When it’s time to replace an old compressor it’s not unusual for a company to replace it with another one just like it, with the same horsepower and pressure. But before jumping to conclusions, companies should take this opportunity to reevaluate their compressed air needs.

If you have the responsibility of choosing your company’s next compressor, help is at hand. The Compressed Air and Gas Institute (CAGI) has released its latest video, “How to Select an Air Compressor”. This video, sponsored in part by the U. S. Department of Energy, provides some excellent advice from industry experts and users.

While price is an important consideration, purchasing a compressor on price alone could cost you plenty. The number one expense in owning a compressor is the power cost involved in running one. This video discusses the total cost of a compressor and what you need to consider before making your choice.

The video’s focus goes beyond the compressor and encourages buyers to look at their complete air system. A thorough study of your air system may even show that what you need is not another compressor but a more efficient system. But if more air is needed, it’s important to know the answers to some key questions. These questions include:

• How much air do you need throughout the day....does the demand ever fluctuate?
• What kind of air quality is required?
• Should you buy one large compressor, or two or three smaller compressors?
• What are your future needs?
• Is noise or floor space an issue?
• How critical is having a backup compressor?

This video will serve as a valuable primer on how to select an air compressor and provides you with valuable information that you can use when talking to your local compressor distributor.

Compressed Air and Gas Institute (CAGI).

For more information regarding this publication or a listing of other materials offered by the Compressed Air & Gas Institute, contact John Addington at the CAGI office, 1300 Sumner Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115; e-mail: cagi@cagi.org; fax: 216/241-0105.