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Are you aware that every air compressor cannot be used for every kind of job? Air compressors differ both in power level and in size. If you want to get an estimate what kind of air compressor you’ll need, first check the air tool that you’re using for its power requirements. After that, all you need to do is pick a compressor that’s a bit more powerful than you think you need. That way, if you want to you can later buy an air tool that requires a slightly higher level of power.

For example, one common air tool is the rotary screw compressor. When looking for a rotary screw compressor, you are faced with an array of choices. If you want a powerful screw compressor, don’t choose a cheap one. Those are only good for occasionally pumping up your tires with air.

Air compressors are sometimes rated by horsepower or hp. Dont be swayed by the hp listing. It all depends on how much power it draws. Often the hp listed is inflated.

A better value to look at is the PSI. This means pounds per square inch. Most air tools need 90 PSI to function. But if the compressor has a listing of 125 to 135 PSI, it will not be able to properly run the 90 PSI air tool. This is because what the PSI is really measuring is shut off pressure, and that value does not account when there is a loss of pressure in the line. If you want to get the best efficiency from your 90 PSI tool, think about a compressor that has two-stage pressure shut off. The first stage will shut off at 90 PSI, and the second stage will wait until 175 PSI to shut off.

Next you will take into account the “cubic feet per minute” or CFM. The majority of air tools manufactured today will require 4 to 6 CFM. Not a big deal here, since at 90 PSI you will be getting 3 to 4 exact horsepower. CFM merely tells you how much air is being moved.

Tank size on a compressor may be important to you depending on how you wish to use your air compressor. If your work requires you to use it in short bursts, then the typical 30-gallon tank and a normal pump and motor is more than fine. If however, you wish to use it heavily, you would do better with a bigger tank and much stronger pump and motor, taking into consideration air that is stored in the tank.

Because of this you may see professional contractors running multiple air tools at the same time, with the knowledge that using a compressor with a rating of 150 PSI is a better choice for long-term continual use.

Truck mounted compressors differ from portable ones because they use the truck itself as a source of power. Of course a problem with this is a fact that the truck has to keep running to keep the compressor going. If you need to keep the compressor in use for long periods of time, the best choice is a compressor that is deck mounted. Deck mounted compressors are similar to truck mounted ones in that they sit on removable beds for the truck. This makes it feasible to let the compressor stay at the worksite instead of forcing you to lug it every day.

There are gas powered and electrically powered compressors. If you are apt to work in an area without having electricity its imperative that you choose a gas powered one.