Most people think installing an air compressor at the home garage is as simple as connecting the device to hoses. That is further from the truth since it takes a significant level of plumbing work to complete. Furthermore, picking the most suitable machine ensures that you will have a smooth operation whenever you put it into use. Read along for detailed tips and advice on the best steps to follow in the installation process.
Choose a Suitable Air Compressor
The first step will be to identify the best device for the home garage. The kinds of tasks you intend to use the compressor for are the main determining factors here. Besides, there are compressors of different capacities and models in the market, and you will have to choose one.
What are the key attributes to consider?
The volume of air: The measurement unit for this volume is Cubic Feet per Minute (cfm). Every air tool has a rating that indicates the amount of air it can push in 60 seconds. In this case, the best compressor would have a higher cfm rating than all the collaborating tools.
The pressure capacity: Each compressor has its capacity pressure at which it pushes air out. Similarly, all air tools have their pressure capacities at 90 pounds per square inch (psi). Therefore, you should ensure that the compressor has a capacity of 90 psi.
Besides cfm and psi, you may want to consider the horsepower even though this may not be as accurate as of the first two.
Tank volume: A compressor with a larger tank is friendlier to your ears during operation. It is also gentle to the motor because it does not have to work vigorously.
Amount of time a compressor can work before it stalls for the cooling process: You may not avoid using high power tools like grinders. As such, it is apparent that you will need a compressor with a high duty cycle. The safest compressor you can install is the one with a 50% cycle.
However, there is a small challenge.
The challenge is how much you should invest of such a compressor. However, what is in the price? It is important to note that the noisiest compressors are the most “affordable.” A good compressor should have the right temperature and big tank size. The motor should also be sizable to improve efficiency and minimize noise.
Identify the Installation Space and Lay Down the Plumbing Framework
It will be crucial to create a fitting space in the garage where the air compressor will stand. It is a seemingly obvious step to take, but it is essential. The installation process involves several tools, which also need ample working space.
After that, follow the following steps:
Start with a kit containing an air compressor hose. You can get a suitable half-inch OD hose of not less than fifty feet length here.
Use the owner’s manual to establish the length of hose for every attachment.
Cut a small length of the hose and connect it to the compressor.
Connect the hose with a dryer or filter that will trap any humidity or oily particles. The ideal dryer should have a regulator that can enable you to control the pressure.
Install the drain valve at every drop leg. This way, any excess moisture that escapes the dryer does not pass through to the tools during operation.
The next step is to make proper connections to direct the air where you want it to go. The trick here is to ensure that the hose you choose for the job is to very rigid and does not succumb to abrasion easily.
Make sure you place the isolator pads correctly beneath the air compressor. Improper positioning of the pads will make the machine unstable and noisier.
Connect the air compressor to the nearest power outlet in the garage.
The process is straightforward and should not take you so long to install. Proper installation procedure paves the way for convenience in future usage of the air compressor. It would not give you much trouble whenever you want to check your compressor for any faults.
Conclusion
Installing an air compressor in your home garage should not be a stressful exercise if you follow the right procedure. All you need is to make the right choice when buying the compressor to get value for your money. While your first instinct may be the need to go for a less costly compressor, do not compromise quality. Always remember that sometimes cheap can be expensive, and avoid using a noisy and device when you thought you had an affordable one.