Published: 24/06/2025
Should I buy or hire an air dryer for my air compressor?
You’ve likely heard of air compressor hire, but have you considered air dryer hire?
If you’re renting your compressor but not the dryer, it might make sense to rent both from the same company, out of ease. It means you streamline communication and can be on the same page for your entire compressed air system.
If you’re unsure whether to buy or hire an air dryer for air compressor, this guide is for you. Our experts have compared the differences between hiring and buying and outlined the advantages of when you choose to hire.
Interested in air dryer hire? Explore our used air dryer hire options.
Upfront savings vs long-term investment
If you opt to buy an air compressor dryer, it’s likely going to cost more initially. This is because you’re buying the machine in one, with nothing but repairs and servicing to pay afterwards. Hiring, however, is only a temporary solution, meaning it’s less expensive and less financially demanding in terms of initial costs.
If you only require an air dryer for a short period, hiring makes most sense. But, if you’ll be needing an air dryer for the long-term, the best solution would be to invest in one – new or second hand.
Maintenance and servicing
Buying an air dryer means you have to complete regular maintenance checks. It’s important to factor in the cost of servicing and the need for repairs into your budgeting. On the other hand, most hire companies include maintenance in their hiring price.
When is hiring best?
- Emergency breakdowns – Avoid production downtime by waiting for repairs to be made, and hire a dryer until the old one is fixed.
- Seasonal production spikes – Whether you foretell the increase in demand or not, dryer or compressor rental ensures your business can handle the spike in production demand without straining the existing system.
- Short-term projects – Need a dryer for a couple of weeks and that’s it? There is little point in spending money on a new dryer when you can hire and then return it after the job is done.
Benefits of air dryer hire
Temporary solution – If you’re only looking for a temporary fix until your usual air dryer returns, hiring a compressed air dryer is an ideal way to prevent production downtime.
Test alternative models – If you’re unsure what type of air dryer you require, hiring allows you to test different models and types of dryers, without the commitment of investing. You may want to test a variety of set ups before you purchase your desired compressed air system, which is a smart move to make.
Flexible to your needs – Air dryer hire ensures your short-term or seasonal demands can be met, without making an expensive purchase. You may need additional equipment to handle increasing production demands, which is why air dryer hire is so useful to have as an option.
Why shouldn’t you hire an air dryer?
While hiring can be more economical in the short term, long-term hire can be expensive. But, if you’re looking for an option that prioritises flexibility over cost-saving, hiring is still a good solution.
Depending on the compressor companies you research, you may not find the correct air dryer for your requirements. Luckily for you, Air Supply stocks one of the UK’s largest used selection of compressed air equipment.
How Air Supply can help
With so many options available to hire at Air Supply, we’re here to help you find the best compressed air solution for your needs.
We’ve been supplying compressed air systems for over 25 years – our team are experts. Explore our air dryer hire services here.
If you are still trying to decide if temporary air dryer hire is the right choice or want to learn more about how hiring can benefit your business, contact us today and we’ll be happy to assist you.