Air compressors derive a wide array of home applications. These include inflating balloons, increasing tire air pressure and cleaning hard-to-reach spaces. Here’s a comprehensive list of 10 best air compressors for everyday use.
There are two main types of air compressors: displacement and dynamic compressors. Displacement compressors are more common − they are categorized as reciprocating, rotary screw, axial and centrifugal compressors. The most popular air compressors used at home are reciprocating compressors. Here’s a guide for the best quality air compressor oil you can afford fit for your home.
Here are 6 types of air compressors for home use:
Single stage compressors
These have one valve and one piston. The piston compresses the air in a single cylinder only once. The compressed air is then moved into a storage tank. They are useful for comparatively smaller projects like woodworking. They can be used with your saws, nails and drills when conducting woodworking activities. They are also used in metal work to give high energy for shearing, grinding, riveting and ratcheting. They are efficient and reduce the fatigue that emanates from using traditional tools. Single stage compressors can be used to make sanding faster and easier.
Two stage compressors
In two stage compressors, air is drawn into a cylinder compressed with the first piston and passed through a second smaller piston to be compressed for a second time. The double compressed air is stored in a tank to give energy to equipment requiring high power for continuous applications. They can be used to power paint sprayers for finer painting and in construction projects like drilling ground holes.
Diaphragm compressors
In diaphragm compressors, air or fluids are compressed between a malleable metallic diaphragm and immovable seals. The hydraulic oil pushes onto the diaphragm, causing it to pressurize and pump the processed air. The diaphragm is made of strong materials to endure both pressure and extreme temperatures. Diaphragm compressors are quieter than other models and they also consume low energy. They deliver high quality gases and are used to pump toxic gases since they have a low risk of leakages. Diaphragm compressors can also be used to pump water out of swimming pools. Some are even used to inflate car and bicycle tires, balloons, balls and floats.
In-line compressors
These compressors are driven by electric or diesel engines. They are designed with cylinders at various stages arranged in a straight line. They can be used in your garage to power tools or blow off the dust in your driveway.
V-line compressors
Their cylinders are V-shaped. The crankshaft in one cylinder pulls down one piston and pushes up the other piston in the perpendicular cylinder simultaneously. They are noisier compared to in-line compressors and are used in the garage to power different tools.
Tandem piston compressors
These compressors have two pistons that are arranged in a single line and work along the line but are located in different pneumatic chambers. At least one piston is a guide piston with the others being contactless pistons. They are used in heating systems, refrigerators, ventilators and air conditioners.
You don’t have to worry about going to a gas filling station to fill your tires with air − you can do that at the comfort of your home with air compressors. You can also use air compressors for various home projects to make your woodwork and metal work easier.