Purchasing a power washer is one of those things that people avoid, simply because it seems expensive and complicated. You’ll find that you have to learn all about this device, more than you might want to. You’ll be confronted with several questions:
What does PSI mean, and how important is that when choosing a power washer?
Can you use a pressure washer to clean anything?
What’s the best kind of power washer?
During your research, you will also learn about the different types of power washers, especially electric options. These are often considered the best, and there is a wide variety available online that have amazing reviews, as illustrated by TBEPW’s guide . But are electric power washers better than gas powered?
Here, we’ll tell you if electric is worth it, and answer any questions you’ll have when considering a power washer.
Does PSI matter?
The short answer is yes. PSI, or “pounds per square inch,” is important to think about when you are choosing a power washer. Essentially, this measures how powerful the jets of water are for your power washer. The higher the PSI, the more powerful the machine.
Electric power washers usually produce anywhere between 800 and 1,800 PSI, while gas powered range from 2,000 and 2,800. For more serious projects, the PSI for a gas powered washer can even reach 3,000.
It’s important to remember that a higher PSI doesn’t reflect the quality of the power washer, but rather what each type is meant for. Gas powered washers are meant for heavy duty projects such as lifting caked-on dirt from brick walls, stone pathways, or outdoor decks. These sorts of projects only need to be done once in a while.
Unlike the gas powered washer, electric power washers are more suitable for everyday projects. Because of the lower PSI, electric power washers can also be use for cleaning house windows and siding, washing vehicles, and cleaning out gutters.
This is when PSI becomes very important; you wouldn’t want to use a gas power washer on your house windows. The PSI would be too high, and you would run the risk of breaking the glass.
How Portable is an Electric Power Washer?
Portability is also something to consider when purchasing a power washer, especially if you plan on cleaning a large space that requires easy mobility. With electric power washers, there needs to be access to an outlet. If this is an issue, you could always purchase an outdoor-safe extension cord.
Electric options also tend to be smaller, lighter, and easier to carry than gas powered washers. However, if you’re working in a remote location that doesn’t have electricity, this could be a problem.
With a gas powered washer, there’s no worry about being near a source of electricity. However, they do tend to be bulkier, so trying to accomplish a large scale project in a short amount of time might be more difficult.
Are They Cost Effective?
When considering cost effectiveness, you also need to consider what projects you need to accomplish. With PSI and portability in mind, it’s important to determine what model you would actually use.
While you might need the high PSI of a gas washer, the costs associated with gas tend to be higher. You need to ensure that the washer has enough gas and that the engine is running smoothly. It’s also worth noting that in most places, gas is more expensive than electricity.
So, Are These Washers Worth It?
Electric power washers are much easier to maintain. All you really need is a reliable source of electricity. If you ask around, most power washer owners prefer electric, simply because you can use it for a wider variety of projects. This, combined with the low maintenance costs, certainly make electric the most cost effective and easiest to use.
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