Air Compressor Buying Guide

Last updated May 16,

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Air compressor power tools, also called pneumatic tools, are generally faster, lighter and more powerful than traditional power tools. They use a concentration of air to power the tool. The key to choosing the best air compressor is to match the unit to the job demands. Portable compressors are ideal for the home and the job site. Stationary compressors provide the high volume of air needed for powering automotive and production air tools. Use this buying guide to find out what to consider when selecting the best air compressors for your projects.

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Table of Contents

1. Types of Air Compressors

2. Electric Air Compressors

3. Gas-Powered Air Compressors

4. Cordless Air Compressors

5. Air Compressor Performance Ratings

6. Air Compressor Tank Size

Types of Air Compressors

There are two types of air compressors: portable and stationary.

• Portable air compressors come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Smaller models are light enough to carry. Larger models include wheels for mobility. Portable air compressors are available with tanks in different sizes, ranging from two gallons to 30 gallons.
• Designed to be bolted into a fixed area, stationary air compressors attach directly into a building's electrical circuit. They typically feature 60 to 80-gallon tanks and offer motors that are between 4 and 10-horsepower. They are a great investment for a garage or workshop.

Whether portable or stationary, the best air compressors are available in one or more power sources: electricity, gas or a battery pack.

Electric Air Compressors

Easy to use, electric air compressors simply plug into a regular wall outlet. Most run on standard household voltage, between 110V to 120V. However, compressors with motors that exceed 2HP can require a 220V to 240V outlet.

Electric compressors are the ideal choice if you need a quiet air compressor or a automatic start-stop air compressor. Since electric compressors don't emit fumes they are perfect for areas with limited ventilation. This makes them the best home garage air compressor.

Tip: Powering an electric compressor with a generator can damage the motor.

Gas-Powered Air Compressors

Gas-powered air compressors are usually portable and work well for those places where there's no electricity. They are commonly found at job sites, on farms or other outdoor spaces. The high-pressure output of a gas-powered air compressor makes it ideal for heavy-duty projects and tools such as nail guns, sanders and paint sprayers. These types of air compressors are more budget friendly but have fumes and can be noisy.

Cordless Air Compressors

Compact and lightweight, cordless air compressors use a rechargeable battery platform. Since there's no cords to get in the way, cordless air compressors are easy to carry around and use. This makes them ideal for projects that require more flexibility such as working on a roof or in small spaces.

Cordless air compressors are quieter and work equally well indoors and out. However, due to their limited power, even the best air compressors of this type work better for smaller projects than for larger ones.

Air Compressor Performance Ratings

Compressors generally have horsepower ratings between 1 1/2- to 6 1/2-HP. However, it’s the standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) or performance rating that reflects the air pressure a compressor generates inside its tank. A tank's SCFM determines just how much power the compressor will provide to a tool. This power is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). In addition, the tools powered by air compressors also have their own SCFM ratings that indicate the air flow or pressure a tool needs for top performance.

Here's how to gauge the minimum compressor SCFM rating you need for your air compressor:

• Examine the SCFM requirements of all the tools you intend to use.
• Multiply the highest tool rating by 1.5 to get the minimum compressor SCFM for your needs. Since actual SCFM varies during compressor operation, this number will give you a little buffer.
• If you expect to operate multiple pneumatic tools at the same time, you'll need more power. Calculate the minimum SCFM compressor rating by adding up the SCFM requirements for each tool that you'll use simultaneously.

Smaller tools usually require 0- to 5-SCFM. Larger tools can require 10-SCFM or more.

• Most light-duty home compressors are designed to power only one tool at a time. Light-duty compressors generally have 90-PSI, which is typically sufficient for powering pneumatic tools for simple, household tasks.
• More powerful, professional-grade compressors may generate 150-PSI or higher and can handle multiple tools.

Air Compressor Tank Size

A smaller tank size is a good choice if you intend to use a tool intermittently. For example, tools that require only quick bursts of air drain the tank much more slowly. For tools like pneumatic brad nail guns or finish nail guns, a 2- to 6-gallon tank is sufficient.

If your pneumatic tool requires a high volume of continuous air, then you should consider a larger tank. It’s best to have a large enough tank with a compressor pump that exceeds the SCFM requirement of the tools. This will allow the compressor time to cool between cycles.

Air Compressor Pump Type and Features

There are two air compressor pump types: single and two-stage. You can also choose between oil-lubricated or oil-free. In addition, there are other pump features that can protect both you and the compressor from harm and unnecessary wear and tear.

Below are the types of air compressor pumps you can choose:

• Single-stage air compressors can have one or more cylinders producing compressed air at the same output pressure.
• Two-stage air compressors. The first-stage cylinder(s) feed air to a second-stage cylinder that further compresses the air. The second stage cylinder(s) typically increase the tank pressure to around 175-psi. The benefit is more air stored in the same size tank, allowing tools to run longer. This is useful for high-demand work, such as continuous tool operation in an auto shop.
• Oil-lubricated air compressors require oil to operate, just like a car or lawn mower engine. The oil lubricates the moving parts in the pump to prevent excessive wear. They are generally larger and heavier than oil-free models. Plus, oil must be monitored and changed to prevent premature failure.
• Oil-free air compressors typically use special piston rings. These rings are made from a material like what's used in non-stick frying pans and to lubricate the cylinder. Oil-free compressors are a much smaller, light and a popular choice for both homes and job sites.

Best Air Compressor Accessories

Once you've discovered the best air compressors for home use or workshop use, it's time to add a few key air compressor parts and accessories:

• Installing a pressure regulator on your air compressor will help you know precisely how much air flows from the compressor. You can easily adjust the pressure up or down according to the needs of the job.
• Trade out the air hose with a longer option for extended reach.
• Adding a desiccant dryer to the air compressor protects your equipment from the moisture contained in compressed air. Moisture can cause damage to pneumatic equipment over time.
• An air filter protects pneumatic tools from water, oil and dirt as you're using the air compressor.
• Air compressor combo kits include an air compressor with key accessories or a compatible pneumatic tool.

Air Compressor Features and Safety

When deciding between different types of air compressors, look for features like:

• An air-cooling system that cools pumping machinery and extends motor life.
• A thermal overload switch which automatically shuts off motor if it overheats, increasing tool life.
• A label stating that the unit meets the standards of the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) for high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
• A roll cage that protects the compressor from being crushed or battered on the job site.
• Air compressors with universal quick connectors make it easy to trade out tools.

After you've chosen the best air compressor for your needs, keep it performing well with these tips:

• Never exceed the recommended pressure for the job or the tool.
• With oil-lubricated compressors, always check the oil level to ensure sufficient lubrication.
• Make sure safety relief valves are not covered during use. Otherwise, air will escape automatically if the pressure is too high.
• After each use, open the drain to get rid of any moisture that's accumulated.
• Always consult your owner's manual for specifics.

Now you understand how to choose the best air compressor for your pneumatic tools. Start exploring accessories and extra features to make your projects even easier. Ready to choose a portable or stationary air compressor? Use The Home Depot Mobile App to locate products and check inventory. We'll take you to the exact aisle and bay.

Just need the best air compressor for one project? Consider tool rental to get your project done. Use a rented tool and then bring it back. There's no maintenance required or storage needed.

Too much talk about air compressors can get complicated. Let's make it
simple.

When you think about it, air compressors are everywhere-from the garage to your dentist office, from large factories to even your local car wash. That's because they're reliable and make tough jobs easy.

Every year, we discover more uses for air compressors. As soon as you put one to work, you'll feel its impact on your time and energy. This guide will give you the confidence to pick the right tool for the right job and get back to what matters most.

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Air Basics

A compressor works by continuously sucking in surrounding air and mechanically squeezing it through internally-moving components and into a usable force for powering air tools. Once the maximum air pressure is reached (PSI), the duty cycle is complete.

The overall air volume a compressor can generate is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), and this is often the most important factor in choosing the right one to power all your tools. There are many types, but the most common types are listed below.

Right Tool-Right Job

We all know for every job there is a right (and wrong) tool to use. Air compressors would be useless without the machines and air tools they power, but with so many applications, choosing the right air compressor can be tough. Asking yourself the right questions early on like "what will the compressor be used for," "where will it be installed," and "how much power do I need" are great places to start.

This next section is broken down by the type of user and common applications they have, and each has its own detailed guide to help you discover the perfect compressor for you.

For Homeowners

Owning a small compressor means always being ready for what life throws your way. It means never having a flat tire again. It's the satisfaction of knowing you fixed something yourself like a pro. It's easier than you think to improve the value of your home with the help of an air compressor.

Whether it's fixing your sagging deck or replacing old trim boards, in one afternoon you can save thousands of dollars on basic repairs and finish projects just like the pros. All you need to know is how your compressor and tools work and suddenly your boring "fix list" becomes instantly easier and even a little fun, too.

For the freedom to be the weekend warrior or the seasoned Do-It-Yourself-er, getting a larger single-stage air compressor or upgrading to a professional model works best. Larger tanks and more power mean more capability when it comes to woodworking in the garage, re-siding the house, building a shed, or for doing other advanced home-improvement projects on your own.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website High-Performance Air Compressors.

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For Pros

For contractors and commercial business owners, there is no second best. You already know that the right air compressor doesn't just power your workshop or job site, but also saves you money by only working as hard and long as you do.

We're talking about the air compressors that make building dozens of decks, painting hundreds of cars, or changing thousands of truck
tires each year a breeze. With the right compressor, you'll feel good hanging up your hose at the end of the day.

Professional-grade air compressors are built to withstand the rigors of any job-site and are designed to be durable and portable wherever you need it.

To run your business efficiently, you know it's better to measure twice and cut once. You won't find the same air system in a dentist's office as you would in a tire shop. You owe it to yourself and your business to ask the right questions before you buy.

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For Manufacturers

In an ever-changing economy, factories and entire industries rely heavily on industrial-grade air compressors to keep up with the constantly changing demands. Choosing the right system will drive success by keeping production moving and efficiency at a maximum.

It's no secret that these air compressor systems are the most powerful in the field, and with serious power comes a serious investment-so knowing the critical information will arm you to make the decision that makes the most sense for you and your company.

It's also important to consider your growing business. Your air demands today could double in five years, and your air system should be able to adjust for that growth.

Decisions on the environment, location, pump lubrication, CFM, 1 or 3-phase power requirements, air treatments, air dryers, line filters, regulators, and turning over every stone is essential for a proper fit. While under sizing a compressor is bad business, remember that oversizing your system can cost you in wasted electricity, too. That's where VSD technology becomes increasingly important.

The options for commercially-operated air compressors are extensive and even include custom builds for unconventional applications. To keep things simple, this guide is specifically geared toward commercial/industrial applications.

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Air Compressor Types

Knowing the basic mechanics behind how something works isn't just for gearheads; everyone benefits from understanding technology.

Reciprocating

Reciprocating piston compressors are the most widely used. Like your car's engine, an internal crankshaft drives the pistons inside the cylinders in a back-and-forth motion, creating a vacuum that sucks air in when retracting and pushing air into a tank when extending.

Because the internal components touch, these compressors create friction and run hotter and louder than other types of air compressors; however, newer technology like oil-less and dual-piston compressors reduce overheating and noise associated with piston-type compressors.

Rotary

The trusted workhorses of the auto industry, rotary screw technology was introduced for heavy-duty applications that require high power during extended periods. Just like a supercharged hot rod, these compressors are ideal for maximizing air intake and maximizing payout. As air enters the sealed chamber, it is squeezed between two (helically-opposed) male and female rotating screws.

As the screws inter-mesh, they reduce the volume of trapped air and deliver it compressed, at the proper pressure level. Unlike reciprocating piston compressors, rotary screw rotors don't touch and have fewer moving parts, and because they are oil-sealed, they require much less maintenance over time.

Scroll

Scroll compressors use two spiral-shaped circular pieces that rotate around one another to compress air. One scroll is fixed in place and doesn't move, and the other fits inside the stationary scroll and moves in a tight circular motion without rotating.

Scroll compressor technology is all around us. They are found in a wide array of applications, from refrigeration to electronics manufacturing, to even turbos in high-efficiency vehicles.

Also, these compressors are capable of producing the cleanest industry-standard air according to ISO standards. These ratings make them ideal for use in the electronics, pharmaceutical, dental, and food industries because of their 100% oil-free and quiet operation.

Air Compressor Tech

Although the concept of mechanically compressed air has existed for well over a hundred years, in the last fifty years, air compressor technology has rapidly evolved to keep up with the constantly changing needs and uses of compressed air.

Starting with single-stage machines that compressed air in a single "stroke" to two-stage compressors which compress at twice the air pressure, technology has rapidly progressed to further fine-tune the needs of compressor applications that require maximum efficiency at all times.

Newer technological advances like variable speed drives allow the compressor to only run at the speed and voltage required to give you the right amount of compressed air at the right pressure, and at the right time.

Even newer are Variable Frequency Drive innovations that allow the compressor to control the motor speed and torque by alternating from A/C to D/C power and controlling the input frequency and voltage.

There's no shortage of innovations as new uses for air compressors are discovered, and has led to quieter, cleaner, faster, and stronger machines. Teflon-coated cylinders and bioengineered designs are only a few examples of how innovation is used to solve unique problems in the field.

Keeping the Noise Down

It's important to consider noise level and quiet compressor operation whether you're working at home indoors or have a mechanic in an auto shop with the compressor in the same bay. No matter the type of air compressor or location, there are solutions to help cut down noise like enclosures, dampeners, and compressors that use sound-dampening materials.

With technology advancing, we now have quiet, oil-free compressors that are exceptionally low-noise due to their enclosures and can run all day without slowing down-making them ideal for industries that require around-the-clock operations. Other technologies like VSD, VFD, and dual-piston designs help with quieter operation, too.

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Completing Your Air System

At Air Compressors Direct, we supply fully-outfitted compressed air systems to make sure you've got every piece you need to make the right investment.

Air Tools

Pneumatic tools revolutionized the way people and business work. For the first time, they allowed more work to be done much faster at a fraction of traditional costs and, unlike battery-operated tools, air tools don't require internal motors or external power to work but still deliver optimal power and performance.

Filling a garage-workshop with a pneumatic impact wrench, spray gun, nailer, stapler, ratchet wrench or sandblaster will allow you to complete nearly any task at home using one power source (air compressor) and without breaking the bank.

Air Treatment

Proper air treatment is like life insurance for your air compressor;
dirty air causes damage over time until you're faced with very expensive repairs and costly downtime.

Clean, dry air is paramount to protecting your tools and machines run by your compressor. Air dryers remove moisture and some contamination, while air filters refine the air further by removing fine particulate and aerosol contamination.

Clean air protects not only your tools, but also your compressor's tank (by using a drain) and air lines from a constant barrage of unfiltered, moist air that causes damage to the internals over time.

Essential Accessories

We offer air compressor accessories and kits that improve the performance of your air compressor system. These include lubricators, regulators, additional air tanks, replacement pumps, air hoses, extension cords, oil, and gauges.

We also offer air delivery solutions to bring your air anywhere you need it.

Portability

The beauty of portable air compressors is that they can go exactly where they're needed. Whether it's a handheld inflator that fits under your car seat or an off-roading DC air compressor for your weekend getaways, there are portable compressors to support any lifestyle.

For homeowners and contractors, portability means being able to carry a twin-stack or hot-dog compressor around the house, or even utilize mobile air compressors that are truck-mounted or mounted to a wheelbarrow for the job site. You'll never have to worry about how you'll power your air tools on the roof or in the crawl space under the deck.

Installation

Larger stationary air compressors and industrial-grade air solutions for manufacturing will need to be installed with the help of a certified installer who is familiar with state and local codes and can ensure that the proper protections are in place, and that they are up to power and application requirements.

Choosing the Right Air Compressor

Air compressors at all levels of use can improve productivity every day they're used. Although finding the right one may be daunting at first, you now have the knowledge and tools you need to make an educated decision on which compressor is right for you.

If you're looking for an industrial air compressor system for your facility and you're concerned about the complicated logistical decisions, we can make it easier- just give us a call and our experts will talk you through exactly what you need.

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