An electric air compressor is a powerful machine that uses electricity to pressurize air molecules to serve a number of applications.
Many people don’t realize that electric air compressors make our lives a lot easier. For example, external Air Conditioning (AC) units are basically air compressors. The same applies to wrenches.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything there is to know about electric air compressors.
What is an electric air compressor?
An electric air compressor is a pneumatic machine that pressurizes air and releases it at high pressure. You can use electric air compressors in a variety of settings, including indoors and outdoors.
What makes electric air compressors an attractive option for everyday use is the simple fact that it doesn’t release any byproducts. If you live in a cold region, this is ideal since you can use an electric air compressor inside your home or workplace.
Contrast this with gas air compressors which produce exhaust fumes, making them incompatible with indoor use.
Learn more about how gas-powered air compressors work by clicking here.
Operating an electric air compressor requires basic outlet electricity (110-120 volts). However, this can have a few downsides. Because wall outlet electricity offers limited power, this type of electric compressor can only use up to 2 horsepower (HP). Therefore, if you need a more robust electric air compressor, you might want to consider other options.
For example, electric compressor motors that produce more than 3 HP will need a direct connection to an electrical panel. This is because they use up to 240 volts.
A few examples of tasks that require a powerful electric air compressor include:
- Pressure washing
- Woodworking (e.g., sanding)
- Airbrushing to paint-spray large surfaces
- Cleaning tight crevices in the backyard
- Painting vehicles
- Pneumatic drills
- Medical and dental clinics
The major inconvenience that comes with these powerful compressors is their limited mobility. The electrical connection will force you to stay wired to the electrical panel.
How does an electric air compressor work?
An electric air compressor uses electricity to power the internal piston or pump. Next, these parts will condense air molecules within a smaller space, increasing the air’s density. All the pressurized air will be stored in a tank. The capacity of this tank determines how long you can use the compressor nonstop. When the tank is full, the compressor stops working. This is the duty cycle.
Once you start using the air end, the electric air compressor transfers the pressurized air into a tool. In a nutshell, this is how an electric air compressor works.
From a physics perspective, electric air compressors pressurize atmospheric air to benefit from its potential energy. When you turn on the compressor, that potential energy will be transformed into kinetic energy. Finally, you can use several pneumatic tools to benefit from this energy.
The key difference between electric and gas-powered air compressors is the source of energy to mediate this process. The latter harnesses the energy of the combustion energy to generate power. On the other hand, an electric air compressor motor utilizes electricity directly from your home or workshop.
Modern electric air compressors are compact, lightweight, and long-lasting. They also require less maintenance compared to traditional pumps.
Gas-powered air compressors with electric start
A gas air compressor with an electric start describes air pumps that use petrol to function with an electric ON button.
You first need to plug these compressors into an outlet and then press the ON button. Once the compressor is turned on, you can unplug it. However, if the gas compressor has a built-in battery or a recoil backup, you won’t even need a source of power.
The most impressive gas-powered air compressor with electric start and recoil backup is the NorthStar portable air compressor. This marvelous machine has a 3 amp battery, allowing you to use an electric start. If that fails, you can always pull the string (i.e., recoil start).
The 30-gallon air compressor can generate 24.4 CFM at 90 PSI thanks to the superior performance of the Honda gas engine.
You can use this air compressor for:
- Airbrushing
- Drilling
- Painting
- Nailing
Unfortunately, these features do not come cheap. The price for this compressor is $2,999, making it a viable choice for professional usage.
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How efficient is an electric air compressor?
Gas-powered air compressors fit many needs. However, electric air compressors may be superior in numerous aspects.
Here are some advantages of buying an electric air compressor:
- Saving money on power consumption
- Low-cost maintenance
- Higher productivity (more reliable)
- No exhaust fumes or diesel fuel leakages
- Absence of bad odors near the compressor
- No carbon emissions during operation
- Higher-quality compressed air
- Superior safety standards compared to gas-powered air compressors
- Superior warranties
- Less noisy
The first point is the most important benefit of having an electric air compressor, especially if you use this machinery frequently. According to a case study, a large company was able to save more than $20,000 on their annual electricity bills by opting for electric rather than diesel air compressors.
Do air compressors use a lot of electricity?
Many users consider the air compressor output to be inefficient. Anecdotal evidence suggests that only 10% of the power generated by an air compressor is usable. One study found that electric air compressors that produce 2 HP require 16 HP of electricity.
These figures may be scary. However, you can significantly control electricity consumption by assessing the efficiency of your electric motor.
Our research concluded that three factors play the biggest role in determining whether air compressors use a lot of electricity:
- The duration of operation – How long the air compressor is operating?
- Type of use – What tasks do you use the air compressor for?
- The location of the pump – Where’s the physical location of the air compressor?
Alright. Enough with the estimations! The following sections will detail how you can exactly calculate the energy consumption of your electric air compressor.
Determine power consumption
Look for the power consumption on the motor or the manual. You can also find this information in the plate of the air compressor. You may find the power draw in different units (e.g., amps, watts, HP).
The chart below demonstrates how you can convert different units to kilowatts (kW):
For the first conversion, it’s straightforward. Just divide the number you find by 1000. This will give you the consumption rate in kilowatts (kW).
If your air compressor lists power in amps, you first need to multiply that figure by the voltage. In the United States, most outlets run on 120 volts (V). The result is the consumption in watts. Divide by 1000 to get the desired figure.
Finally, some air compressors only list the power in the horsepower unit. This is the trickiest one to calculate.
As you can see from the equation above, there are two unknowns (efficiency and power factor). Calculating the efficiency is too complicated. Therefore, we recommend that you look for it in the manual or online. The power factor is around 0.8 to 0.9, depending on the operational conditions.
Use a timer
This is helpful for measuring how long the air compressor has been functioning. The number you get may not be very accurate. The motor of most modern air compressors works in an intermittent fashion to pressurize the tank. For example, using your air compressor continuously for 2 hours might indicate that the motor has been running for 90 minutes.
With all of that said, this will be a good approximation to calculate how much electricity your air compressor uses.
Multiply power consumption by the duration
To get the figure in kilowatt-hours (kWh), you simply need to multiply the figure you calculated in kW by the number of hours the air compressor has been running.
For example, operating an electric air compressor that uses 0.5 kW for 2 hours means it uses 1 kWh.
Figure out the power cost
Almost all utility companies base their charge on kWh.
This number varies greatly from one country to another and within the country itself. For example, the average cost per kWh of electricity in the United Kingdom is about $0.43. In the United States, the price is halved, ranging at about $0.23 per kWh. However, the number fluctuates significantly from one state to another. Texans, for example, only pay $0.14 per kWh, whereas Californians pay $0.29 per kWh.
If we go back to our example, the 0.5 kW air compressor would cost $0.14 in Texas, $0.29 in California, and $0.43 in the UK for two hours of operation.
We understand that all these numbers might confuse you. For this reason, we developed our own air compressor energy consumption calculator. Just enter a few basic details, and the calculator will estimate the cost.
Best electric air compressors for sale
1. Craftsman 1.5-gallon portable air compressor
The Craftsman brand is famous for its high-quality electric air compressors. Our first pick is the 1.5-gal tank supported with an electric air compressor motor that’s able to generate up to 0.75 HP. It can also reach a pressure level of 135 PSI, with 1.5 CFM at 90 PSI.
The pump is oil-free, limiting the frequency and cost of maintenance. That’s reinforced with a heavy-duty steel housing structure.
Surprisingly, this machine weighs only 24.1 pounds, making it easy to move and store. You can use this compressor in your home, garage, or workshop.
It is ideal for the following tasks:
- Tire inflation
- Painting
- Airbrushing
- Bolting
- Fastening
If you intend to use the electric air compressor for a long duration, we recommend that you get a machine with a larger tank size. The larger volume allows the compressor to continually refill with pressurized air during operation.
| Pros | Cons |
| Robust and efficient | Smaller tank |
| Lightweight | Very noisy (87 dB) |
| Various applications | Relatively less power |
| Low-cost maintenance |
2. NorthStar 20-gallon electric air compressor
This portable electric air compressor comes with a 20-gallon tank. The pump is able to generate 2 HP, delivering 5 CFM at 90 PSI and 6 CFM at 40 PSI.
The manufacturers took into consideration the produced heat, supplying the machine with copper inter- and after-coolers. This makes heat dissipation significantly more efficient.
There are also ball bearings on both sides of the crankshaft, which may increase the durability of the product. You can also control the pressurized air via the built-in regulator.
If you live in a cold region, this product is ideal for you. The easy-start valve places less strain on the electric air compressor motor during cold starts.
The NorthStar brand emphasizes the importance of safety. This is why they added a metal belt guard.
| Pros | Cons |
| Very large tank | Noisy (80 dB) |
| High power output | Relatively heavy |
| Low-maintenance cost | A bit pricy |
| Effective heat dissipation |
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3. Craftsman 6-gallon portable air compressor
This is another portable electric air compressor that’s US-made. The tank size of this compressor is 6 gallons. The compressor uses an oil-free pump, potentially lasting for decades.
This pancake-shaped electric air compressor produces 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI, giving it a quick recovery time. The maximal pressure is 150 PSI, which is fantastic for a variety of applications, including:
- Drilling
- Airbrushing
- Nailing
- Spraying
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality production | Noisy (78 dB) |
| Low-maintenance cost | Less power (0.2 HP) |
| Various applications | Requires accessories to fully exploit |
| Elevated pressure output (2.6 CFM at 90 PSI) | Not appropriate for professional applications |
4. DEWALT 6-gallon portable air compressor
If you’re not into the Craftsman brand, here is another 6-gallon, pancake-shaped electric air compressor.
The DEWALT electric air compressor can generate 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI, enabling a long runtime with a quick recovery. This portable compressor has a high-flow regulator and couplers that maximize performance. You also won’t need to worry about maintenance since the pump is oil-free.
Finally, DEWALT offers a cord wrap for easy storage and convenience, especially on the job site.
| Pros | Cons |
| Less noisy (75 dB) | May not be appropriate for all uses |
| Low maintenance | Tank size may not be enough for continuous use |
| Portable and easy to store | May overheat |
| Lightweight |
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Electric Air Compressors – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do electric air compressors give off carbon monoxide?
Electric air compressors don’t need petrol or diesel to operate. Therefore, they don’t release carbon monoxide into the atmosphere.
Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of the combustion chemical reaction that takes place within the gas engine of the compressor.
If you are super conscious about the environment, however, you may consider opting for a clean source of energy (e.g., solar panels, wind power). This way, your use of electric air compressors will have almost zero carbon emissions.
Do electric air compressors need oil?
Similar to gas-powered pumps, some brands of electric air compressors use oil, whereas others do not.
Electric air compressors that need oil contain components that come in contact with one another. Therefore, oil becomes critical to prevent friction of the moving parts. Heating the oil from its viscous state requires more energy and may delay operation.
If you buy an oil-flooded electric air compressor, ensure that you are checking oil levels regularly.
You will find all the necessary information in the manual of your electric air compressor motor. This will include:
- Where to locate the oil sight glass
- What type of oil does your compressor need
- How much oil should you add to the sump
You can also get an oil-free electric air compressor. Manufacturers design these machines to prevent contact between different components. They are also more efficient in power consumption.
Many air compressor users believe this is a better option since it doesn’t require regular maintenance.
Can you use an electric air compressor indoors?
Yes, you can use an electric air compressor indoors. This is because electric air compressors do not rely on petrol to generate energy. Therefore, they do not produce any exhaust fumes or carbon monoxide.
Gas-powered air compressors, on the other hand, should not be used indoors. The reason is simple – inhaling the fumes released from the combustion chemical reaction can lead to dire health complications.
Researchers warn that exposure to fume exhausts can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Unfortunately, this condition can cause death within a few hours.
Takeaway message
Electric air compressors are excellent machines that don’t produce exhaust fumes and no carbon emissions. Choosing between a heavy-duty pump or a portable compressor mainly depends on your personal needs.
Hopefully, this blog post will serve as a guideline for people interested in buying an electric air compressor.
If you still have questions about electric air compressors, feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
