If you are at all interested in home repairs, building, auto repairs or something similar, you probably own an air compressor or two that sit in the garage or the shed. The rest of your family might not know what an air compressor is, how to use it or what it is used for, but you know it holds value. There is still probably a thing or two you could learn about air compressors, air compressor pipes, air compressor tubing and other related tools like clamps.

Keep reading to find out all about air compressors and other items that come along with an air compressor like air compressor tubing and compressed air piping materials.

There are quite a few useful statistics, tidbits and facts to learn about air compressors so that you know you are making the best use of yours at all times. For instance, the amount of energy an air compressor uses is important to someone operating an air compressor for personal use or at a manufacturer or an industrial facility.

Since compressed air systems exist at around 70 percent of all manufacturers, these statistics can serve a purpose or two. Having a small or medium sized facility may be more beneficial to most manufacturers. That is because they generally have low-cost energy opportunities. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy?s energy audits, around 50 percent of small or medium facilities have a compressed air system that saves money and energy. Not only can you benefit the environment, but also you can save on monthly and annual energy costs.

Additionally, the temperature of the air determines how much energy is used, and therefore determines the cost of the air compressor. For example, if it intakes cooler air, the air compressor likely requires less energy. Since colder air is more dense, it does not need as much energy. A temperature drop of 20 degree Fahrenheit can decrease costs by 3.8 percent.

This helps explain why so much energy is used to convert to heat. Statistics show that 80 to 90 percent of an air compressor?s electrical energy goes toward heat conversion.

You should be careful to watch pressure loss when operating your air compressor or when assessing some of the parts of the air compressor like the air compressor tubing. Your pressure loss should not be greater than 10 percent. If it is, this could indicate an issue with the distribution system in your air compressor. Excessive pressure loss should not be a regular issue you struggle with when using an air compressor.

Another thing to look out for is leaks that may occur in your compressed air system. Both dealing with and fixing a leak can be a costly expense. If you do not get it fixed right away, a one-eighth inch hole could cost around $1,200 per year when you account for the wasted energy. Do not wait for this to happen. Instead, make sure you are getting regular maintenance work done on your appliances and tools.

The last thing you can do is make sure you have all the additional items and tools necessary to properly run your air compressor. For instance, you can add an air receiver tank. In doing this, it could help with short-term demand changes, and it can also help reduce the number of times your air compressor cycles on and off.

Have you ever used an air compressor or had to have maintenance on your air compress tubing? Let us know in the comments your experience using an air compressor at home or at work.