Until a few years ago, you would never find air compressors anywhere else except at gas stations. However, thanks to technological advancement, we can now discuss what an air compressor for home garage would be. The best air compressors have evolved from industrial grade levels to portable home-use machines. You might have thought before that installing air compressors was something only seen in industrial settings. Unfortunately, this is not the same today.
Thankfully, you can now get the best air compressor for home use without breaking a sweat. In addition, the compressors come with lots of advantages that make doing many of the formally energy-intensive manual tasks much easier now. Once you connect your air compressor to a power source, you are ready to go. If you are on the lookout for a compressor, this guide is going to help you figure out the following aspects:
- How an air compressor for home use works
- The best air compressor for home garages
- Other great air compressors for home use
- Factors to consider when buying an air compressor
- Types of air compressors
- Advantages of having air compressors for home use
- Disadvantages of using air compressors at home
What Is An Air Compressor?
An air compressor is a machine that converts power into energy which is then stored in pressurized air in the tank of an air compressor. Compressed currents of air are significant in the lives we lead today. Among the three essential utilities (water, electricity, and gas), compact air currents make the fourth. Therefore, a compressed current is simply normal air that is forced into a very small space. This action creates kinetic energy. Additionally, compressed currents of air have many uses.
The beauty of kinetically powered air is that it can be harvested and stored for use at another time. Every industry in the world relies on some form of compressed air. With multiple uses come multiple forms and types. Air compressors used for normal projects are not the same used for industrial processes. Different compressors have different operating principles.
Aside from the operating principle, there are other characteristics that determine how an air compressor functions. These characteristics will be discussed later on in the article. Furthermore, when a tank's air pressure reaches the maximum limit, the compressor shuts off. This can be either manual or automatic. The more versatile compact air is, the better for human use and the multiple industries that need the technology.
How An Air Compressor For Home Use Works
The air compressor comes with an on and off switch, output pressure adjustment buttons and output ports. You use the output ports to connect to a hose which then connects to your blow nozzle or other attachments. The function of the output pressure adjustment or a regulator is to help you control the pressure of the air coming out of the compressor.
Most compressors will and should have a safety valve. This is the feature that helps you to get rid of compressed air from your tank after using it. You should not store your compressor at pressure. This is because compacted air is likely to cause condensation, which in turn causes rusting in your tank.
Storing an empty tank is the best way to keep your air compressor for many years, and the safety valve ensures you get rid of all the air before storing it. In addition, a blow nozzle can have an attachment that helps you do a particular job. Therefore attachments can also be added onto the blow nozzle, for instance, if you wanted to fill a car tire or a football.
To ensure you have the optimal attachments you need, they are usually available in sets. In addition, we recommend the Pneumatic Air Compressor Accessory Tool.
What size is the best air compressor for home garage?
We have analyzed the top compressors for your perusal as below:
The Best Air Compressor For Home Garage
1) Craftsman Air Compressor
- The portable air compressor is proudly made in the USA with...
- PORTABLE: 6 gallon capacity maximizes portability and stored air...
- NO MAINTENANCE: Durable, oil-free pump of the 6 gallon air...
- PRESSURE: 150 Max PSI to ensure adequate cut-inch pressure for a...
- QUICK RECOVERY TIME: 2.6 SCFM* @ 90 PSI allows for quick...
This is the best air compressor for home garage that we reviewed, edging the Porter air compressor below by price, weight and noise levels. It comes with a 6 gallon (22.7 liters) size pancake-shaped tank with high portability. It has an oil-free pump that does not require any maintenance. With 150 maximum PSI, this air compressor for home use is ideal for diversified applications. It packs 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI, giving a lot of compressor flow rate with high recovery time.
The voltage is 120, and the machine can easily start in cold weather without any complications. However, it does come packed with an accessory kit that includes an air hose with an assembled coupler and plug, tire chuck with plug, tire gauge, blow gun also with plug, a blow gun with OSHA safety nozzle, rubber tip and 3 inflator adaptors. This makes for 13 pieces in the accessory kit – indeed a pleasure for any home garage owner.
The warranty of one year ensures that you get full guarantees in case of any mechanical malfunctions arising after purchasing your air compressor.
This compressor has received a lot of praise from previous customers who say that it is extremely durable, highly portable and very powerful for several uses like cleaning, tire filling, and powering tools. It has received over 3,900 ratings with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon.
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Other Great Air Compressors For Home Use
2) Stealth Ultra Quiet Air Compressor
- ✅【ULTRA QUIET & 3 TIMES LONG LIFE】STEALTH innovative quiet...
- ✅【POWERFUL OUTPUTS MAINTENANCE FREE】Peak 1.3 horsepower...
- ✅【COLD WEATHER START & QUICK RECOVERY】Easy start even under...
- ✅【STABLE STRUCTURE& CONVENIENT FOR MOVEMENT】Stable heavy...
- ✅【WHAT IN THE BOX】Stealth SAQ-1413 Air Compressor x 1, 6’...
The stealth ultra air compressor has been tested to be 80% quieter and qualifies to have thrice the longer life than most induction motors. Additionally, this garage air compressor system is a portable air compressor with a peak of 1.3 horsepower. It, therefore, generates compacted air to make your work easier. This oil-free air compressor has no problem starting at low temperatures and low voltage. With 6-inch rubber reinforced wheels and a roller bag design, this oil-free compressor is perfect for you.
In our opinion, this oil air compressor is the best portable air compressor. It has a rubber reinforced handle that is amazing for movement and great for avoiding blisters and calluses. In addition to having a 4.5-gallon twin-tank capacity, it has a dual and accurate pressure gauge. Therefore, the oil-free pump design has a dual-piston for easy maintenance and longer life. Lastly, this good air compressor contains a regulator knob to adjust air pressure.
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3) Dewalt Air Compressor
- 165 max PSI 6.0 gallon tank (22.7 L) and 2.6 SCFM* delivered @ 90...
- High efficiency motor of the electric air compressor is made for...
- 75.5 dBA** noise level of the 6 gallon air compressor is made for...
- High flow regulator and couplers of DEWALT portable air...
- Long life oil free pump for maintenance free operation
The Dewalt air compressor is a great compressor for home-usage. The pancake-shaped air compressor has a 6 gallon (22.7 liters) tank with 165 maximum pressure. It packs 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI with a high-efficiency motor that facilitates easy start-up during cold weather periods.
The voltage is 120V, with the manufacturer advising that it should be located at least 12 inches away from the wall or any other obstructions, so that flow of air is not interfered with.
This product has over 1,700 ratings, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
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4) GX CS2 Portable PCP Air Compressor
- Oil-Free & Water-Free & Built-In Fan Cooling for Long Life :...
- Convenient Car 12V DC or Home 110V AC Power Choice : This air...
- Fast Inflating Speed and Powerful PCP Compressor : This new air...
- Note: We have exclusive design patent for the compression method,...
- Light Weight, Compact Size,Easy to Carry: The net weight is just...
Unlike most air compressors, this small air compressor does not need oil or an external water pump for cooling. Additionally, this is one of the portable air compressors that can be powered by a 12v car battery. If you prefer, it can also be powered by a 110v AC power output. Additionally, it is a manual stop pump if you need to stop the pressurized air. It has a fast-inflating speed and a powerful PCP processor. The inflation pressure can reach a max PSI of 4500/300 Bar, and the air pump inflating speed can reach 2700r/ per min.
The net weight of this pancake air compressor is just 6.7 kilograms. Wherever you go, whenever you need, you can take it with you anytime. You can also get a 1-year worry-free after-sale service. You can also get a free exchange or full refund if the product is defective or has quality problems. It has an air volume of 1 liter. After allowing it to rest for 20 to 30 minutes, you can bleed the machine via the drain valve and ensure not to start it if there is still air inside the air tank.
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5) Eastwood 3 Gallon Oil Less Pancake Portable Air Compressor
This Eastwood 3 Gallon Oil-Less Pancake Portable Air Compressor may well be the ideal choice for any do-it-yourself handyman as well as other professionals, who want a powerful yet portable air compressor for a variety of small tasks. This portable and lightweight air compressor can provide sufficient power for range air operations that encompass from blowing up tires, operating nail guns, and powering small pneumatic instruments. There is no oil involved in its operational structure which means it is quite easy to maintain, besides using it can guarantee a clean and efficient method.
It features a 3-gallon pancake-style compressor tank for maximum stability with a constant provision of air supply. Powered by a maximum pressure of 100 PSI and a flow rate of 0.7 SCFM at 90 PSI, it provides convenient performance for multiple domestic and workplace uses.
This we found to be a great workhorse compressor for minor tasks. It also has a short recovery time and achieves stability in its performance which makes work go on without disruptions.
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If you are looking for the best air compressor for home garage or home use, these are definitely some of the best in the market that we have analyzed. They might not pack the punch to fill your 80-pound truck tires, but they do a whole lot of good work filling up tires below that and powering pneumatic tools to help make your work home much easier.
Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Air Compressor For Home Garage
i) PSI – This is the amount of force that your air compressor can deliver. You want your home use compressor to have above 120PSI.
ii) Capacity – This is the amount of air that your air compressor tank can store in gallons or liters. The higher, the better. However, for the best air compressor for home use, over 5 gallons should be good to go.
iii) SCFM – This is what will determine the compressor's flow rate. In other words, it is the amount of air from a compressor at a given level of pressure. A higher CFM means your compressor can be used for even large applications. This is an important factor because your air compressor is only as useful as its CFM. For instance, when operating tools that need a lot of pressure for sustained periods of time, a high CFM will ensure your air compressor can deliver this high pressure sufficiently for several minutes.
iv) Accessories – You can buy an air compressor with or without accessories. The best air compressor for home garage will be sold together with some accessories which are bound to increase its price. Air compressors without accessories are going to always be cheaper. Depending on your budget, it is fair to say that the more the accessories, such as an impact wrench, the more complete your air compressor is. Without the budget for accessories, always know you can buy the accessories separately, one at a time.
v) Size – Air compressors that have more weight are usually bigger and therefore suitable for more intensive applications. The smaller the air compressor, the more likely it is a light-duty compressor.
vi) Oil-free or oil-lubricated – There are two styles of compressors. The oil-free design does not use oil in lubricating the pistons. For example, the California air tools device. Instead, it self-lubricates to allow the movement of pistons within the cylinder walls. This is usually quieter and produces much cleaner air as a result of being oil-free. Therefore, less pollution to the environment.
The oil-lubricated pump is the direct opposite. It uses oil for lubrication, produces polluted air as a result and is usually discouraged for home-usage. Nevertheless, it is one of the most common oil compressors, especially for industrial settings.
However, technological advancement is phasing it out for less pollution from oil-free compressors. Therefore, it goes without saying that the best air compressor for your garage is one that utilizes the oil-free design.
vii) Noise level – A quieter air compressor is always better to avoid noise pollution. In a home setting, people do not like to be disrupted with noise just because you are fixing something in the garage. So the quieter the air compressor, the better it is for home usage.
viii) Warranty – Always check for the warranty provided with the compressor you buy. A longer warranty is a great guarantee from the manufacturer of the quality of their air compressor for house use.
Types Of Air Compressors
There are different types of air compressors. As we have listed in the products section, the air compressors for you all have pros and cons. However, air tools such as a nail gun and different types of guns require an air compressor. Additionally, air compressors are a neat tool to have as they reduce manual labor by half. Here are the types of air compressors:
a) Pancake Air compressor
Pancake compressors are the perfect machine for a home garage. Why are they called pancake? It's because they are shaped like a pancake. They have around and flat bottom. Sometimes the bottom is oval-shaped.
Additionally, the round or oval tank is used to store the compressed air. It is generally used in situations where small jobs are required. Their shape makes them more sturdy for outdoor use. They can also be easily placed on uneven terrain.
If you are always on the move, it is easier to carry a pancake compressor up a ladder or staircase. An oil-free pump requires little to no maintenance, and so do pancake compressors. Additionally, they also have a superior air filter. They are designed for hard labor, and you can also find them around construction sites that need a constant supply of compressed air. A roll cage construction ensures it remains stable for a long time and maintains air volume capacity.
b) Hot Dog Air Compressor
The types of air compressor are longer compared to the pancake compressors. Most of the time, these compressors are smaller than their pancake counterparts. However, some different hot dog models are larger than pancake models. Furthermore, they are also the perfect home garage accessory. They are also excellent at handling multiple projects at once. Hot dog compressors get their name from the way they are shaped.
Many hot dog compressors are easy to transport because they are equipped with wheels and handles. In addition, they are easier to store because they take up less space. They can be set up against a wall in the smallest spaces, and there will still be enough space left to store other items. This compressor type is good for operating small pneumatic tools. If you are always on the move, it is a great item to own.
c) Two-Stage Air Compressors
When selecting an air compressor, a dual-stage compressor is a good way to go. The compacted air isn't sent into the storage tank as with a regular one-stage compressor. Instead, it is sent into another chamber for a second stroke. At this point, it is double-pressurized air that is super efficient and can be used for more projects. It also powers high-energy equipment, for example, in auto construction, manufacturing and maintenance, as well as in the aerospace industry.
When it comes to how they look, these compressors don't look any different from one-stage compressors. Both models have two cylinders because it is easier to balance out air in them. Furthermore, these compressors are built for non-stop operation and don't require a cooling-off period compared to their one-stage counterparts.
Advantages Of The Best Air Compressor For Home Garage
Any home garage today should have an air compressor. Yes, you might think you have survived long enough without having one. But, trust that we are all wondering as well how we did anything before without it. Once you know the things you can use an air compressor at home for, it becomes a no-brainer to actually get one for yourself.
For clarity, here are the advantages you can bag from owning a compressor at home:
1. Instead of going to the gas station to fill tires with air, you can now do it from your garage. So for your car, bike and wheelbarrow tires, forget about the struggle of looking for a gas station and ensure the tires are always well filled within your home.
2. Remember that energy-intensive project you have been putting off? It is probably because of how much energy you'd need to use the saw, staple guns or hammers. Well, say no more.
An air compressor is able to help you out by lifting off a lot of the effort that you need to use these tools. For instance, if you want to operate your air hammer, you can use your air compressor to make work easier.
For most power tools, they would cause a lot of fatigue due to the manual way in which they work. However, you can now replace the power tools with their pneumatic equivalents and make better use of your air compressor.
From hammering to sawing, sanding, grinding, polishing, and drilling, you can get pneumatic tools that would use the pressure from your California air tools air compressor, making your work so much easier.
3. In the event you have dirty or dusty home walls or electronic gadgets, an air compressor for home use really comes in handy to help you clear off the dust. You only need to be cautious that the machine's tank contains compressed air at high pressure.
You will need to get a blow nozzle that helps you control and concentrate the air movement to the exact positions for cleaning purposes. So now you can clean up your TV, home theatre, walls, computer, video game system, among other things.
When working on wood in your home or garage, you can also use the air compressor to blow away wood particles and keep your garage clean.
4. What if you have a huge event and need to fill many balloons with air? Well, the air compressor can help you with that too. Thanks to it, your jaws don't have to hurt from blowing air into balloons using your own breath.
Disadvantages Of Using Air Compressors At Home
1. Safety is crucial while using air compressors. Occupational Safety and Heal Administration (OSHA) have made it clear that air with over 30 PSI should never be directly aimed at a person's skin. This is because the high pressure and speed make this air extremely dangerous when aimed at someone.
2. If you buy a gas air compressor as compared to an electrical air compressor, remember that gas is highly combustible and might be a huge danger to your home in case of a fire.
3. Equally, for electrical air compressors, proper grounding is important. Otherwise, it might lead to electrical shocks for the users of the compressor or irreparable damage to the machine itself.
For damp garages and basements, check out our guide for crawl space dehumidifiers.
The Bottom Line
There is a lot of information to process, especially when you want to purchase an air compressor. However, you don't have to go through all that because we have simplified the process for you. All air compressors have their cons and pros. As long as you select a device that has more pros than cons, then you should be fine with your choice. Don't forget that you also need to consider the application of your air compressor.
