If you're looking to buy an air compressor, it helps to understand what to look for in a dealer. The best air compressors dealers will provide accurate information, top-quality service, and a positive overall experience.

To compare different brands of air compressors, you'll have to talk to multiple dealers, since most dealers specialize in one brand. Each manufacturer has different strengths and features, so it’s important to investigate air compressor companies as well as dealers.

Before you start talking to individual dealers, though, you have some homework to do. You'll need to decide what type of compressor you want – a less expensive reciprocating compressor or a continuous-duty rotary compressor.

You'll also need to determine the pressure (in PSI) and airflow (in CFM) your application requires. The best air compressor dealers will work with you to make sure you get these specs right – they know that selling you an underpowered compressor is a sure route to extra maintenance and a sour relationship, and an overpowered compressor is just a waste of your money.

Make sure the dealers you speak with are forthcoming about the considerable energy costs of operating an air compressor. The best way to compare these energy costs is to evaluate the CAGI data sheets for each compressor you're considering.

Additional characteristics of the best air compressor dealers

• Ongoing focus on air compressors – not just a sideline to a large equipment business
• Willing to give a list of references you can check
• Dependable, experienced repair technicians on staff
• Up front about delivery and installation costs
• Provides the information you need, but doesn't overwhelm you with detailed specs

Ultimately, the best industrial air compressor dealers are those that treat your business like a partner, working with you to calculate what size compressor your company needs and finding the appropriate match. And the first step in locating the best industrial air compressor company is using BuyerZone's free air compressor quote request service to get connected to qualified suppliers in your area.