Looking To Purchase A Commercial Air Compressor? Factors You Should Consider
If your construction company finds itself renting a commercial air compressor often, you may be considering investing in one instead. This may be more cost-effective if you are frequently using them at your job sites. However, there are many factors you need to consider when purchasing a commercial air compressor that you may not have thought about when renting one. These factors can affect the lifespan of the unit and the frequency with which the unit needs to be serviced. Here are a few factors that you need to consider if you are looking to purchase a commercial air compressor.
A Single Versus Two Stage Compressor
One of the factors you should consider when purchasing your own commercial air compressor is whether you need a single or two stage compressor. Essentially, a single stage compressor compresses the air in one step. A two stage compressor compresses the air in two steps and cools it. Generally speaking, if you are using the compressor for extended periods of time, a two stage compressor will better meet your needs. If you are using the compressor periodically, or for short periods of time, a single stage compressor will better meet your needs. If you select a single stage compressor, and use it too often, you may cause unnecessary wear to the compressor which can result in increased maintenance costs, so it's always important to select the right type of compressor for your needs.
Oil-Lubed Versus Oil-Less Pumps
As you prepare to purchase a commercial air compressor, you will also need to decide whether to purchase a compressor that is oil-lubed or oil-less. There are pros and cons to both types of these pumps and weighing these pros and cons will help you decide which makes the most sense for you. An oil-lubed compressor requires more maintenance than an oil-less pump. This is because it requires oil changes. However, they are more durable and less noisy. An oil-less pump requires less maintenance, is cheaper and is lighter. However, these units tend to run hotter and are not ideal for heavy-duty usage. Most commercial pumps are oil-lubed, but there are a few that are oil-less. Because you didn't have to consider maintenance costs when renting a unit, this may not have been a huge consideration in the past. However, when you buy an air compressor, you will be responsible for maintaining it, which means you need to carefully weigh your choices. Consider what features are most important to you in an air compressor to help you decide which is the better choice for your business.
Electric Versus Gas-Powered
The last factor you need to consider when purchasing a commercial air compressor is whether you need an electric or gas-powered air compressor. If you were renting compressors in the past, you may have simply rented a compressor based on the job site you were working on. However, when you invest in one, you need to consider what will work best for you most of the time. If you find yourself working in enclosed spaces, such as homes, an electric unit may be ideal, as you don't want to have to smell gas fumes. If you work on construction sites without electricity, a gas-powered air compressor makes more sense. It prevents you from having to bring along an electric generator for power. Considering the setting you use the air compressor in most frequently will help you decide which type is ideal for your business.
Educating yourself on the options available to you when you purchase a commercial air compressor will help you select the air compressor that makes the most sense for your business. This will help ensure you are happy with your purchase and that the compressor best meets your needs. For more information on shopping for air compressors, you can check here.