How To Increase CFM Of Blower? (5 Best Methods)

Increasing the CFM is the most common thing for those who work with compressors or own one. And some air tools can require high CFM rates, which can be unavailable in your machine. So, have you ever considered knowing how to increase the CFM of the blower? For this, all you need to do is boost the output level in order to accomplish the CFM requirement of air tools.

And learning the whole process is not that tough. You can simply get to know that by following this guide. Here I will walk through certain systems to improve the CFM. Let’s jump into the section below and adjust the CFM rate that matches your air tools accurately.

What Does CFM Mean In Air Compressors?

The term CFM is a short form for Cubic Feet Per Minute. And for an air compressor, this is a very significant thing. In detail, CFM indicates the flow rate of the air compressor’s released air. The air is calculated as a number, and the speed is measured as minutes. For example, if you have an air compressor 8 CFM rating, the device can deliver 8 cubic feet in one minute. However, it is possible to measure in two ways: depending on the air tank size and injector operating speed.

How To Enhance CFM on Air Compressor

Normally, every air compressor comes with a certain CFM level. As they can operate many air tools and machineries such as nail guns, paintings, and buildings and helps to complete the project quickly. However, heavy-duty jobs require a high CFM rating machine. 

But sometimes, a lower CFM machine can’t meet the particular demands when upgrading the CFM. In this section, I will describe five efficient ways of increasing the CFM level. Read thoroughly–

Method 1: Reducing The Pressure To Improve CFM

Each air compressor has its particular CFM and power for delivering. The power can be calculated by multiplying the CFM with the pressure. It is not possible to quickly increase the power of the air compressor. Therefore, if you reduce the pressure, the CFM will increase, but the power will remain unchanged. craftsman tools

Despite people using compressors extensively, they often do not know that the outlet CFM is dependent on pressure. By reducing the pressure in the tank, the CFM can increase as they are inversely proportional. To drop it, you need to adjust the regulator.

For instance, if you have a compressed air unit with 10 CFM and 90 PSI, the air compressor level will be 10 CFM when the pressure arrives at 90 PSI. When the pressure is reduced, the CFM rating will increase to maintain the unit’s power.

Advantages

• It can be used for air devices with long term 
• Perfect for air tools use on a regular basis
• The process does not costly

Drawbacks

• The air-powered machine needs to have pressure much lower than 90 PSI

Method 2: Connecting Two Compressors With The Similar CFM Rating

The second way to increase the CFM rates is by attaching the different air compressors. And this new compressor needs to same all the features, including CFM, power, and pressure. But you must learn that it will not raise your compressor’s CFM. Instead, it will boost the CFM rate of your air machines. 

Besides, you have to change and affix some settings to connect two air compressors. You will need a hose with accurate length. Then, join these things together to follow the fittings. After that, attach the air tools that you want to work with. 

And it will raise your compressor’s current CFM, like if your CFM rate is 5. Also, you connect another machine which is also 5 CFM; together, they will be 10. Also, you will be able to see the present CFM level by the regulator. 

Advantages 

• Suitable for use daily basis
• Save you from extra cost

Drawbacks

• Require physical effort
• Need to set the fitting perfectly
• Have to keep an eye on two compressor-duty cycle

Method 3: Attaching Two Air Compressors With Variable CFMs

The method of connecting two air units is similar to the previous one. But it requires purchasing a different compressor with different modifications and brands. Connecting them will also require more effort compared to the previous method. 

Hence, tee fittings can be used to connect the outlets of these two air units. Once the tee fittings are in place, the hose can be connected to the outlets. And then attach it to the intended air-powered tool in order to use it.

Advantages

• Surely can obtain a larger CFM rate
• Useful for an intermittent air tool

Drawbacks

• Costly process
• Tough to connect the two machines

Method 4: A Second Air Receiver Tank

This method is the easiest to increase the compressor’s CFM. And this is kind of the same as the first process. Therefore, adding another receiver tank to your compressed air unit will have a larger storage capacity, and both tanks will be supplied with air. This means that your air-powered tools can be used for extended periods. Since the motor on the machine has to run a long time when it hits the point of the cutout. 

Besides, it’s important to note that when the storage increase will lead to an automatic increase in CFM. The CFM available will only be adjusted for some time, and the system’s CFM will remain unchanged. But when the second tank is removed, the compressed air part will return to its actual CFM value.

Advantages

• Less expensive method
• The compressor can get some relaxation time during running cycles

Drawbacks

•  Select an ideal size tank
• Adjust everything to follow the tools requirements

Method 5: Boosting The Compressor’s Current Capacity

This is the last process to increase CFM on your air compressor. So, you can raise the CFM of an air compressor by increasing the pump and motor size and efficiency. And rise in the pump size can help achieve the necessary CFM for operating air tools. 

Still, it’s important also to increase the size of the motor to ensure compatibility between the two components. This is because air compressors are designed in a way that requires the motor and pumps to be compatible with each other.

Advantages

• Permanent solution
• Best for extending the service
• Cost-effective method

Drawbacks

• Need expert suggestion

Instructions While Increasing CFM On Air Compressor: Pro Tips

Increasing the CFM (cubic feet per minute) on an air compressor can be a helpful way to get more power out of your compressor. I have included a few pro tips to keep in mind when increasing the CFM in the section below–

• Before attempting to increase your air compressor’s CFM, check the manufacturer’s instructions. It will help you ensure you are not overloading the compressor and using the correct attachments.
• The size of the hoses and fittings you use will significantly impact the CFM of your air compressor. 
• When you are running your compressor at a higher CFM, it will generate more heat. Keep the compressor cool using a fan or in a well-ventilated area.
• As you increase the CFM of your air compressor, it needs to monitor the pressure. If the pressure rises too high, it can cause ruin the machine or the tools you are using.
• Increasing the CFM of your air compressor can be helpful, but don’t overload the compressor. Follow the user manual and use the correct attachments to avoid damaging the compressor.
• Proper maintenance is vital to remain your air compressor running smoothly. 

The Final Word

The ultimate recommendation is to ensure that your tool’s CFM rating matches the compressor you select correctly. And this will prevent the hassle of increasing the CFM later. 

However, if you need to increase it, the techniques I have shared will be useful. I hope this clears up any uncertainty; you now get ideas about increasing the CFM on an air compressor going forward. If you discover new solutions, leave them in the comment section and let us know.

FAQs

What happens if CFM is too low?

If CFM is too low, it can result in inadequate airflow and ventilation, leading to several problems. For example, low CFM can cause reduced cooling or heating capacity, decreased indoor air quality, and potential damage to the equipment due to overheating. Therefore, ensuring that the CFM is appropriately calibrated to achieve optimal airflow and ventilation is essential. And this can prevent potential problems with a safe and healthy nature.

How can I reduce the CFM level on the compressor?

You can adjust the pressure regulator valve to decrease the CFM on an air compressor:

1. Turn off the compressor and relieve any pressure in the system.
2. Locate the regulator valve and turn the adjustment knob counterclockwise to decrease the pressure setting, which will also lower the CFM.
3. Turn on the compressor and check the new CFM level using a flow meter or gauge.

Repeat it until you get the desired CFM level.

Does higher CFM mean louder?

A higher CFM does not always mean a louder air compressor. The noise level of an air compressor depends on several factors, including the motor and pump design. Also, the size of the compressor and the surrounding environment. But higher CFM compressors may sometimes generate more noise due to increased airflow and vibration. Therefore, you can check the CFM and noise levels when selecting an air compressor.