How to Choose a Home Air Compressor

If you ever watch home improvement shows on TV, you know a home air compressor can make nailing or installing molding easy. They’re also great for powering tools like wrenches, grinders or paint sprayers. They also make inflating your car tires or kids blow up toys a snap.

However, home air compressors are relatively new and most of us aren’t that familiar with them, so they can be confusing. Here’s some basics on home compressors that should help you choose the one that’s right for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An understanding of new terminology (CFM, SCFM, psi) to compare compressors.
• Time to evaluate how you’re going to use your home air compressor (i.e. what air-powered tools do you plan on using).

Finding the home compressor right for you

1. Understand that all air compressors work on the scientific principle that you can compress a gas (air) into a storage tank, and when you release the compressed air (a little at a time) the pressure of that burst of air coming out will be strong enough to power all kinds of tools.

2. Compare air compressors by air flow (measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute) or SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute). Home air compressors are usually labeled with their SCFM or CFM at 90 pounds per square inch (PSI).
   Smaller household tools (i.e. nailers) usually require 1-5 CFM, while larger tools (i.e. grinders) may need up to 10 CFM.

3. Determine the size of the storage tank you need by evaluating how you plan to use your home air compressor. A larger storage tank will be able to power tools longer than a smaller tank, but depending on your application that may not be an issue. For example, tools like a power nailer or an impact wrench only need a short burst of air while other tools such as a paint sprayer need a consistent supply of air during their longer operating time and probably a larger tank.

4. Consider where you will be using your compressor. If you plan on using the compressor inside your home, an electric motor is the safe choice. Gasoline-powered compressors are usually more powerful than electric-powered compressors, but their exhaust fumes make them impractical for use inside a home or building.

5. Think about the weight and shape of the compressor. Horizontal compressors are usually easier to carry or move. However, vertical compressors take up less storage space. Also, keep in mind some gasoline-powered compressors can be quite heavy and may need more than one person to move them.

6. Think about how you plane to use your home compressor and choose the one right for you by ensuring your compressor has enough air flow to power the tools you want to use and a tank large enough to keep your tools operating.

Tips & Warnings

• A rule of thumb for sizing a compressor is to choose a compressor that provides CFM output at 1.5 times the requirement of the largest tool you will be using with the compressor.
• The ‘duty cycle’ of your compressor will determine how long it lasts. Duty cycle refers to how long your compressor runs compared to how long it’s off while you use it. A good ratio is 50:50, which means the compressor is running (pressuring the tank) about half the time--and is off the other half--while air from the storage tank powers your tools. A duty cycle ratio higher than 50:50 means your compressor is running longer and it will wear out faster.
• Release the air in the storage tank when storing your compressor to help prevent rusting in the tank.
• Never use a gasoline-powered compressor in an enclosed space.