A Reciprocating Compressor is composed of one or two pistons that are housed in cylinders and are connected by a rod cap and crank shaft. It is currently available in the market as one-stage and two-stage products. You could expect to shell out approximately $700-$3,000 plus for this – a lot cheaper compared to other types. The only problem is that this has a reputation of being high maintenance.

If you look at a Rotary Screw Compressor, its design is definitely simpler and less complicated than other air compressors. Valve devices are not involved here. It contains only two spiral screws that are placed and constantly shift near each other to increase and decrease the volume of air. It uses oil in its design for lubrication, cooling process, and to reduce seepage.

Some of the Rotary Screw Compressors in the market are quite expensive and can costs around $4,000-$12,000 per piece. Despite its unfussy mechanism, these are known to have shorter lifespan and are not appropriate for polluted surroundings.

A Centrifugal Compressor is a type of Dynamic Air Compressor. That means that it depends on the high velocity produced by its propellers to increase air pressure and diffuser device for slowing down the air. This is considered as an oilless air compressor, so you don’t have to deal with any oil residue problems.  But the downsides are that this is really expensive and contains complicated monitoring and control systems.

There’s no 100% guarantee that the equipment you will buy is going to give you nothing but trouble-free operation all throughout its lifespan. But you can sleep more soundly at night if you buy it from reputable manufacturers, such as Emglo Air compressors, Campbell Hausefeld, Rol-Air, Devilbiss air compressor and DeWalt just to name a few. Also, remember to observe proper maintenance and repair of your air compressors in order to maximize their efficiency and to prolong their lifespan.