Gas Versus Electric Pressure Washers: 4 Things To Consider
Once reserved for professional cleaning jobs, pressure washers are now more versatile than ever. No longer a tool only for professionals, homeowners everywhere are taking advantage of the cleaning power of pressure washers. A wide variety of consumer models are available that help make outdoor cleaning jobs around your house quick and easy. One of the first choices you're confronted with when choosing a power washer is whether to choose a gas or electric model. Here are four comparisons to help you make the right choice for your home.
Power
Electric pressure washers are less powerful, making them good for light jobs such as cleaning small decks and patios as well as furniture. An electric pressure washer can clean mud, mildew, dried grass clippings and the like. Gas washers are more powerful, putting out around 2,000 to 2,800 pounds of pressure per square inch, compared to the 1,300 to 1,700 psi that an electric power washer puts out. This makes gas pressure washers a good choice for stubborn grime and larger surface areas.
Price and Maintenance
While you can find an electric pressure washer for around $90, gas-powered versions cost an average of $300. You'll spend more on a gas pressure washer due to its more powerful performance. Keep in mind that the parts for a gas-powered pressure washer cost more than that of an electric washer, so maintaining a gas washer will cost you more than that of an electric washer. Another price difference is usage cost. While you can plug your electric pressure washer into an outlet, your gas washer will require fuel. So you must take the cost of gas into consideration as well.
Speed
Because of the high-powered performance of gas pressure washers, you can blast through home cleaning jobs in a short period of time. This is good if you have a large home or a lot of space on your property that will need regular cleaning.
Electric pressure washers are less powerful, which means cleaning is slower and will take a bit longer.However, if you only have small, light jobs around your home then this shouldn't present a problem.
Noise
The increased power of a gas pressure washer means it is significantly louder than an electric version. While this isn't an issue with commercial businesses, you may have to consider whether the noise may become bothersome to your neighbors. If you're in an area where the homes are in close proximity to each other, an electric washer may be a better idea.
For more information, contact a pressure washer dealer like Environmental Cleaning Systems.
