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Help & Advice • Compressor Hire

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Air Compressor Hire

Hiring an air compressor can bridge a breakdown, cover a temporary project or provide a longer-term alternative to buying equipment outright. The best route depends on how long you need the air, the required CFM and pressure, available power, site access and how predictable the demand is.

Emergency Cover Short-Term Projects Long-Term Hire 5–150 CFM Options Temporary Capacity Birmingham & Midlands

Short-Term or Long-Term? Start With Why You Need the Compressor

The hire period should follow the operational problem rather than the other way around. A failed compressor that needs temporary cover has a different commercial and technical requirement from a business that wants a multi-year compressed-air solution without purchasing equipment outright.

Short-Term Hire

Best suited to breakdown cover, temporary contracts, seasonal demand, commissioning work or a known project with a defined end date.

Long-Term Hire

Useful where compressed air is required consistently for an extended period and the customer prefers predictable hire costs rather than outright ownership.

What to Confirm Before Requesting Hire

AirflowRequired CFM, including simultaneous demand from equipment that will run together.
PressureThe working pressure needed at the point of use, not just compressor maximum pressure.
PowerAvailable voltage, phase and electrical capacity for electrically driven hire equipment.
DurationHours, days, weeks, months or longer-term contracted requirements.
Air QualityWhether the process requires drying, filtration or another defined air-quality level.
Site AccessSpace, delivery route, connections and location of the temporary compressor.
Air compressor hire equipment at Compressed Air Systems UK

When Short-Term Compressor Hire Makes Sense

  • Unexpected compressor breakdown
  • Planned maintenance or overhaul
  • Short manufacturing or construction project
  • Temporary increase in compressed-air demand
  • Testing a new process before committing to permanent equipment
  • Commissioning or relocation work
Availability matters. Short-term hire is only useful if suitable equipment is available when required, so provide the CFM, pressure, power and connection information as early as possible.
Temporary air compressor hire equipment

When Long-Term Hire Makes Sense

Long-term hire can work where compressed air is a continuing operational requirement but buying a compressor outright does not suit the business's capital plans or equipment strategy.

  • Ongoing manufacturing demand
  • Multi-year contracts
  • Businesses that want predictable scheduled hire payments
  • Sites that prefer agreed support arrangements alongside the equipment
  • Businesses planning future capacity changes and wanting flexibility
Check the contract rather than assuming every package is identical. Installation, servicing, maintenance, upgrades, early termination and purchase options depend on the specific hire agreement offered.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Hire Comparison

FactorShort-Term HireLong-Term Hire
Typical useBreakdown, project, seasonal peakOngoing operational requirement
CommitmentLower / defined temporary periodLonger contractual commitment
FlexibilityUseful for changing temporary requirementsPredictable equipment arrangement over time
Cost evaluationCompare total cost for expected hire periodCompare total contract cost against ownership and finance
MaintenanceDepends on agreementMay be included or offered as part of the agreed package
Best questionHow quickly and for how long do we need temporary air?Does ongoing hire suit our long-term operating and financial plan?

Hire vs. Buying a Compressor

Buying gives the business ownership of the asset and can be the logical route for a stable long-term requirement. Hire shifts the initial equipment cost into scheduled payments and can be attractive where flexibility or capital preservation is important.

Hire Can Help When…

  • Demand may change
  • The requirement is temporary
  • Capital expenditure is constrained
  • A business wants an agreed support arrangement

Buying Can Help When…

  • Demand is stable and long term
  • The company wants asset ownership
  • Lifetime cost favours purchase
  • The installation is intended to remain permanent
Tax treatment should be confirmed with your accountant. Hire charges may be treated differently from equipment purchases depending on the business, accounting treatment and applicable tax rules. Do not base the decision on a blanket assumption that every hire payment is automatically deductible.
Compressed air equipment available for hire

All 7 Existing Hydrovane Hire Options — Preserved

The live article currently recommends seven Hydrovane hire capacities from 5 CFM through to 150 CFM. Those existing routes and product images are retained below. The weekly figures shown are the current headline rates on the live article and exclude VAT; confirm the actual contract terms before ordering.

Hydrovane 5 CFM Hire Compressor
Existing Hire Option

Hydrovane 5 CFM Hire Compressor

From £12.99 per week + VAT

View Hire Option
Hydrovane 10 CFM Hire Compressor
Existing Hire Option

Hydrovane 10 CFM Hire Compressor

From £14.99 per week + VAT

View Hire Option
Hydrovane 20 CFM Hire Compressor
Existing Hire Option

Hydrovane 20 CFM Hire Compressor

From £29.99 per week + VAT

View Hire Option
Hydrovane 30 CFM Hire Compressor
Existing Hire Option

Hydrovane 30 CFM Hire Compressor

From £32.99 per week + VAT

View Hire Option
Hydrovane 50 CFM Hire Compressor
Existing Hire Option

Hydrovane 50 CFM Hire Compressor

From £34.99 per week + VAT

View Hire Option
Hydrovane 100 CFM Hire Compressor
Existing Hire Option

Hydrovane 100 CFM Hire Compressor

From £39.99 per week + VAT

View Hire Option
Hydrovane 150 CFM Hire Compressor
Existing Hire Option

Hydrovane 150 CFM Hire Compressor

From £44.99 per week + VAT

View Hire Option

Don't Choose Hire Capacity from CFM Alone

CFM is essential, but a workable temporary system also has to provide sufficient pressure and connect correctly to the site.

  • Confirm CFM at the required pressure
  • Allow for realistic simultaneous use
  • Check hose or pipe connection sizes
  • Check voltage and phase
  • Confirm whether a dryer and filtration are required
  • Allow suitable space and ventilation
  • Check whether the existing receiver or treatment equipment will remain in use

What About Emergency Breakdown Hire?

Temporary compressed air can sometimes keep production running while a failed machine is repaired, but the replacement needs to be matched to the site rather than selected simply because it is available.

Why the Supplier Matters

Temporary compressed air can become operationally critical very quickly. A good hire discussion should therefore cover more than the compressor model.

  • Correct equipment sizing
  • Delivery and access requirements
  • Connection into the existing system
  • Electrical or site-service requirements
  • Maintenance responsibility
  • Breakdown process during the hire term
  • What happens if the requirement changes
  • Collection or end-of-contract arrangements
Compressed Air Systems UK compressor hire support

Air Compressor Hire FAQs

Is short-term or long-term compressor hire cheaper?

It depends on the duration, compressor size and contract. Short-term hire can be sensible for a temporary requirement; long-term hire may offer a different weekly or monthly cost structure. Compare the total cost for the period you actually expect to use the equipment.

Can I hire a compressor during a breakdown?

Potentially, subject to suitable equipment availability and the site's airflow, pressure, power, access and connection requirements.

Is maintenance included in compressor hire?

That depends on the specific package. Confirm servicing, repairs and maintenance responsibilities in the quotation and hire agreement.

Can I hire a compressor for several years?

The live CAS hire page describes short-term options and longer commitments of up to five years. Available terms depend on the equipment and agreement offered at the time.

Are compressor hire payments tax-deductible?

Tax treatment depends on the customer's circumstances and accounting treatment. Speak to your accountant or tax adviser rather than relying on a generic website statement.

Can the hired compressor be changed if my airflow requirement changes?

Possibly, but upgrade or change options depend on the agreement and equipment availability. Discuss expected future demand before entering a long-term contract.

Compressed Air Systems UK

Compressed Air Systems UK offers compressor hire for temporary and longer-term requirements, subject to equipment suitability and availability. Call 0121 753 3330 or use the Contact Us page.

Offices, Trade Counter & Warehouse
Compressed Air Systems UK
Unit 15, Fortnum Close
Birmingham, B33 0LG

24/7 emergency line: 0121 753 3330 for urgent compressor breakdown support. Routine sales, trade-counter and customer-service activity remains subject to normal opening arrangements.

Need Temporary or Long-Term Compressed Air?

Send the required CFM, pressure, power supply, location and expected hire period and we can help identify the most practical option.

Discuss Your Hire Requirement

Read our Latest Reviews

bryan wright profile picture
bryan wright
10 months ago
I have used Compressed Air Systems a number of times for repairs, servicing and also to purchase air compressors. The service I have received has been fantastic, friendly, helpful and very well priced. This company definitely offers convenience, value & quality. I massive thank you to all the team at Compressed Air Systems.
Response from the owner
10 months ago
Hi Bryan,Thank you so much for taking the time to review our company. We greatly appreciate your thoughtful comments and are thrilled to hear that you are satisfied with our services. It’s been a pleasure working with you, and we value the positive relationship we've built.We look forward to discussing any future opportunities or addressing any needs you might have. Please feel free to reach out whenever you’d like.Kind regards, TEAM CAS
Jordan Hay profile picture
Jordan Hay
10 months ago
I had an excellent experience with Compressed Air Systems! Their team was knowledgeable, friendly, and quick to respond. They helped me find the right compressor for my shop and even walked me through the installation process. Everything has been running flawlessly since day one. Highly recommend them for anyone needing reliable air solutions and professional service!
Response from the owner
10 months ago
Hello Jordan,Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about the service you received. We are absolutely thrilled to hear that you’re satisfied with your experience! Your satisfaction means a lot to us. We look forward to speaking with you soon!Best wishes, Team CAS
Sam Cain profile picture
Sam Cain
1 year ago
Exceptional service! The team went above and beyond to help fix our machine and get us back up and running in no time. Their expertise, dedication, and quick thinking made all the difference. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner
1 year ago
Hi Sam, Thank you for taking time to review our company. I'm so glad we were able to help! Kind regards Team CAS
Richard Vinten profile picture
Richard Vinten
2 years ago
I can't recommend CAS UK enough.
We had a Clarke for a couple of years that we abused running it 12 hours a day. We found CAS UK when it needed a repair, and we were very impressed with how quickly they responded and came out to repair and service the machine.

Our business started to expand and we needed a large compressor with a proper airlines feeding our machines and work stations. The guys from CAS supplied the new compressor and worked flat out getting the machine and pipe working in.
They're a brilliant group of lads with a great work ethic and really easy to communicate with.

We'll 100% continue to use and recommend them.
Photo from customer review
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Hi Richard, thank you for taking the time to review our company and the service you received. It’s thrilling to read such positive feedback. We look forward to working with you again soon. Team CAS
Mike H N Fisher profile picture
Mike H N Fisher
2 years ago
Excellent firm to deal with.
Very efficient at every level.
Quite a rare find ~ don't waste the opportunity if you have a need within their expertise. Mike Fisher
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Thank you for your kind words Mike it’s been a pleasure to partner with you. We look forward to speaking to you soon. Kind regards Team CAS
LJD Tyres profile picture
LJD Tyres
2 years ago
Turned up this morning, no appointment or nothing, had what i needed in stock and had it fitted in less than 30 mins! sorted me right out getting me back on the road changing tyres! thanks once again cant recommend you enough! see you when i next need you
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Thank you for your kind review, it was a pleasure to assist you today. We look forward to seeing you again soon! Team CAS
James Deeming profile picture
James Deeming
2 years ago
Can't thank this company enough for getting me back on the road today. From the initial phone call, trying to explain the problem not having a clue what part is called what, the girl who answered knew exactly what I needed. To then arriving 30 minutes later and 2 engineers came out to my van and fixed the problem in minutes. Absolutely brilliant service. Thankyou!!!
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Hi James, thank you for visiting us today. It was a pleasure to assist you. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Team CAS
Sheikh Mudassar profile picture
Sheikh Mudassar
3 years ago
Response from the owner
3 years ago
Thank you for your review. Have a great day! Kind regards Team CAS
Very professional help me out this morning immediately to get me back on the road supplied fittings and new compressor 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💪💪💪
Response from the owner
3 years ago
Hi Paul, thank you so much for taking the time to review the service you received. We really appreciate your kind words and glad we could help this morning. You’re welcome back anytime! Kind regards Team CAS
Harry Draper profile picture
Harry Draper
4 years ago
Brilliant service
Used them for years!
Thank you

H D
Response from the owner
4 years ago
Hi Harry, thank you so much for taking the time to review our company. We really appreciate your business and look forward to dealing with you again soon. Kind regards TEAM CAS
Lewwwyy profile picture
Lewwwyy
4 years ago
Response from the owner
4 years ago
Thank you for your kind and honest review. Team CAS
Les Owen profile picture
Les Owen
4 years ago
Took in what I believed to be a beyond repair compressor. Received back, an as new machine, all physical damage repaired and connector fittings renewed to latest standard.
Compressor delivered to my premises in what was a great service by Compressed Air Systems UK. Thanks for a great experience
Jordan Li profile picture
Jordan Li
4 years ago
I have used CAS for 15 years.

Never let me down!
Always been brilliant & came out the same day if there is ever an issue.

Thank you
Jordan
Aaron Courtney profile picture
Aaron Courtney
5 years ago
Me and my company have been using compressed air systems for around 10 years!
Very professional always great advisor for the best machine for what we need, friendly office staff and most of all the knowledge from them is second to none.
Would recommend to anyone that needs advise or want to buy the right machine for them.
Plus the backup you get is the best.
Amelia Blackwell profile picture
Amelia Blackwell
8 years ago
What a refreshing team to have as competent suppliers for our leads and compressed air; not once have they given us poor service. They've saved our business; A Gilligan (Coatings) Ltd thousands of pounds per year with new high tech and efficient equipment. Their advice and service supplied over the last 15 year period has been extremely valuable, we would never consider another company for our compressed air services
2WheelsOnly LTD profile picture
2WheelsOnly LTD
8 years ago
Had a new compressor fitted a few months ago. Perfect service and amazing aftercare.
I was advised well and even advised towards a better value option saving us a chunk of money. Top quality honest service all round...... Thanks again.
Les Owen
Google
Took in what I believed to be a beyond repair compressor. Received back, an as new machine, all physical damage repaired and connector fittings renewed to latest standard. Compressor delivered to my premises in what was a great service by Compressed Air Systems UK. Thanks for a great experience
Shannon Ali
Trustpilot
Never had one issue with Compressed Air Systems UK I service my 2 compressors 2 times a year as we run 6 days a week & there still like brand new thanks to there maintenance plans Thank you for everything you do for us!
Jordan Li
Google
I have used CAS for 15 years. Never let me down! Always been brilliant & came out the same day if there is ever an issue.
Liam Campbell
Google
Must say the service in this place was excellent 10/10
Aaron Courtney
Google
Me and my company have been using compressed air systems for around 10 years! Very professional always great advisor for the best machine for what we need, friendly office staff and most of all the knowledge from them is second to none. Would recommend to anyone that needs advise or want to buy the right machine for them. Plus the backup you get is the best.
Amelia Blackwell
Google
What a refreshing team to have as competent suppliers for our leads and compressed air; not once have they given us poor service. They've saved our business; A Gilligan (Coatings) Ltd thousands of pounds per year with new high tech and efficient equipment. Their advice and service supplied over the last 15 year period has been extremely valuable, we would never consider another company for our compressed air services
Karl Trevarthen
Trustpilot
From initial phone enquiry through to ordering I was very happy with the service. Product was very good and arrived quickly
2WheelsOnly LTD
Google
Had a new compressor fitted a few months ago. Perfect service and amazing aftercare. I was advised well and even advised towards a better value option saving us a chunk of money. Top quality honest service all round...... Thanks again.
Lee Chapman
Google
Had a new compressor fitted a few months ago? Perfect service and amazing aftercare. I was advised well and even advised towards a better value option saving us a chunk of money. Top quality honest service all round...... Thanks again.
Ray Hussain
Google
Highly recommended, Jason is a star! If he can save you some money he will not like other companies!! Fantastic experience 👍
James
Trustpilot
Great service and very helpful
Sacha Pickford
Google
I have nothing but great things to say about this company, they are fast, efficient, reliable and polite and the list is endless. Would highly recommend and will be using there service for many years to come.
Paul JE
Trustpilot
At THJ we sell & detail the finest cars in the world. So we need the cleanest air possible to help us clean & detail the cars, Compressed air systems uk always do a top job & we have never had one issue, thank you very much guys for all your help & helping up achieve the finishes we do on the cars. Paul JE
Arlind Xhafa
Google
Fantastic service, changed the faulty motor twice to ensure we were happy. Fully recommend
Harry Smith
Google
Excellent customer service, so great to be able to walk into an actual shop and be served by someone who knows what they're on about!
Klaire Louise
Google
Fantastic company, competitive prices and friendly staff. Thank you to all at Compressed Air Systems!
Harry Draper
Trustpilot
Brilliant service when servicing my compressor! Highly recommended Harry D
Daniel Hudson
Trustpilot
Fabulous company! Nothing was a problem, great workmanship, very experienced and knowledgeable. Will always have our business in the future. *****
Phil Kirk
Trustpilot
Fast Delivery No messing about Ordered, Paid and got compressor the next day
Tom
Trustpilot
We're an SME with a large machine shop and recently worked with Jason and his team to get a more efficient compressor installed. They were great throughout the process and really know their stuff. Communication and work quality have been excellent.
BSM
Trustpilot
Use them all the time! Call out for broken compressor they always comes same ray, unlike others iv used in the past! Highly recommend!
L Compton
Trustpilot
Nothings a problem they always have a friendly solution . Good telephone service quick response and well manufactured quality engineering products. Pound for pound in the long run these products stand the testament of time saving productivity time and money.
John
Trustpilot
True industrial engineering quality valves and parts with correct gauge wall thicknesses. Values for money as all items are reasonably priced for true quality items. People answer the telephone and solve any issues if required.
Tony Stevens
Trustpilot
Great service, quick delivery, very easy website to use good prices, will use again
Rodolfo Calansingin
Trustpilot
Been buying Parts ,very good service,Fast delivery
Adrian Marshall
Trustpilot
Great item with an easy web site to use, fast delivery.
Mark Collenette
Trustpilot
Amazing service! Ordered one day, delivered the next! Thank you!
Gerry Dance
Trustpilot
My enquiry to source a part for an old but faithful compressor was soon sorted by Jade. I purchased the required parts and they arrived the very next day! Excellent, friendly and fast service. Thank you all.
David Darbyshire
Trustpilot
Great to deal with, website easy to use and chat function works very well. Very quick delivery.
JA Partners
Trustpilot
Always a pleasure! Thanks CAS UK!
Tony Stevens
Trustpilot
Great website easy to use and you can fine all service kits parts for your compressors.
KS
Trustpilot
Easy to use website, Fast and efficient. 10/10 Will use again
Guy
Trustpilot
Really please with my compressor and very good delivery terms and timescal. Will definitely use tan air compressors again in the future. A+++++
Ricky Patterson
Trustpilot
Delivered the correct items on time
Jeremy Oliver
Had a small issue with a compressor Jason was on to the problem and was able to steer me through with his expert help remotely IMPRESSED
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