Air Compressors for Construction Sites: What to Look For

If you work in the construction industry and you are looking for a new air compressor to use on your work site, picking a suitable model for your needs is essential. Keep the following guidelines in mind while you compare air compressor models so you can make an informed choice.

Check CFM Rating

When you look for an air compressor to power pneumatic tools on a construction site, the first thing you should check is the compressor's CFM rating. CFM stands for cubic feet per minute, and it is used to measure the rate at which an air compressor forces air into an attached tool or piece of equipment.

To get the most use from your new air compressor, you should choose a compressor that has a high enough CFM rating to power most or all of the tools you intend to use. It may be necessary to purchase a smaller compressor with a low CFM rating to power hand tools in restricted areas, and a separate, more powerful model for powering heavy equipment in more accessible locations.

Look at Mobility

To get the most use from your air compressor, it must be a portable model that can be relocated with relative ease. This is particularly important for multi-story construction projects, as carrying heavy air compressors to elevated locations can cause serious fatigue and reduce efficiency.

If you need a compressor to power small, handheld pneumatic tools, a portable, single-stage model may be sufficient for your needs. Single-stage air compressors are lighter and less mechanically complex than two-stage compressors, and they can be carried up stairwells and scaffolding towers with relative ease.

However, single-stage compressors have lower capacities than larger models and may not be powerful enough for more demanding pneumatic tools. If you can access upper stories via ramps or elevators, a two-stage compressor fitted to a wheeled mount will be much more powerful, while retaining enough mobility to be transported by one or two employees.

For ground-level work in areas that can be accessed by vehicles, a larger compressor mounted to a work truck or trailer is ideal. These compressors are large and powerful enough to run heavy pneumatic tools for extended periods and are perfect for powering cement mixers, concrete saws, and other pneumatic tools with high energy demands.

Be Mindful of Noise

Construction sites can be noisy places at the best of times, but if your site is located in a residential area, you may be required by law to keep noise levels to a minimum. Most air compressors create between 50 and 80 decibels of noise while functioning, so for suburban sites, you should look for a compressor with a noise rating at the lower end of this scale.

You should also avoid using oil-free air compressors, as these compressors produce significantly