Getting a tool that can help you maintain the appearance of your home is exciting. Not only will you be able to take pride in how your house looks, but also do a better job while putting in less effort and spending less time on it. Buying a pressure washer is one of the best investments you can make since it enables you to clean the exterior of your home efficiently. However, there are 10 main things to consider before buying your first pressure washer. 

1. PSI

The pushing force of water coming out of the nozzle is called pressure, and it’s measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). The best pressure washers have an output ranging from 1,300 to 3,500 PSI. When you are buying your first pressure washer, consider how you intend to use it before determining the best PSI. For example, if you will be using it for light-duty cleaning of outdoor items such as furniture and cars then the pressure in the range of 1,300 to 2,400 PSI is sufficient. You would require a higher PSI if you are going to clean heavy equipment or surfaces such as siding, patio furniture, grills, and cars.

2. Types Of Pressure Washers

There are two types of pressure washers – gas-powered and electric. Each type has its own pros and cons. Gas-powered pressure washers are best for heavy-duty tasks, such as cleaning decks or vehicles. They are also best for cleaning lawn furniture, gutters, walkways, sidewalks, driveways, roofs, and much more. Electric pressure washers, on the other hand, are ideal for light-duty cleaning tasks such as washing cars or outdoor furniture. They are also suitable for cleaning siding, windowsills, walls, patio furniture, grills, and so on. However, it’s important to note that certain pressure washers let you switch the intensity of water pressure between low and high. 

3. Price Point

When it comes to getting your first pressure washer, try to research as much as you can. You can do this on YouTube, by reading online articles about it, or by asking questions from people who already own one in order to be able to tell what a good price is – you don’t want to overpay something for no reason. Another good option is to compare manufacturers’ websites. Once you’re familiar with the different features of pressure washers and what you need, consider how much you’re willing to spend before you start your search for the ideal pressure washer to suit your needs. 

4. Detergent Use

You can choose between pressure washers that use detergents and those that don’t. Detergents help break up stains more easily, which means they are suitable for cleaning cars or other outdoor items which have grease stains or mildew on them. If you only plan to use the pressure washer for things that don’t really need the detergent, then you can go for a model that doesn’t have this feature. However, practically all models that do have the feature don’t require detergent to work like a regular pressure washer, which makes them more versatile because you can use the same device for different jobs.

5. Customer Reviews

It’s important to read what other customers are saying about the product you’re planning to get. More often than not, they can help you identify potential issues with it, such as leaks or malfunctions caused by the poor assembly. However, don’t be discouraged if there are negative reviews for a model that has high ratings overall – remember that different people have different expectations. In other words, one customer might be happy with a product even if it doesn’t meet the criteria of other users. The number of positive reviews is a good indication of how useful a pressure washer can be.

6. Nozzles And Accessories

You should also look at the nozzles and accessories that come with the pressure washer. If you’re planning to use it for a big project, such as cleaning large surfaces like patios or sidewalks, then you will need a bigger nozzle with more pressure in order to get things clean in just one pass. However, if there is something else you need to do or if it’s your first pressure washer, and you only want to experiment, then a smaller nozzle can make quick work of things like sidewalk stains. Of course, a smaller nozzle means that the pressure coming out will be higher because it’s concentrated on a smaller area.

7. GPM

GPM, or gallons per minute, is another way of measuring how powerful a pressure washer is. The higher the GPM, the more efficient it will be at getting rid of stubborn stains and dirt on the first attempt. However, keep in mind that you should only get a model with a high GPM if you know that there are multiple things that need to be done, or if you’re planning to use it for a big project. In addition, higher GPM does not always mean more pressure because the PSI can stay practically the same even if there’s a change in GPM.

8. Size And Weight

When it comes to getting a pressure washer, consider how bulky and heavy the model is before buying it. Since you’ll probably be using this tool inside your garage or outside, you don’t want it to take up too much space. In addition, if there are stairs involved in getting from where you plan on storing it to where you’re likely to use it, then it’s important to take into account how much effort you’ll need to put forth in order to carry the pressure washer with you. That said, you don’t want to go for the lightest model, otherwise, it can be too flimsy.

9. Upkeep

You should also consider how easy it is to clean the pressure washer. This comes particularly in handy if there are lots of parts that need regular cleanings, such as the nozzles or detergent tank, so you can simply detach these components and run them through the water instead of having to disassemble everything first. However, you might want to disassemble the device once every two years in order to thoroughly clean all the parts and get rid of any mold or debris that might have accumulated in the meantime, which means you want the assembly process to be as simple as possible.

10. Noise Levels

You should also consider how loud a pressure washer is going to be. While this may not seem like a big deal to you, if you’re an early bird, you might want to consider how the neighbors are going to feel if they’re woken up because of the pressure washer. There are some models that use mufflers to lower the noise level, so make sure to pick one of these if you don’t want your housework sessions to get too noisy. In addition, generally speaking, electric models tend to be quieter than gas models, however, that will vary from one device to the other.

With these 10 tips in mind, you should be able to find the perfect pressure washer for your needs, whether it’s your first purchase or not. With just a little bit of research, you can get yourself a more efficient tool with better value for money, and enjoy making your home look beautiful again.