FAQs
Air compressor hire and rental
What types of air compressors can I hire from GenAir?
GenAir offers a comprehensive range of industrial air compressors for hire, including electric, diesel, hybrid, oil-free and oil-flooded models, including large centrifugal compressors. Our fleet supports a wide range of applications, including construction, manufacturing, utilities and emergency compressed air supply.
How much does air compressor hire cost?
The cost of air compressor hire depends on several factors, including the type of compressor, its capacity, the length of hire and any additional equipment required.
When considering compressors, customers should focus on the ‘total cost of hire’, looking at the total cost of diesel or HVO for diesel compressors and the cost of electricity from the grid for electric compressors. See our electric vs diesel calculator to find out more.
At GenAir, we provide tailored quotations based on your specific requirements, helping you find a suitable and cost-effective compressed air solution.
Can I hire an air compressor for a short-term project?
Yes. GenAir provides temporary air compressor hire for planned projects, maintenance work, emergency breakdowns and periods of increased demand.
With GenAir, you can hire an air compressor from just a few hours to over a few years.
Our team can help you choose equipment suited to your application and expected hire duration.
Do you offer long-term air compressor rental?
Yes. GenAir provides long-term air compressor rental for businesses that need a reliable compressed air supply over an extended period.
Long-term hire can be a practical alternative to purchasing equipment, particularly where operational requirements may change.
Our customers often cite the flexibility of our rental as a key reason they choose to work with us!
What is the difference between air compressor hire and air compressor rental?
Air compressor hire and air compressor rental generally mean the same thing. Both refer to using compressed air equipment for an agreed period without purchasing it outright.
GenAir specialises in providing temporary compressed air solutions for businesses across the UK.
Why should I hire an air compressor instead of buying one?
Hiring an air compressor can help reduce upfront costs while giving your business access to equipment suited to its current requirements.
It also provides greater flexibility for temporary projects, unexpected breakdowns or changing production demands and preserves business CapEx and cash for core activities.
Can I hire an air compressor for an emergency breakdown?
Yes. GenAir offers 24/7 support for businesses experiencing compressed air emergencies.
If your existing compressor breaks down, our team can help identify a suitable temporary replacement and arrange delivery and installation, subject to equipment availability and site requirements.
Does GenAir hire air compressors to businesses or individuals?
GenAir rents air compressors and ancillaries to businesses and commercial customers rather than individuals.
GenAir specialises in industrial and commercial air compressor hire, supporting businesses across sectors including manufacturing, construction, utilities, food production and pharmaceuticals.
Our equipment is designed for professional applications requiring reliable compressed air.
Choosing the right air compressor
How do I know which air compressor I need?
The right air compressor depends on your required air pressure, airflow, operating environment and application.
Other factors include whether you have access to an electrical supply, the air quality required and how long the compressor will be operating.
GenAir’s team can help you identify the most suitable equipment for your project.
What size air compressor do I need?
Air compressor size is usually determined by two main requirements: airflow and pressure.
Airflow is commonly measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) or cubic metres per minute (m³/min), while pressure is measured in bar or pounds per square inch (psi).
Choosing a compressor that meets both requirements helps ensure reliable and efficient operation.
What is a high-pressure air compressor?
A high-pressure air compressor delivers compressed air at pressures above those used in many standard industrial applications.
High-pressure compressors are commonly used for specialist industrial processes, testing and other applications requiring greater air pressure.
GenAir can advise on suitable equipment based on your required pressure and airflow.
Can I hire a large industrial air compressor?
Yes. GenAir provides large industrial air compressors for applications requiring high volumes of compressed air.
Our extensive hire fleet includes equipment suitable for demanding industrial environments, major infrastructure projects and temporary production requirements.
What is a mobile air compressor?
A mobile air compressor is designed to be transported between locations, making it suitable for temporary work sites, construction projects and other applications where compressed air is required away from a fixed installation.
Mobile compressors are available in different configurations, including diesel-powered and towable models.
Do you offer towable air compressors for hire?
Yes, GenAir’s range includes mobile compressor solutions for applications where equipment needs to be moved between locations.
Our team can advise on the availability of suitable towable compressors and the best configuration for your site.
What happens if I choose the wrong size air compressor?
An undersized compressor may struggle to deliver sufficient airflow or pressure, potentially affecting equipment performance and productivity.
An oversized compressor may consume more energy than necessary, depending on its controls and operating conditions.
GenAir can help assess your requirements before recommending equipment.
Industrial air compressors and applications
What is an industrial air compressor?
An industrial air compressor uses energy to compress atmospheric air that can be used to power equipment, operate machinery and support industrial processes.
Industrial air compressors are commonly used in manufacturing, construction, food production, utilities and other sectors requiring a dependable compressed air supply.
What are industrial air compressors used for?
Industrial air compressors support a wide variety of applications, including powering pneumatic tools, operating production machinery, supplying process air and supporting maintenance activities.
They can also provide temporary compressed air during planned shutdowns or equipment breakdowns.
Which industries does GenAir supply air compressors to?
GenAir supplies temporary compressed air solutions to a wide range of sectors, including construction, manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, data centres, rail, utilities, aquaculture and renewable energy.
Our team works with customers to understand their operational requirements and recommend suitable equipment.
Can air compressors be used to power pneumatic tools?
Yes. Compressed air is commonly used to power pneumatic tools such as impact wrenches, drills, breakers and other industrial equipment.
The compressor must provide sufficient pressure and airflow for the tools being used, particularly when several tools operate simultaneously.
Our range of diesel compressors start at four tool and our range of electric at two tool.
Can GenAir provide temporary compressed air during factory maintenance?
Yes. Temporary air compressor hire can help maintain production during planned maintenance, compressor servicing or equipment replacement.
GenAir can provide a temporary compressed air solution to support operations while your existing equipment is unavailable.
Can air compressors be hired for construction sites?
Yes. GenAir supplies air compressors for construction, infrastructure and groundworks projects across the UK.
Our fleet includes equipment suitable for demanding site conditions, including diesel-powered and mobile compressors.
Can GenAir support applications that require continuous compressed air?
Yes. GenAir provides compressed air rental solutions for operations requiring continuous or extended running periods.
The appropriate equipment and support arrangements will depend on your required airflow, pressure, operating hours and the importance of maintaining an uninterrupted supply.
Oil-free and oil-flooded air compressors
What is an oil-free air compressor?
An oil-free air compressor produces compressed air without introducing lubricating oil into the compression chamber.
This makes oil-free compressors particularly suitable for applications where oil contamination could affect product quality, equipment performance or sensitive processes.
What is the difference between oil-free and oil-flooded air compressors?
The main difference is how oil is used during compression.
Oil-flooded compressors use oil within the compression process for lubrication, cooling and sealing. Oil-free compressors are designed to keep lubricating oil out of the compression chamber.
The right choice depends on your application, air quality requirements and operating conditions.
When should I hire an oil-free air compressor?
Oil-free air compressors are particularly useful in industries where air purity is critical, including food and beverage production, pharmaceuticals and precision manufacturing.
They may also be required for processes where even small amounts of oil contamination could cause problems.
Are oil-free air compressors suitable for industrial applications?
Yes. Oil-free air compressors are widely used in industrial environments, particularly where compressed air comes into contact with sensitive products or processes.
GenAir supplies oil-free compressed air solutions for temporary projects, maintenance work and ongoing industrial operations.
Our electric centrifugal compressors provide large volumes of class zero oil-free air for industrial applications that require consistent large volumes of air.
Are oil-free air compressors more expensive to hire?
Hire costs vary depending on the compressor’s size, specification and operating requirements.
Oil-free compressors may have different rental and operating costs compared with oil-flooded alternatives, so it’s worth assessing the overall cost alongside your air quality requirements.
Does an oil-free air compressor produce completely clean air?
Oil-free compressors are designed to prevent lubricating oil from entering the compression chamber, but additional filtration or drying may still be required.
The level of air treatment needed depends on your application and the air quality standards you need to meet.
Electric, diesel and hybrid compressors
What is the difference between an electric and diesel screw compressor?
Electric air compressors use an electrical supply, while diesel compressors use an engine to generate compressed air.
Electric models can be particularly useful where low noise and zero exhaust emissions at the point of use are priorities. Diesel compressors offer greater flexibility in locations without a suitable electrical supply.
What are the benefits of hiring an electric air compressor?
Electric air compressors offer several advantages, including no exhaust emissions at the point of use, potentially lower operating noise and reduced reliance on diesel fuel.
They can be a good choice for factories, indoor environments and projects with specific environmental requirements.
Our GenAir range of electric compressors consists of screw (both oil-free and oil-flooded) and centrifugal (oil-free).
When should I choose a diesel air compressor?
Diesel air compressors are well suited to remote locations, construction sites and temporary projects where a suitable electrical supply is unavailable.
They provide a flexible source of compressed air for demanding industrial and outdoor applications.
GenAir offers diesel screw compressors for hire, plus a wide range of oil-flooded and oil-free models.
What is a hybrid air compressor?
A hybrid air compressor combines different power sources or operating modes to provide greater flexibility and potentially reduce fuel consumption.
GenAir’s hybrid compressor solutions are designed to support customers who need reliable compressed air while managing their energy use and environmental impact.
Can I hire a diesel air compressor for use in a city centre?
Yes, although the equipment must meet any applicable site and local emissions requirements.
GenAir offers Stage V diesel compressors and alternative solutions, including electric and hybrid models, which may be more suitable for projects in urban environments.
Are diesel air compressors suitable for continuous operation?
Yes. Industrial diesel compressors can be suitable for extended operation, provided they are correctly specified, maintained and supplied with fuel.
GenAir can advise on equipment and support arrangements for projects requiring continuous compressed air.
Compressed air dryers and ancillary equipment
What is a compressed air dryer?
A compressed air dryer removes moisture from compressed air to help protect equipment, maintain air quality and reduce the risk of corrosion.
Compressed air dryers are commonly used in manufacturing, food production, pharmaceuticals and other applications where moisture could cause problems.
Why do I need a compressed air dryer?
When air is compressed and subsequently cooled, moisture can condense within the system.
Excess moisture can cause corrosion, damage equipment and affect product quality. A compressed air dryer helps remove this moisture before the air reaches its intended application.
What is a desiccant air dryer?
A desiccant air dryer uses a moisture-absorbing material to remove water vapour from compressed air.
These dryers can achieve very low pressure dew points, making them suitable for applications requiring particularly dry compressed air.
GenAir’s rental dryer range includes equipment capable of achieving pressure dew points as low as -70°C on request.
What is the difference between a desiccant dryer and a refrigerant dryer?
A refrigerant dryer cools compressed air to remove moisture through condensation, making it suitable for many general industrial applications.
A desiccant dryer uses an adsorbent material to remove water vapour and can achieve significantly lower pressure dew points.
The best option depends on the required air quality and operating conditions.
Can I hire a compressed air dryer separately from a compressor?
Yes, GenAir offers compressed air dryers as part of its ancillary equipment hire range, available for hire alongside an air compressor or on its own.
If you already have a compressor and need additional air treatment, contact our team to discuss a suitable dryer for your existing system.
What is a compressed air receiver?
A compressed air receiver is a storage vessel that holds compressed air within a system.
Air receivers help manage fluctuations in demand, stabilise pressure and support efficient compressor operation.
GenAir offers air receivers alongside its compressor and dryer hire equipment.
What ancillary equipment can I hire with an air compressor?
GenAir supplies a range of ancillary equipment, including compressed air dryers and receivers.
Depending on your application, additional air treatment and system components may be needed to deliver the required pressure, airflow and air quality.
Compressor delivery, installation and support
Does GenAir deliver hired air compressors to site?
Yes. GenAir provides air compressor delivery to industrial and commercial sites across the UK.
Our team coordinates transport and installation requirements to help ensure equipment arrives ready for installation and commissioning.
Will GenAir install and commission my hired compressor?
Yes. GenAir’s drivers are also trained compressor engineers, allowing them to support equipment delivery, installation and commissioning.
This helps simplify the hire process and gives customers access to technical expertise when their equipment arrives.
What happens if my hired air compressor breaks down?
If you experience a problem with hired equipment, GenAir provides 24/7 support.
Our team can assess the issue and arrange appropriate technical assistance to help minimise disruption to your operations.
Does GenAir provide 24/7 compressor support?
Yes. GenAir offers round-the-clock support for customers requiring compressed air equipment and technical assistance.
For urgent enquiries, contact our team on 0121 505 2134.
How quickly can GenAir deliver an air compressor?
Delivery times depend on your location, equipment requirements and current fleet availability.
With depots strategically located across the UK, GenAir is positioned to respond to both planned projects and urgent compressed air requirements.
Can GenAir help me work out the right equipment for my site?
Yes. Our experienced team can help assess your compressed air requirements, including airflow, pressure, power supply, operating environment and air quality.
We’ll then recommend suitable equipment from our hire fleet.
Locations and nationwide compressor hire
Where is GenAir based?
GenAir’s head office and main depot are based in Wednesbury in the West Midlands.
We also operate UK depots in Uxbridge, serving London and the South East, and Broxburn in Scotland.
These locations help us provide compressor hire and support to customers throughout the UK.
Does GenAir offer air compressor hire near me?
GenAir provides nationwide air compressor hire, supporting businesses across England, Scotland and Wales.
With strategically located depots and an extensive rental fleet, we can help businesses access suitable compressed air equipment for projects across the UK.
Can I hire an air compressor in London?
Yes. GenAir supplies air compressor hire throughout London and the surrounding areas.
Our Uxbridge depot supports customers across Greater London, the Home Counties and the Southeast, including projects with challenging access or environmental requirements.
Does GenAir provide air compressor hire in Cambridge?
Yes. GenAir supports industrial and commercial customers in Cambridge and the surrounding areas.
Our nationwide compressor rental service can provide equipment for manufacturing, construction, maintenance and other applications, subject to availability.
Can I hire an air compressor in Norfolk?
Yes. GenAir provides air compressor rental services to businesses in Norfolk and across East Anglia.
We can help with planned projects, temporary compressed air requirements and emergency equipment hire.
Does GenAir supply air compressors in Glasgow?
Yes. GenAir provides compressor hire across Scotland, including Glasgow and the surrounding areas.
Our Broxburn depot in West Lothian supports projects throughout Scotland, providing access to our industrial compressor hire fleet.
Does GenAir offer compressor rental outside the UK?
Yes. GenAir’s European operations include RTC, a wholly owned subsidiary based in the Netherlands.
RTC specialises in large-scale oil-free compressed air rental solutions, supporting temporary, planned and emergency projects across Europe.
Sustainability and environmental performance
What is the most environmentally friendly air compressor?
The most suitable option depends on the application, available power supply and operating requirements.
Electric compressors produce no exhaust emissions at the point of use, while hybrid systems and HVO-compatible diesel compressors can offer environmental benefits in applications where fully electric equipment is impractical.
GenAir can help you compare the options for your project.
What is HVO fuel?
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a renewable alternative to conventional diesel, produced from suitable waste oils, fats and other feedstocks.
HVO can be used in approved diesel engines and can significantly reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared with fossil diesel, depending on its source and production process.
Does GenAir use HVO fuel in its compressors?
Yes. GenAir transitioned to HVO as its standard fuel option for diesel compressor hire in May 2026.
Customers can arrange for equipment to arrive pre-filled with HVO or choose to manage their own fuel supply, subject to the hire arrangements.
Can HVO fuel reduce the carbon footprint of compressor hire?
Yes. HVO can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional diesel, particularly when produced from eligible waste and residue feedstocks.
The actual reduction depends on the fuel’s origin, production process and how emissions are calculated.
What are Stage V air compressors?
Stage V refers to European emissions standards for certain non-road mobile machinery engines, including engines used in applicable diesel-powered compressors.
Stage V equipment is designed to meet strict limits on pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
GenAir offers Stage V compressors for projects with demanding environmental and operational requirements.
What is a variable speed drive (VSD) air compressor?
A variable speed drive compressor adjusts its motor speed to match compressed air demand.
Where demand varies, this can reduce unnecessary energy consumption compared with a fixed-speed compressor operating under less efficient conditions.
Can electric air compressors help reduce site emissions?
Yes. Electric air compressors produce no exhaust emissions at the point of use, making them particularly useful for indoor environments and projects with local air quality requirements.
Their overall carbon footprint depends on the electricity used to power them.
How does GenAir support customers’ sustainability goals?
GenAir offers several options to help customers manage the environmental impact of compressed air hire, including electric compressors, hybrid technology, Stage V diesel equipment and HVO fuel.
Our team can help assess which solution best suits your operational and environmental priorities.
About GenAir, our people and accreditations
Who is GenAir?
GenAir is a UK specialist in industrial air compressor hire, providing temporary compressed air solutions for businesses across a wide range of industries.
With a fleet of more than 1,000 compressors, plus ancillary equipment, GenAir supports customers with planned projects, emergency requirements and long-term rental solutions.
What makes GenAir different from other air compressor hire companies?
GenAir combines an extensive specialist hire fleet with experienced engineers, trained drivers and 24/7 support.
Our drivers are also trained compressor engineers, helping customers with installation and commissioning as part of the delivery process.
Does GenAir sell air compressors?
GenAir specialises in compressor hire and rental rather than equipment sales.
This allows us to focus on providing flexible temporary compressed air solutions, backed by technical expertise and ongoing support.
What accreditations does GenAir hold?
GenAir holds ISO 9001 certification for quality management and ISO 14001 certification for environmental management.
The company is also preparing for ISO 45001 certification, which covers occupational health and safety management.
Does GenAir have its own engineers?
Yes. GenAir has experienced engineers who support equipment preparation, installation, commissioning and technical assistance.
Our drivers are also trained compressor engineers, giving customers access to practical technical support when equipment is delivered.
How do I contact GenAir about air compressor hire?
You can contact GenAir’s hire team by calling 0121 505 2134 or emailing hiredesk@genair.co.uk.
Our team can discuss your compressed air requirements and help you arrange a suitable rental solution.