• Air Compressors Web
• Industrial Air Compressors: Not For the DIYer
• Quincy Air Compressors: A Company Overview
• Champion Air Compressors: A Reputation for Quality and Excellence
• Discount Air Compressors: A Real Bargain?
• Tow Behind Air Compressors: Ideal for Those on the Go
• Husky Air Compressors
• Puma Air Compressors: The New Kids on the Block
• Atlas Copco: A Leader In The Production Of Air Compressors
• Quality Matters: How to Decide between the Variety of Air Compressors Available
• Engine Driven Air Compressors: Selecting a Model That Suits Your Needs and Your Budget
• 12 Volt Air Compressors
• The Market for Portable Air Compressors
• Porter Cable Air Compressors: A Reputation for Quality and Innovation
• Kaiser Air Compressors: Putting Their Clients' Needs First
• Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressors are "Built to Last"
• Gas Powered Air Compressors are Worth a Look
• Ingersoll Rand: A Respected Name in Air Compressors
• Sanborn Air Compressors: For the DIYer and Large Industry
• Used Air Compressors: A Wise Purchase?

Used Air Compressors: A Wise Purchase?

The decision to purchase an air compressor is not an easy one to make. Whether you are looking for an aid to your home improvement or are wanting to start an auto body shop, buying an air compressor usually entails a major investment. How much you end up spending usually depends on the quality and strength of the air compressor you purchase and whether you buy one new or used. Used air compressors are certainly cheaper, but are they worth the financial risk?

First of all, the market for used air compressors is relatively small, particularly for business owners looking to buy compressors that cost tens of thousands of dollars. Since air compressor technology isn't changing rapidly unlike other forms of technology, most business owners invest in a good air compressor and keep it for 15 to 20 years. If price is a problem, then a business owner may lease a compressor rather than directly buy one used. Used compressors don't carry the warranties and maintenance contracts that new compressors have, which can be unmanageable for business owners who are not only making a significant monetary investment but also need the compressor to function at all times.

Smaller air compressors, ranging from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars, are often used in home improvement. Purchasing smaller compressors used can be cost efficient if buyers keep certain guidelines in mind. First, what sort of pressure and air flow will you need from your compressor? Make sure that your used compressor is capable of meeting your needs. Also, plan ahead. How will you use your air compressor a decade from now? Will it still be capable of meeting your needs? Compressors last a long time, but they don't last forever. If your compressor is already ten years old, the investment you make now may not last you as long as you would like--only about five years the cheaper, reciprocating compressors. Most importantly, is the used compressor you are buying as energy efficient as a more expensive new air compressor of equal quality? The electricity required to run your air compressor is what really costs you money in the long-term. Some statistics say as much as 70 to 90 percent of the cost of owning an air compressor is the cost of running it. Before you buy a used machine, or a new machine for that matter, try and find data on its energy consumption, which is provided by the Compressed Air and Gas Institute (CAGI). In the end, all used air compressors are not equal, and doing your research while assessing your own personal needs can help you decided whether a used compressor is a wise purchase for you to make.