An important part of homeownership is taking care of house—both inside and out.
After a long winter, the exterior of your house is probably looking a little dull. Dirt and grime have built up along the siding, also well as your driveway and walkways.
There’s a good chance they are in need of a good pressure washing, especially if it’s been a few seasons. If you let it go too long, moss and mildew build-up can eat away at your siding—this costs you money and just plain looks bad.
But before you rush out to buy pressure washer equipment knoxville tn, it’s important to know which one you need. The wrong pressure washer can do some serious damage, like strip the paint off your house or even cause bodily injury.
If you’re in the market for a pressure washer, make sure you know the types of pressure washers so you can select the right one for your needs. Let’s break down what to look for.
Types of Pressure Washers
There are two main types of pressure washers: Gas and electric.
Electric pressure washers are lower power, lower maintenance, and cheaper than gas models. They’re also lighter and easier to move around.
Gas pressure washers are more expensive but will pack in a lot more power. They’ll also need more maintenance but will last for decades.
So what’s going to be the best pressure washer for your needs? It depends on what you want to do with it and how often.
The key is to look at the PSI rating, and what kinds of jobs that machine can handle.
1,300-1,800 PSI
These machines are what’s considered light-duty and are generally going to be electric pressure washers. These will cost you between $80-$150. They’re best for light mildew or mold removal, washing the car, lawn and patio furniture, grills, and outdoor sports equipment like kayaks or motor boats.
1,800-3,000 PSI
This PSI is getting into the heavy-duty range, and most machines with this kind of power will be gas. A model in this range will cost anywhere from $120-$300. These will be best for cleaning patio decks, sidewalks and driveways, house siding, and other general outdoor pressure washing.
Starting here, you may run into trouble if you don’t know what you’re doing. Depending on your needs, you may want to hire a professional. Especially if you’re dealing will multiple years of buildup. Check out your local pressure washing services for more information and determine if this is the right choice for you.
3,000 PSI and higher
At this point, you are dealing with an ultra-heavy-duty machine. They start at about $300 and go up from there. This PSI is for stripping paint, removing graffiti, and serious industrial-grade cleaning of mold, mildew, and other stains.
At these strengths, you can also cause serious bodily harm. These pressures can break through skin and cause blindness if used carelessly. Always be sure to wear the proper PPE when operating—that includes safety glasses, gloves, long-sleeves, and closed-toes boots.
Get the Right Tool for the Job
Now that you know the different types of pressure washers, you have the information you need to be a smart homeowner and get the right powered pressure washer for the job.
Looking for more ways to have your house be the envy of the block? Check out our home improvement section for the latest in home and lawn care to keep your home looking its best.