When you are buying a compressor, the offer is wide and can appear quite complex. Here are 10 basic rules to help you.

1 Determine your type of use: DIY, professional or industrial

You just occasionally fix small things at home? Or you rather need continuous air flow to keep different applications running in your factory?

2 Define the tools you will work with to define the total Free Air Delivery requirements (FAD)

Blowing up your mountain bike tires requires much less air flow and pressure than working with a professional spray gun. To select the right compressor, you need to know the total CFM of all your individual air applications. Add an additional margin of 25% to cover inefficiencies in your network and future growth. FAD is the most important
selection criteria.
Required CFM = (CFM tool 1 + CFM tool 2 + CFM tool n) + 25% of total CFM

3 Define your frequency of use: occasional – intermittent – frequent

Piston compressor technology is suitable for many occasional and intermittent users. Frequent users will benefit from cast iron piston and screw compressor technology.

4 Define the spacing requirements of your machine: fixed, moveable, remote device and horizontal or vertical vessel

For easy moving around your compressor, look for comfortable handles and wheels. For remote service, consider an engine driven compressor. Always on the same spot? Go for comfort vibration dampers and a wide stable base. If you have reduced workspace, consider a vertical vessel.

5 Define the comfort you need in terms of noise level

With a separate compressor room and an air network, there are less requirements considering the compressor noise level. If you want to position your device close to your working area, silenced compressors are ideal for you.

6 Define your electrical requirements

Check if you need a 1 phase or 3 phase compressor. When you have variable flow requirements and more than 5 minutes load, consider a frequency driven compressor. Most of the time, your air consumption will not be constant, so you can gain a lot on energy efficiency.

7 Define your vessel size

For an average use of your selected compressor type, the standard proposed vessel size suits the needs, as compressor design is based on years of experience.

8 Define the accessories you need

You have delicate air equipment or care extra about the environment, so you need special clean or dry air? Quality Air solutions like dryers and filters exist in many forms, separate or integrated if you require moisture free air.

9 Check the quality label

For an optimal return on investment, look for guarantees, like ISO conformity and genuine parts so you can enjoy a long, safe and efficient lifetime of your compressor.

10 Check ease of maintenance, parts and service availability

Check service ability of the device, service intervals and if easy access to genuine parts and services is guaranteed.