For home use, you might be inflating car tires, balls, or bike tiers. You might want to use the compressor to power a blower and blow leaves or dirt from your garage floor. If so, a lighter duty air compressor should work fine for you. This will most likely be a direct drive type of compressor.
However, if you plan to use the compressor for industrial use, you will want to think about a lubricated or belt driven pump design compressor. Compressors may also be used for devices that clean stone, brick, or house siding. You can also use them for powering home equipment and appliances or for taking to the construction site.
You can also use an air compressor to power hammers, wrenches, saws, and nailers. You might be painting a fence, building a deck, or roofing your home.