How to Find the Best Air Compressor
What separates a good air compressor from a great one? While our team doesn't believe any one brand is inherently better than another, we use a set of five metrics to help determine how tools best fit into a customer's application.
- Price
- Product support
- Features
- Code
- Quality
Price has become the number one factor for many when buying a new air compressor. The compressor with the biggest price tag doesn't necessarily make it the best for your specific application. Many tools are actively being imported from other countries, bloating the price as companies account for the currency exchange, shipping costs, and more. Our advice — don't get fooled.
Product support from the factory is important, with many customers are doing in-house service on their air compressors and require technical support when troubleshooting. Being able to consult directly with the manufacturer can be incredibly helpful in these situations, so be sure to ask about policies before any equipment is purchased.
Features, and more specifically add-on features, can set a product apart in terms of what it offers to your business. Some of the most efficient air compressors come with additional energy saving features that are normally optional, including:
- Phase protection
- Wye Delta starting, reduced voltage starting
- TEFC drive motor (enclosed, fan-cooled)
- PLC controller
- Sound enclosures
Code compliance is critically important for ensuring the safety of products. All electrical components are normally Underwriters' Laboratories (UL) listed, a requirement in many states. If the system is not UL local inspectors may request that you stop operation, so be sure to check the stamp on a component's electrical panel. It is also wise to ensure the pressure vessel is certified by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
Quality is as important as any other variable when making an air compressor purchase. Ask which brand the components were sourced from and ensure you can get replacements locally if needed so you're not "single sourced" to one supplier.
Do you have any lingering questions on the purchasing process? Reach out to one of our experienced air compressor experts by calling 866-778-6572 or send an email to info@compressorworld.com
