Important Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Pressure Washer for Your Home
Pressure washers are an excellent tool that can help shorten tough cleaning tasks. Likewise, it’s a great solution for issues like removing chipping or flaking paint. However, many homeowners are not that familiar with power washers.
Aside from learning the pressure washer basics, it’s also vital to learn everything you can when you’re planning to purchase a unit. Knowing the things you need to consider beforehand will save you plenty of frustrating errands and headache in the future
Two Types of Pressure Washers
Some people feel that the gas type is worth their investment. On the other hand, some homeowners think that the electric model can provide all the cleaning power they need. So to help with your decision here’s some essential information about these two types of power washers.
Electric Pressure Washers
Electric-powered washers come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. These machines can be quite powerful, and some even offer around 2000 PSI. They’re also relatively quiet during operation. Moreover, this model works great on washing your patio, backyard grill, bikes, vehicle, and pool area. Plus, there are plenty of attachments available to make your unit even more powerful.
A lot of homeowners prefer them because they are portable, lightweight, and low maintenance. It doesn’t require any oil or gas to run as well. Likewise, you don’t need to replace major parts when maintaining it.
Nevertheless, it does have some drawbacks. One notable thing is that its power cable will limit the area you can power wash. It’s also not advisable to utilize extension cords in a lot of cases. Hence, if your backyard has a fence that you want to clean, it’ll be a bit of an inconvenience if you don’t have a power supply nearby.
Overall, electric power washers are a good choice for most cleaning jobs. They can provide you the cleaning power you need to take care of even the filthiest areas of your property without damaging it. So if you’re looking for a lightweight and handy machine that can perform, go for an electric model. Here’s what the data shows on Cleanup Expert website in case you want to read more about it.
Gas Pressure Washers
The biggest advantage of gas power washers over the electric type is that you’ll be able to take it along with you anywhere. Although these units are heavy, most have wheels on them for portability. Nonetheless, they do need regular upkeep. But with routine and proper maintenance, it’ll serve you for a long time.
Gas-powered washers are extremely powerful with some offering up to 4000 PSI. But this also means that they come with a higher price tag. Plus, you also have to stock up on oil, gas, and detergents. You also have to winterize it during the cold months. For these reasons, some people opt for the electric ones.
So Which Type Should I Choose?
A lot of people own a gas power washer but don’t utilize it frequently. They usually use it once per year to do heavy-duty cleaning jobs. Meanwhile, electric-powered machines are often used every other week because they are easy to operate. So when you’re figuring out which one to buy, base your decision on what you’re going to clean and how often you’ll use the washer.
Choose the gas model if you’re planning to tackle larger jobs that require plenty of power. But if you only want to keep the exterior of your property as nice and clean as the inside, an electric washer may be enough for you.
Power Ratings
The water pressure of these machines is normally measured in PSI or pounds per square inch. Gas models usually put out between 2000 to 2800 PSI. On the other hand, electric units are around 1300 to 1700 PSI.
Gas washers with higher pressure allow you to wash the grimy concrete surface of your patio much faster than the more high-speed electric washers. Additionally, gas models are better at removing paint off of your vinyl siding.
Here’s a list of other power ratings you need to know:
- Gallons Per Minute (GPM). This pertains to the volume of water your unit produces. GPM adds to a washer’s washing efficiency as well.
- Cleaning Power Unit (CPU). CPU refers to the cleaning ability of your unit. You can determine it by multiplying PSI by GPM. The greater it is, the more efficient and powerful your equipment is.
- Horse Power (HP). The rating refers to the amount of power the motor or engine generates. It’s a crucial factor since it relates directly to the volume and volume of pressure your unit’s pump can generate.
Consumers often focus on PSI that they tend to overlook the importance of CPU. But this rating can truly determine which pressure washer is better.
Water: Hot vs Cold
Cold water pressure washers are the most common since they are less difficult in comparison to hot water ones. These machines are also more portable and rely more on the washer’s pressure. But since hot water power washers utilize hot water, they offer better cleaning results. Additionally, they use less detergent and are faster. Hot water is ideal for industrial use. So for residential use, it’s better to opt for cold water.
Nozzles
Your washer will typically come with a variable spray wand that allows you to adjust its water pressure with a single twist. Or it can come with a collection of nozzles that you can swap anytime. These usually include the following:
- Red Nozzle (0 degrees). This nozzle is powerful when you set it to the concentrated setting.
- Yellow Nozzle (15 degrees). Use this when you’re going for heavier washing.
- Green Nozzle (25 degrees). Best for general cleaning.
- White Nozzle (40 degrees). When you want to clean your outdoor furniture, vehicles, and other surfaces that damage easily, this is the perfect nozzle to use.
- Black Nozzle (65 degrees). This is low-pressure and best when you’ll apply cleansing agents like soap.
Accessories
All power washers out there include a variety of accessories suitable for your cleaning needs. Some units even have various packages that come with different attachments. So make sure to determine your main use and make sure the unit you’re purchasing includes everything you need.
For instance, opt for a unit with a patio cleaner accessory if you’re going to clean your patio often. This attachment is very useful and will make it easier for you to wash your porch.
All power washers out there include a variety of accessories suitable for your cleaning needs. Some units even have various packages that come with different attachments. So make sure to determine your main use and make sure it includes everything you need.
For instance, opt for a unit with a patio cleaner accessory if you’re going to clean your patio often. This attachment is very useful and will make it easier for you to wash your porch.
You may want to invest in these accessories and gadgets for faster and more efficient results:
- Extension spray tips and wands if you own a two-story house. These are also excellent for taking care of the hard-to-reach spots.
- Brushes for scrubbing power.
- Angled wands for washing your gutters.
- Surface cleaners that have spinning jets for washing footpaths and driveways.
