Most Common Air Compressor Types

How to Choose a Compressor 

There are definite factors that play a role in finding the right air compressor for your projects.  Make sure you check out this list below before deciding which air compressor type is right for you.

• ​Power Source 
• CFM (cubic feet or air per minute)
• Pressure Requirement: Powerful enough PSI for all your air tools 
• Features: portable, good warranty, included accessories 
• Quiet Operation with low decibels
• Easy Maintenance
• Price

Power Source

Most air compressors come in two flavors: electric or gas-powered. Electric compressors are the most common and perfect if you have easy access to an outlet. But if you’re on the go or working somewhere without electricity, a gas-powered compressor might be your best bet.

Specs 

When picking a compressor, pay attention to specs like CFM (cubic feet per minute) and horsepower (HP). These numbers tell you how well the compressor can keep up with your tools. The key stat to focus on is the CFM output because that tells you if the compressor can deliver enough continuous air for your project.

Pressure Requirements

Remember, the whole point of the compressor is to power your air tools. So, think about the tools you’ll be using and check their PSI (pounds per square inch) needs. Once you know that, you can choose a compressor that matches those pressure requirements and gets the job done right.

Features 

Having extra capabilities and enhanced systems can always be nice and will enhance the air compressors’ overall capability. You should be able to judge the unit easily by the features that it comes with. Some features to look for: 

• Oil-less pump 
• Belt drive system 
• Thermal protection 
• Adjustable exhaust 
• Accessories  
• Aux tank availability 
• More couplers 

Quiet Operation 

Usually, cheaper compressors are louder; kind of a given. Before you buy, check the decibel rating, especially if you’ll be working indoors or in a tight space.

You might want to grab some ear protection or even get creative with things like rubber grommets, exhaust silencers, or build a soundproof box lined with foam to keep the noise down.

Easy Maintenance

Look for a compressor that’s a breeze to maintain. Models with easy access to oil and air filters are a plus. Even better, go for an oil-less compressor if you want to skip the hassle altogether.

Price

Compressors cover a wide price range. Stick to what fits your budget, but remember: the cheapest option might not last as long or perform as well as pricier models.

Bottom Line

Choosing the right compressor really boils down to your needs and how you plan to use it. Think it through, and you’ll find a good fit without surprises.

Compressor Types 

There are many types of compressors, and you need to keep in mind what type that will be the best for you and your projects. Here are a few examples that are available: 

• Rotary screw 
• Oil-less 
• Reciprocating 
• Tankless 
• Centrifugal 
• Two-stage 

Understanding what to look for when choosing the air compressor you will be relying on is essential, and can help make the process that much easier. Let’s take a quick look at how each compressor type works. 

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Compressor Types Discussion

How Do Rotary Screw Air Compressors Work? 

These bad boys work with two rotors spinning in opposite directions inside a housing. Air gets trapped between those rotors and gets squeezed tight — that’s how the compression happens.

They’re usually built to pump out lots of air at lower pressure, and they’re made to run non-stop without breaking a sweat. That means they’re big, powerful machines with varying horsepower options.

What’s cool about rotary screw compressors is they can deliver high volumes of compressed air at low pressures — perfect for stuff like pneumatic tools, spray painting, and sandblasting.

Plus, they’re reliable, efficient, and don’t need tons of maintenance.

You’ll mostly find these compressors in big industrial or commercial places — think factories, refineries, or power plants — anywhere they need a steady flow of compressed air to keep things humming.

How Does an Oil-less Air Compressor Work? 

They start by pulling air in from outside through a valve and air filter — kind of like taking a big breath. That valve then opens up into the compressor pump’s chamber, where the magic begins: the first stage squeezes (compresses) the air.

As the air moves through, it gets pushed along into a second chamber for even more compression — like giving the air a double squeeze.

These compressors usually deliver medium pressure, making them versatile for lots of jobs. You can find them both in heavy-duty industrial setups and in more eco-friendly DIY shop models, so they’re good for folks who want power without a huge environmental footprint.

How Does a Reciprocating Air Compressor Work? 

Most of the best air compressors that you will see for your DIY shop or home use are reciprocating (and oil less).  This style of a compressor is run by a single or multiple pistons.

Moving up and down, these pistons are housed within cylinders that compress the air. Reciprocating compressors have models that range from low to high pressure and tend to be low capacity. This type of compressor is designed to be used occasionally.  

Typically, these compressors are built with a small footprint and only operate at up to 10 horsepower.  

How Does a Tankless Air Compressor Work? 

This compressor type is a mix between an oil-less option and a reciprocating model. The unit uses pistons to drive air through and compress in cylinders; the only difference is that once the tank is full, the unit will not take in any more air.  

You will be able to use the compressor until the air pressure drops below what it needs to push out the air. Many units are operated by a foot pedal, which some feel gives you more control over your output. 

How Does a Centrifugal Air Compressor Work? 

This type of compressor pulls air right into the center of an impeller — which is basically a spinning set of blades. As these blades rotate, they fling the air outward using centrifugal force, kind of like how a playground merry-go-round pushes you outward when it spins.

This spinning action increases the air’s pressure and turns kinetic energy (the air’s movement) into actual compressed air. With each pass through the system, the pressure builds up more and more until it’s strong enough to power your air tools.

One of the big perks of centrifugal compressors is that they can move large volumes of air at moderate pressures, making them perfect for jobs like HVAC systems, spray painting, and pneumatic tools. Plus, their compact design means they don’t take up much space and are relatively easy to maintain.

You’ll mostly find these compressors in big industrial or commercial setups — think large factories, refineries, or power plants — where they provide a steady, reliable flow of compressed air.

How Does a Two-Stage Air Compressor Work? 

Air compressors of this type use a system of cylinders that are each different sizes. As the air moves from cylinder to cylinder, it is driven through a heat exchanger where the air is cooled. This cooling helps make compression more efficient.

Once the air passes through two stages, it is pushed into an additional chamber where it is pressurized for the final time. 

The advantage of a two-stage air compressor is that it can produce more compressed air with less power than a single-stage compressor, making it more efficient. The intercooler also helps to reduce the temperature of the compressed air, which reduces the workload on the second stage compressor and prolongs its lifespan.

Two-stage compressors are often used in industrial applications, such as manufacturing plants, automotive repair shops, and construction sites, where high volumes of compressed air are required for power tools and other equipment.

Compressor Types Conclusion 

Understanding the technical specs and how each of the most common air compressor types works is essential when working with air tools. You will get the best results when your compressor is matched up with your air tools and projects demands. 

Compressor Types FAQs