Pressure Washer Buying Guide - #1 Matching The Type of Pressure Washer To What You Need to Clean
January 15, 2021
Picking a pressure washer depends upon what you want to clean since you won’t want to overspend for power if you don’t need it. The following guide will help you know which pressure washer you need to buy for the applications you want to use it for, from stripping paint to washing windows.
Pressure Washers for Personal Use
Personal use pressure washers allow you to clean with less effort in less time. Finding the right combination of PSI (pounds per square inch), GPM (gallons per minute), nozzles, attachments, and cleaning detergents and degreasers.
Personal use pressure washers allow you to…
Wash siding and windows
Clean walkways, driveways and patios
Restore wood decks and fences
Clean vehicles, boats, lawnmowers, ATVs, etc.
Pressure Washers for Business Use
Commercial use pressure washers have greater pressure (PSI), water flow (GPM) and horse power (HP). Most Business use pressure washers have extra features that allow for better performance when you need to clean a workshop, construction site, etc.
Business use pressure washers may have the following features…
Longer-lasting pumps with adjustable pressure
Easy-start engines with a larger tanks
wheeled carts with larger normal tires
Hot water capacity
Longer hoses
Industrial-grade guns and wands
How Horsepower Comes Into Play
The combination of Pounds per Square Inch (PSI) and Gallons per Minute (GPM) is what helps the machine to clean in tough situations.
Pounds per Square Inch’s (PSI) Role = How Much Power You Can Use
PSI is the maximum amount of force (pressure) discharged by the pressure washer. The higher the PSI, the more cleaning power it has and the more things you can clean with it.
Gallons Per Minute’s (GPM) = How Fast You Can Clean
The GPM rating shows us how much water can pass through the machine in a minute. The higher the GPM, the faster you will be able to clean.
Deciding On a Gas or Electric Powered Pressure Washer
Gas-powered pressure washers are more mobile and can provide higher pressures and flows then electric Pressure Washers. Because the washer produces carbon monoxide from the gasoline, it may only be used outdoors.
Electric pressure washers are good for indoor work and projects close to an electric source. They are limited in overall power but can be used indoors or outdoors and are quieter than gas-powered washers.
Deciding on a Hot or Cold Water Pressure Washer
Hot water pressure washers clean faster and more thoroughly than cold water pressure washers. They use less soap to sanitize and degrease, making them ideal for industrial and farm use.
Cold water pressure washers are less complicated and are more compact for easy portability.