What You Should Look For in an Air Compressor
Whether you’re working in construction, agriculture, or similar industries, an air compressor is a vital component to keeping your tools powered. It’s a device that converts power into potential energy stored in pressurized air, such as in a crop conveyor or HVAC air and heat pump system.
As they can largely range by price, brand, and the amount of horsepower needed, it can be hard to find exactly what you need. That’s why we’ve put together this list to help you know what to look for in an air compressor.
Here are some things you should look for:
- Horsepower
- Air Pressure
- Relevant Features
Contact Air & Hydraulic Equipment, Inc. today to learn more about our air compressor sales and service.
Horsepower
Horsepower is the amount of work that a motor can perform. One horsepower is equivalent to 33,000 foot-pounds in each minute, which is roughly equal to 746 watts. The most common range for an air compressor’s horsepower is between 1.5 and 6.5 HP. As they require a high voltage to function, you’ll need an air compressor with 2 horsepower or less if you’re using standard electric power outlets. The higher the horsepower, the more power it will have to run larger tools simultaneously.
Air Pressure
While you may assume that higher air pressure may increase your air compressor’s performance, that is not always the case. It increases power consumption and can decrease energy efficiency and lead to thousands of dollars per year in energy losses. Generally, most industrial facilities run their air compressors at 100 pounds per square inch. In comparison, the standard air pressure at sea level on earth is 14.7 pounds per square inch. To reduce over-pressurization within your air system, you’ll need to monitor your pressure gauges and check for any air leaks, piping problems, and attachment valves.
Relevant Features
When choosing an air compressor, you’ll need to make sure that it comes with any relevant features that you’ll need for the job that you’re taking on.
Some of these features include:
- A belt drive to provide a quieter operation.
- Thermal protection to stop the moto and prevent damage from overloads.
- Included accessories such as hoses, nailers, and blow guns.
- Auxiliary tanks that can increase air storage capacity.
- An adjustable exhaust to direct exhaust away from your work area.
Trust the Experts at Air & Hydraulic Equipment, Inc.
At Air & Hydraulic Equipment, Inc., our team of certified air compressor technicians are ready to provide you with any compressed air needs. Our team can provide you with a regularly scheduled preventative maintenance schedule and are available for on-site or in-shop repair.
In need of an air compressor service or repair? Contact Air & Hydraulic Equipment, Inc. today to get started.
