Making a big purchase for your business is a tough decision. What about an air compressor? Does your business need to invest in one?
There are pros and cons of doing so, but in many industries, the answer is yes.
Even with the costs of the initial equipment, ongoing maintenance, and working with an air compressor parts supplier, you’re probably going to find it’s still cheaper than renting. Air compressors aren’t just used in manufacturing either. You may need them in construction or several other industries.
The following are some things to think about if you’re wondering whether or not to buy an air compressor for your business.
The Basics
An air compressor is a device used in factories and workshops, as well as construction and carpentry.
An air compressor can be used as a power supply for tools such as nail guns, spray guns, sanders, and drills. A compressor provides airflow to equipment, and there are two phases of their operation.
There’s compression and then release.
Air compressors are a lot more powerful than standard tools without the need for a bulky motor, and the maintenance tends to be minimal.
An air compressor works by forcing air into a container where it’s then pressurized. The air is then forced through a tank opening, where the pressure builds. There’s an engine that transforms electrical energy into kinetic energy.
There are several different types, but they are all fairly similar to one another.
If you think you need an air compressor for your business and your budget doesn’t allow for a new one, you can find them used as well.
Below are some of the reasons you might need an air compressor in your business, beyond their ability to power tools.
Cleaning
You can use an air compressor to clean your workspace quickly and efficiently.
Along with cleaning the space itself, an air compressor can provide clean air in your workspace as well.
Air compressors are used to regulate the flow of air into a building, and if you have a warehouse or a large open space, you might want to look into purchasing an air compressor.
An air compressor can simplify cleaning dirt or dust that might gather behind an engine block or any space where accessibility is otherwise difficult. There’s a nozzle end that will blow away settled dirt without scrubbing and wiping, but you’ll need to make sure you choose a system with enough power.
Pneumatic Tools
If you work in construction, you likely need an air compressor to use with your pneumatic tools.
Renting vs. Buying
If you’re trying to decide whether it’s better for your business to rent or buy an air compressor, first, you have to consider what type of business you have and what your needs are.
If you’re using an air compressor on a fairly regular basis, it’s almost always going to make more sense to buy one rather than renting.
If you just need one for a single task, renting may be a better financial decision.
Your cost savings start to decline with each rental you make when you could have instead bought an air compressor, so you might want to crunch the numbers to make a decision.
Factors to Consider
If you’ve decided your business would benefit from the purchase of an air compressor, factors to consider in the buying process include:
- Air Pressure: This is measured in pounds or square inch or PSI. You’ll see a listed amount of PSI required to run machines or tools, so do an audit and see what you might need for the equipment you frequently use in your business.
- Air Flow: Another metric to think about if you’re buying an air compressor is the airflow, which is measured in cubic feet per minute or CFM. As is the case with PSI, you need to choose a compressor that can provide the right level of CFM for the tool or machinery you need to power.
- Power: Air compressor power is measured in horsepower, and an industrial air compressor will operate off diesel, gas or electricity.
- Storage tank: The storage tank capacity is measured in gallons, and the larger this tank, the more CFM delivery.
Again, if you’re a smaller business and you decide you need to buy an air compressor, you may find that a used option is better for your budget. You might get less of a lifespan with a used compressor, but the trade-off in price difference can balance that out for your business.