For use on remote job sites, gas air compressors provide all the advantages of air-powered tools in a portable package. However you still need to consider your application and make some careful decisions before purchasing a compressor.

Gas air compressors generate considerable amounts of heat: in addition to the heat of the gasoline motor, the physics of compression are such that increasing pressure on the air while reducing its volume also increases temperature. Gas air compressors can also be very noisy – more than 100 decibels, in some cases. These two factors may lead you to position your compressor away from your primary workspace.

Because of the temperature changes involved its creation, compressed air can suffer from condensation that introduces moisture into the air delivery. Some sensitive equipment can’t tolerate this moisture – any water at all is likely to cause problems and may void your warranties. To combat this, gas air compressors can be equipped with driers that remove all traces of moisture.

Air from a compressor is also usually warmer than environmental air. If that’s not appropriate for your task, you can get coolers to lower the air temperature.

Compressed air can also accumulate small particles of oil, dust, and other debris. Relatively inexpensive filters can remove these particles and protect your equipment.

Almost any gas air compressor can be fitted with any or all of these add-ons to give you the air quality you need. The decision to buy driers, coolers, or filters should be driven mostly by the tools and equipment that your gas air compressor will be powering.