Has choosing between home air compressors left you a bit dazed and confused? Take the time to think about all of your needs and compare them to the points in this article. Keeping these points in mind while deciding just what the uses for the compressor will be can eliminate many of the seemingly endless choices available on the market today.



The first step is to decide what your compressor will be used for and where it will be used. Are you going to use the compressor indoors or outdoors? Is it for lengthy projects, or just to blow up the occasional tire or basketball?

Not only do such compressors come in many shapes and sizes, they also come in a variety of horsepower strengths, as well as power supplies. For example, portable ones take up little space, which can be good for home use, but they will generally need to run for the duration of your project.

This is ok if your needs are minor; however, if any long term projects are in your future, then you may need to consider something with some storage capacity. Will you be using air compressor tools, such as air nailers or say an air sander? If so, then you need to consider the horse power of the compressor.

Generally speaking, a horse power of at least one and a half times the needs of your tools is acceptable. If you have much less, then you risk being under powered in your time of need. Too much strength and you are paying for power you do not need.

Will your use of the home air compressors available fall into larger outdoor jobs requiring more power and overall air flow then the average home user? If so, a gas powered air compressor system with a higher air flow, or CFM (cubic feet per minute) and decent storage capacity could be for you.

Maybe your needs are a bit less demanding, in which case one of the electrically powered portable air compressors will probably be enough to get the job done. Either way, selecting an air compressor rated one and a half times higher then that of the air tool accessories you will use should be sufficient. Any more then that and you may be wasting money on more tools then you need.

Now that you know a bit more about the variety of home air compressors, choosing the right machine need not be such a daunting task. Keep in mind that each of your needs, as well as these basic points can ensure you select the right tool to get the job done. Whether you use an air sander or one of the air nailers, selecting the correct air compressor system for your needs isn't as difficult as it seems.