By using diesel, a gasoline engine or an electric motor, an air compressor can convert power into energy. The air stored in the compressor can be used for a long time until it’s empty.
Typically, this master machine is used for supplying high-pressure clean air to gas cylinders. It’s used to run the HVAC system in the house, pneumatic tools (like jackhammer), to fill air tanks, and to fill tires.
An air compressor can provide energy to various power sources in the house. It may be gas or diesel-powered or driven by electricity.
This article will analyze the different uses of air compressors at home and guide you about the installation process of this magic machine.
Uses of Air Compressor at Home
You must be wondering what you can do with an air compressor at home. Keep reading to find out!
Carpentry and Craft Work
If you’re a DIY lover, having an air compressor at home will make your life so much easier. To use a nail gun, you need an air compressor.
You may get a nail gun that operates on battery, but it’ll cost you around $200 to $500. On the contrary, a nail gun that uses an air compressor will only cost you $50 to $300. See the difference?
On a positive note, the air compressor-operated nail gun lasts longer than the one functioning on battery. It’s also lighter in weight compared to a battery-operated alternative.
Read about: corded vs cordless power tools
Other than powering a nail gun, you can also use the air compressor to power up wrenches, nailers, saws and hammers.
Economical
Investing in an air compressor is more economical than you thought. There are so many tools that can be used with an air compressor that will make house maintenance and repair really easy for you.
For instance, use the air blower tool powered by the air compressor to clean the garage or the yard. You can also use a paint sprayer to color motorbikes and other materials.
You can also use it with an air finish nailer to permanently hold down nails in cabinetry, molding and baseboards. Even though you can find all these tools in battery-operated versions and cordless ones, the ones that perform with an air compressor are much more durable and cost-effective.
Read about: The most fuel efficient portable generators
Automobile Repairs
You know how much it costs to repair cars at a repair shop. But did you know that you can fix things at home using the air compressor?
Small work, such as installing a new PCV valve, changing the fuel filter, filling up the tire, tuning up, etc can be done with an air compressor. Plus, an air ratchet tool run on an air compressor can loosen or tighten torque bolts of different sizes.
You probably didn’t even know that all these were possible? Isn’t it great to know how much you will save on auto repairs from now on? Click this link for a range of air compressors.
Factors to Consider
You need to consider a few factors before installing an air compressor. The different factors are listed below.
Horsepower
You have to consider the motor output of the air compressor you want to buy. To understand the overall power of the machine, you should check the psi and cfm ratings. The higher the ratings, the higher the horsepower.
Pounds Per Square Inch
In short, pounds per square inch is known as psi. Some tools may require higher psi than other tools.
Popular garage tools demand a psi of 90. However, you shouldn’t just look at the psi, but also the cfm ratings. By considering the two ratings, you’ll get an idea of what the air compressor can handle.
Cubic Feet Per Minute
The short form of cubic feet per minute is cfm. The cfm determines the amount of air that can be produced by the air compressor.
Let us give you an example. A wrench that requires 5.0 cfm needs a compressor that rates 9.0 cfm. On the other hand, a tool that demands 10.0 cfm will require a compressor of double the cfm.
Tank Volume
The tank volume determines the holding capacity of the air compressor. Having a big tank makes things easier when the cycle switches between active and idle modes.
Duty Cycle
The duty cycle is also important to consider when you’re getting an air compressor. Usually, a good air compressor should have a duty cycle of 50 percent or more. Make sure the voltage of your garage can handle the air compressor.
How to Install an Air Compressor
When you have purchased the ideal air compressor with the desired capacity, duty cycle, voltage, cfm, psi and horsepower, you have to take the following initiatives to install it:
Pick out an area where you can place the air compressor. Make sure you have enough space around the air compressor where you can place any necessary tools and appliances.
You should make sure the hose is long enough and the fittings are in the right places. The air compressor will make some noise, so ensure there is less noise from the vibration by placing an isolator pad underneath.
The owner’s manual will give you a very good idea of how you should set up the model of air compressor that you’ve purchased. Once the setup looks good, check if the tools are working with the new compressor.
Attach a filter between the pistons, the tank and the inlet valve. Doing this will prevent moisture from mixing with the compressed air.
You should also attach a filtration device where the outlet is located. In doing so, your appliances and tools will be protected from damage caused by condensation.
What’s more, the tools and appliances must be connected to a water or oil separator and air dryer. You can even use a short airline to attach the two devices.
Final Thoughts
An air compressor is a very easy device to use. Installing it is also not very difficult.
However, picking the right air compressor for your home or garage can be the tricky part. If you know the requirements of your hardware tools and other appliances, you’ll be able to select the right air compressor.
Follow all the safety protocols in the owner’s manual to keep yourself and others safe while you are working with the air compressor.
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