Pressure washers are powerful tools that make cleaning faster and easier. There are many factors to consider when purchasing a pressure washer. One of the main things to decide is whether to buy a hot water pressure washer or a cold water pressure washer. Which one you choose will depend on your needs and your budget. There are pros and cons to both types of pressure washer.
If you will be cleaning any surfaces that have oil or grease on them, hot water is best. The automotive and restaurant industries are examples of where a hot water pressure washer would perform better.
Washing vehicles, parking lots, driveways, or roads should be done with hot water. In addition to the oil often found on pavement and vehicles, road grime, bugs, and roadkill are also better cleaned using a hot water pressure washer.
For industries where sanitation is important, hot water is the ideal choice. Hospitals and other health care facilities have strict health and safety requirements about cleaning. Restaurant kitchens or food processing plants also require thorough sanitation. In these settings, a hot water pressure washer can provide the intensive cleaning needed.
In general, hot water cleans better than cold. It cleans faster and can be effective without the use of detergents. If detergent is needed, hot water requires less detergent than cold water.
The main drawback of hot water pressure washers is the price. They are quite expensive, ranging from $3,500 for a basic commercial model to $6,000 for a more advanced washer.
Since hot water pressure washers use a more complex system, they are typically more costly to care for. This will add to the overall cost of maintenance.
While hot water often cleans more efficiently, it isn’t the best option for all materials. The heat can melt plastic, causing damage to these surfaces.
Hot water pressure washers are big and cumbersome, making them challenging to maneuver in small spaces. The intense heat and steam can also be unpleasant if working in confined areas.
Cold water pressure washers are ideal for cleaning dirt, sand, mud, or mildew. This makes them a good choice for servicing residential homes. Along with washing home exteriors and siding, cold water is perfect for cleaning decks, fences, and patios.
Much more affordable, cold water commercial pressure washers can be purchased for under $1000. The lower price makes these a good choice for those just getting started in the business.
Since cold water pressure washers have a less intricate system, they are smaller and easier to move around. This makes them a great option for enclosed or hard-to-reach spaces. The simplicity of these machines also means they are less expensive to maintain.
Cleaning with cold water usually requires the use of detergent and typically takes longer than washing with hot water. The added cost of detergent can be significant over time.
Cold water will not efficiently clean oil or grease which limits the businesses you can provide service to. Any cleaning for automotive industries or restaurants is better done with a hot water pressure washer.
Your budget will be a critical factor in deciding what equipment to purchase. Hot water pressure washers are significantly more expensive to purchase and maintain. If your budget is under $3000, you will be limited to a commercial cold water pressure washer.
What you will be cleaning is key to figuring out if you need a pressure washer that uses cold or hot water. Cold water is sufficient for most cleaning including dirt and mildew; however, hot water is highly recommended for surfaces with grease and oil.
The weather you will be working in may influence your decision. Cold water pressure washers should not be used in below-freezing temperatures as the cold can damage the equipment. If you work in a colder climate, a hot water pressure washer is your best bet.
It all depends on what you are cleaning. Hot water breaks up grease and grime at the molecular level. For surfaces that have visible oil or grease, hot water cleans better. Caked on dirt or mud is easily cleaned with cold water.
No. Cold water pressure washers should only be used with cold water. Running hot water in a cold water pressure washer can damage the equipment.
Hot water pressure washers can safely be used in freezing temperatures. Cold water pressure washers should not be used in the winter as the equipment can be easily damaged when the water freezes inside.
Your budget, the surfaces you will be cleaning, and the amount of time you have to clean, should all be considered when you are buying a pressure washer. Taking the time to examine these factors will ensure you get the best pressure washer for your needs.