What's the Best Pressure Washer for My Home
We’ve discussed several times how important it is to maintain a clean exterior. Cleaning your home once or twice yearly refreshes its curb appeal and removes any dirt, grime, mold, and mildew that has been building up. This task is made much simpler with a pressure washer. Of course, not all pressure washers are created equal. The best pressure washer for your home is one that delivers the proper power and control for your needs. Let’s discuss how one pressure washer might differ from another to help you determine what your home needs.
Gas or Electric?
All pressure washers can be separated into two main categories: gas-powered or electric-powered. Both power sources have their pros and cons. Electric washers, for instance, are less expensive, lower-maintenance, and usually easier to control than their gas-powered counterparts. That said, gas pressure washers deliver more power and mobility. Both electric and gas washers can be used for residential pressure washing projects – the type of washer you opt for will depend on your budget, the surface you’re washing, and how much power and mobility are required for the job.
Understanding PSI and GPM
Speaking of power, the next thing to consider is how much power your washer is dishing out. These power ratings are measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) and gallons per minute (GPM). The former tells you how much pressure is delivered to a given area (i.e., its power) while the latter indicates the amount of water delivered in a given time (i.e., how fast it shoots out). Multiplying PSI and GPM together can help you determine just how powerful your washer is compared to other models.
The ideal PSI and GPM ratings for your purposes will depend on what you’re pressure washing. Washers that offer PSIs in the 1,300-1,800 range are optimal for milder, less frequent cleaning projects, such as shutters, cars, lawn furniture, spot cleaning, and light mold removal (these are typically electric). Residential gas pressure washers usually offer power in the 2,000-3,000 PSI range, which is better for more heavy-duty jobs, including deck washing, stain removal, and pavement cleaning. Lastly, industrial/professional-grade gas-powered pressure washers can exceed 4,000 PSI, making them perfect for the toughest jobs (e.g., industrial cleaning, paint stripping, graffiti removal, etc.).
Accessorizing for Different Jobs
Pressure washers can also accept different nozzles and attachments that serve specific purposes. If you want to pressure wash your gutters, for instance, you’ll want to attach a gutter cleaning accessory, which is hooked to provide the optimal angle for this project. You can also find rotating brushes, extension wands, and more – just make sure the accessories you purchase are compatible with your machine and suited for your purposes.
Technique Matters as Much as the Tool
Seeking the perfect pressure washer for your home is important. Equally as important, however, is knowing how to properly go about exterior power washing once you’ve got the tool in your hands. Though most pressure washers are fairly straightforward, practitioners must be mindful of their distance from the surface they’re cleaning, as well as the angle at which they hold the nozzle. At worst, improper technique can damage surfaces and put those nearby in danger – at the very least, poor technique can result in a less efficient cleaning job. For these reasons, we at Nash Painting recommend hiring pressure washing services to wash your home. Our experienced contractors know how to use all types of pressure washers so your home gets the cleaning it deserves. We’ve washed and painted countless homes across Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin, TN, and the results speak for themselves.
To learn more about us, our services, and our values, call us at 615-829-6858 today!