one should be your next step. Just like any other tools or equipment, it would be best to know the factors you need to consider before buying one. Now that you have learned you can count on air compressors, here are some more information to help you choose what compressor unit is best for you.
Consider the tank size of the air compressor that you want
The tank size of the air compressor unit is usually in gallons. Choosing the tank size matters because it should match to your purpose. If you are just going to use it more often along with a pneumatic nailer, small tank size is just enough. But if you wish to do a lot more considering its versatility, you can purchase the ones with larger compressor tanks.
Find out the Air compressor unit that is suited to your criteria
There are a lot of compressor models out there and there are websites that can help you find out which one is best for you. Each model may have its pros and cons so it would also be best to find your choice in local store and ask the demo guy to tell you more about it. But if you are already certain about your choice and you think it would be cheaper to buy it online, you can also have that option.
Now that you know the things to consider when buying an air compressor, you should also be responsible for the care and maintenance of your equipment. Take note that air compressors are also your investment, so you have to make sure that you provide the care and maintenance it needs to remain working for a longer period of time.