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If you are thinking of getting an air compressor, go ahead and get one. It is one of the most useful tools to have in the home garage.
Power tools need an air compressor to function, and it will be one of your best buys. But don’t just get any compressor because there are certain specifications that might or might not fit your home garage.
There are many types and sizes of air compressors for sale in the market, and to find the best one, you need to consider several factors such as space, frequency of use, amount of power needed, etc.
You will have to understand your needs first before you can decide what type of compressor to find.
How to Find the Best Air Compressor for your Home Garage
How do you Intend to use
To make the search a lot easier, you first need to know how you intend to use the compressor.
Make a list of things you need to do with an air compressor. This will help narrow down your search so you can focus on another aspect of your home garage, such as frequency of use and availability of space.
For example, if you have limited space, you may opt for portable ones, or if you frequently use power tools, you may need to find a brand that is known for its durability.
The PSI and CFM
PSI stands for pounds per square, and this refers to the air pressure. This is one of the main considerations when looking for an air compressor.
Many tools only require between 70 PSI to 90 PSI, but if you are using tools like an impact wrench in your home garage, you will need a higher psi to work with.
Meanwhile, CFM stands for cubic feet per minute, and this refers to the volume of air produced.
This is also an important factor to consider because your tools depend on it. For example, a tire inflator needs between 1-4 CFM or 90 PSI, and a paint sprayer needs 3 to 11 CFM or 90 PSI.
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Power Supply
The most common power supply for air compressors is electricity. Many home garage air compressors will run on a 115-volt. It is a popular choice because an electric air compressor is easy to use, convenient, and less noisy.
However, there are other alternatives to electricity. Some air compressors can run on gasoline and other alternative energy.
Gas-powered is perfect for portable compressors but may not be suitable for home use because of the noise.
Air Capacity
Air capacity refers to the amount of air volume it can produce and store. Air volume means the amount of compressed air it can harness and store in the tank.
It measures CFM or cubic feet per minute. The big compressor can produce up to 16 CFM and can handle multiple tools.
On the other hand, air pressure relates to the amount of compressed air stored in the reservoir tank.
This is measured as PSI. The denser the air, the more power it will produce. CFM relates to how long the compressor can be used.
It is important that you are familiar with the basic power requirement of your existing tools so you can pick the right compressor for your home garage.
Compressor Designs
Aside from the power supply and air capacity, another aspect you need to look at is the compressor design. Not all compressors are created equally.
There are three types of designs commonly found in the market, but the piston-powered compressor unit is the top choice for home use.
The piston compressor uses cylinders with reciprocating pistons to compress the air and move it to the reservoir.
The other designs are rotary screw model and scroll compressor, but these are used in the high-performance industry.
Configuration
There are two types of configurations in the market; horizontal and vertical tank compressors.
The configuration does not affect its performance, but it is more about its practicality, depending on your lifestyle.
For instance, a vertical tank is practical in small spaces but may not be the case in big construction areas, but it can easily knock and fall.
Conclusion
Once you have decided what type of compressor is best for your home garage, the next step would be setting it up.
Make sure you have all the necessary accessories and tools before setting up your air compressor.
Find the best spot where you can put it and consider the amount of noise it will create.
Moreover, finding a spot that is somehow in the middle of the space as not to create unnecessary hose runs and long lines.
Noise is a serious concern when you are using it at home to discuss properly with the supplier about home-friendly compressors.
They can help you find the best air compressors based on your needs and wants.