There are many questions to ask when purchasing a pressure washer. Do you need a cold water or a hot water machine? Hot water machines can be more expensive than a cold-water machine, but they can cut through tough jobs with little to no chemicals. With a balanced combination of chemicals a cold-water machine can meet the cleaning effectiveness of a hot water machine.
How many hours per year do you anticipate needing a pressure washer? What do you need to clean? Most consumers purchase a water pressure for home use only. If you intend to use the pressure washer less than a hundred hours, a small machine would effectively get the job done. Any one who needs a pressure washer for a hundred or more hours should consider investing in a larger more commercial grade machine.
Next you need to ask yourself which type of water pressure is right for you; gas or electric? When looking at either gas or electric pressure washers you need to consider how much power you need. To determine the amount of power you need consider the pounds per square inch (PSI), gallons per minute (GPM), and the cleaning unit (CU or UCE). You also should decide if you would like your water pressure to be direct-drive or belt-driven.
Understanding the basic terminology is critical in making a correct and economical decision. PSI is the measurement of water pressure. GPM is the water flow rate or gallons per minute. CU or UCE is the PSI multiplied by the GPM. This number tells the consumer how much power the water pressure produces. The measurement the gasoline engines use is horsepower (hp). And the measurement that electric engines use is amperage (amps). Direct-drive systems are coupled directly to the engine. Belt-driven systems are belted to the engine.
Whether you choose a gas or electric water pressure, it is important to judge the machine on performance. The PSI performance key offers a reliable rating system. There are three ratings used when comparing cleaning efficiency. One star represents average, two stars is good, and three stars means optimum cleaning efficiency.
Gas powered offers more power but makes considerably more noise than an electric pressure washer. Electric machines can be used both indoors and outdoors. Gas should never be used inside a closed space. Electric is not as portable as a gas powered machine. Gas pressure washers can be purchased with wheels to make using it more convenient. The cleaning rate of a gas pressure washer is greater than that of an electric powered pressure washer.
Electric pressure washers are generally direct-drive systems. If you are not anticipating thirty or more hours of cleaning per week direct-drive systems can be efficient. However, if you plan on using the pressure washer forty or more hours each week a belt-drive system is recommended. Belt-drive systems are generally used in gas pressure washers.
Gas powered are noisy and made for outdoor use. Electric powered are considerably quieter, and are used primarily for indoor applications. Electric pressure washers are also less expensive when compared to gas pressure washers. Make a decision based on your current needs and be sure to shop around before settling.
