What to Look For in a Portable Air CompressorPosted by Glass Paulsen on June 2nd, 2021 With portable air compressors now available for the average homeowner, every person can inflate their own tires from their own vehicle trunk without a trip to their local gas station. With some models offering digital LCD screens to assist drivers in inflating their tires and others sourcing power directly from the vehicle's battery, now more than ever people are saving money and time with their air compressor. Here are just a few of the many reasons why. * Increased efficiency - Most portable air compressors are designed to work much like a cigarette lighter. They can hold about five pounds of compressed air when full, which is about double the amount of weight that most cars will hold when fully inflated. Because there is only one nozzle to manage, it is much easier to regulate air pressure, which allows for a more consistent result. Most models are also designed to offer a steady pressure stream so there is very little variation when pumping air into tires. This is especially important when working with extremely soft or small tires. BestOfPowerTool Reduced cost - One of the best ways to save money on gasoline and other related expenses is to use less fuel. This is easily achieved by using portable compressors instead of standard air pumps when necessary. In addition, they can be used to power numerous tools, including household appliances such as brooms and shovels, lawnmowers, blowers, and ice cream trucks. As an added benefit, portable compressors are more environmentally friendly than standard gas-powered air compressors. All it takes is a few seconds to switch out the fuel filter and air pump when not in use, so they are very "green" options when it comes to purchasing a new air compressor. * Higher efficiency - If you are looking for the absolute highest efficiency possible, then the best air compressor for you is going to be one that features a variable-speed motor. Typically, two of these motors are fitted together in a Cylinder style, producing incredible pressure savings. These types of compressors typically feature high-efficiency cooling fans to help cool down the engine for maximum performance, all while maintaining efficient cooling. * Better power source - For larger vehicles, a larger compressor may be required to power both the air compressor and the power source for heavy-duty tires. However, when only using tires for light duty, a smaller compressor is sufficient. These compressors typically have their own power source, usually a 12 volt battery. Larger compressors are capable of powering a vehicle's power source separately. * Higher capacity tanks - If you are using your portable air compressor on a regular basis, you want to make sure you have enough storage space. It is common for many of these types of devices to be able to hold up to five hundred pounds of compressed air. However, you will also want to ensure the tank is large enough to hold at least three times that amount in case of an emergency. Portable tank capacity has nothing to do with the actual amount of air pressure being stored in the tank; it is more important to maintain the appropriate PSI for your particular application. Many of these devices operate at atmospheric pressure, so it is important to understand the difference between "dry" and "wet". * Noise Level - Because portable air compressors can be so loud, it is important to make sure they are in a well ventilated area. Depending upon your particular application, you may even need to install a muffler system to reduce the noise output. Often times, the noise is so loud, some applications cannot be used in close proximity of the unit. Portable air compressors are often used in noisy areas such as factories and warehouses, so a muffler system is necessary. The dual voltage electrical systems most units use will also reduce noise, so look for one that is specifically designed to do so. These are just a few of the things to consider when looking at purchasing an electric air compressor. Of course, the cost of the product will play a big factor in your decision. They are relatively inexpensive, especially compared to gas models, but they still require proper maintenance to keep operating efficiently. If you have kids in the house, you will want to consider purchasing an electric air compressor with larger fuel capacity, since they are harder to use when the fuel reaches a certain level. Electric air compressors usually have a small starting motor and rely on an air compressor motor to provide continuous power, so they are great for those who are new to using them or are not experienced enough with maintenance.Like it? Share it! More by this author |