Commercial vs home pressure washers
Commercial vs home pressure washers
Blog Article
Commercial vs home pressure washers
You know you need a powerful pressure washer for the next cleaning job, but what kind do you need? The answer depends!
It would help to consider what you use the pressure washer for and how much power you need. Of course, there are some other factors at play as well. This is where things get a little complicated.
Today, we will help you decide which equipment is right for you in our deep dive into the commercial vs. home pressure washer debate.
We'll cover everything you need to know, including the pros and cons of each and where you can find a high-quality power washer. We have a lot to cover today, so let's save time!
Home pressure washer
Home pressure washers are perfect for cleaning your roof, deck, or patio, the undercarriage of your truck, and all kinds of other messes you have around the house.
You can use your garden hose with a high-intensity nozzle. But if you've used a hand pressure washer before, we don't need to convince you of the benefits of a high-power pressure washer. You really can't beat the cleaning power pressure washing offers.
These days, there are all kinds of pressure washers to choose from, and countless options for homeowners. They are the perfect balance of power and affordability.
Commercial pressure washer
On the other hand, commercial pressure washers are used for industrial cleaning tasks. Some common uses are cleaning industrial equipment of dirt, oil, dung, and grime.
Many industries rely on commercial pressure washing systems, including the automotive, construction, food service, trucking, and manufacturing industries.
A home pressure washer will need more cleaning power or durability for these jobs. How can you differentiate between the two and confirm which one you're getting?
Let's take a look.
What is the difference between a commercial and a home pressure washer?
Most people consider the difference between a commercial and a home pressure washer to be just power. Pressure washers are rated as PSI—pounds per square inch. The higher the PSI, the more power the pressure washer boasts.
But pressure isn't the only thing that separates commercial pressure washers from home options. Let's look at each and help you understand the key differences.
1) Cleaning power
First and foremost, commercial pressure washers outperform their home counterparts. They are much more powerful and thus better suited for the toughest cleaning jobs.
But what specific PSI makes a pressure washer home vs. commercial? While home users should look for pressure washers between 1,300 and 2,000 PSI, commercial pressure washers fall between 3,200 and 8,000 PSI.
This high level of power may seem overwhelming, but there are instances where such high cleaning power is necessary. This can include anything from graffiti removal to paint stripping, surface preparation, construction cleaning work, fleet maintenance work, and more.
2) Electric pressure washer vs. gas pressure washer
It would help if you also considered how your pressure washer is fueled. There are different ways to operate these power washer machines, the most common being electric pressure washers or gas pressure washers.
While either of these types of equipment can be used for both home and commercial pressure washing, you will most often use an electric pressure washer for home use.
One reason is that gas-powered pressure washers are more of a commercial-style product. Many cleaning jobs are in remote locations where no outlet is accessible. That way, you'll keep a fuel tank and top up your high-power washer throughout the workday.
While commercial operations often use electric pressure washers, gas-powered pressure washers are only sometimes seen in residential situations.
3) Versatility
In addition to being more powerful, commercial pressure washers are more durable and versatile than their residential counterparts. We want to preface that your typical residential power washer is still an excellent appliance.
However, manufacturers go the extra mile with their commercial pressure washing systems. More stringent construction standards characterize them and can withstand the extreme conditions under which they will be placed as commercial equipment.
They are also more versatile - many can be mounted on an ATV for on-the-go use. Thus, commercial washers can be taken around the farm, construction site, etc.
4) Number of operators
Another consideration you should consider is how many people you want to use the pressure washer at once. A residential pressure washer comes with only one wand/hose. And you need it for home use, right?
On the other hand, commercial counterparts may come equipped with one, two, or even three different hoses. In a commercial setting, you want to do the job right, but you also want to get it done as soon as possible. With multiple people running the pressure washer simultaneously, you can work twice as fast—or maybe even three times more quickly!
Commercial vs. home pressure washers: Which specific product is right for you?
We've covered the main differences between commercial vs. home pressure washers - but this is a partial list. Other factors can differentiate these two, but the main ones are listed above.
So now, we are ready to help you choose the right option. It comes down to evaluating the four factors we mentioned above. But there are a few other things to consider before pulling the trigger on your new pressure washing system.
a) How much cleaning power do you need?
The first thing you must consider is how much cleaning power you need. As you now know, this is indicated in the PSI. If you want to clean the deck, driveway, or gutters – a home pressure washer is more than enough.
But, if you need to blast through grease, oil, road grime, and other hard-to-clean gunk, you need a commercial pressure washer. You'll want the most powerful, up to 8,000 PSI!
b) Do you need gas or electricity?
As we mentioned earlier, you also need to consider how you will operate your power washer. If you're working around the house, you'll have no problem finding an outlet, so electric would be the right choice.
However, if you're going to different job sites, you can only sometimes be sure there won't be an outlet near where you need to clean. In that case, you will need a gas-powered washer.
c) Do you need cold or hot water pressure washers?
You came here to learn about home vs. commercial pressure washers, but there's another debate in the pressure washing world: hot water vs. cold water pressure washers.
While they make cold and hot water pressure washers for residential and commercial use, this is another factor you want to consider when shopping. Although hot water washers are more expensive, they offer more cleaning power than cold water pressure washers.
Again, think about the type of cleaning job you are going to use the machine for. If it's just your standard patio cleaning, you don't want hot water - it can strip the wood and make the surface look worse than it already is.
But a hot water pressure washer is the way to go if you're cleaning grease or oil or removing paint from a wall. You can use a hot water pressure washer in many instances.
d) How often are you going to use your pressure washer?
Another thing worth considering is how often you will use your new pressure washing system. Because you may be considering purchasing your unit, you may also want to rent a pressure washer if you only expect to use it.
Investing in yourself and using your pressure washing machine weekly will save you a lot of money in the long run. But you can also consider renting if you only need a pressure washing machine for the odd job around the house.
The main differences between a commercial pressure washer and a non-commercial or home pressure washer
1) Power
First, a commercial-grade pressure washer is more potent than a residential one. Commercial pressure washing machines have much more pressure than your run-of-the-mill models. Commercial ones go up to eight thousand pounds per square inch. Additionally, you can select an electric or gas-powered pressure washer.
On the other hand, non-commercial or home pressure washers, like the ones you usually find at local home improvement stores, are less powerful. They typically fall in the 1,300 to 2,000 PSI range. While gas-powered residential pressure washers can occasionally be found, electric ones are more common.
2) Durability
Commercial pressure washing equipment constantly performs better than residential pressure washers in terms of durability. Those for commercial and industrial use are designed to last longer, perform better, and withstand extreme conditions. Most of them are housed in a casing made of steel for extra strength. Home pressure washers don't compare.
3) Temperature
Most home pressure washers only have one temperature setting. Furthermore, hot water is more effective at cleaning than cold water, especially when it comes to grease and oil. On the other hand, commercial pressure washers can produce both hot and cold water. There are even tri-mode ones that allow you to burst the water pressure of the steam.
Electricity also has a direct effect on temperature. Thus, a more robust commercial pressure washer heats the water in less than 20 seconds. Even if a home pressure washer offers a heating option, it will take some time for the water to get warm enough to use.
4) Use
Washing cars and outdoor furniture is one of the small cleaning tasks that home pressure washers are suitable for. However, a commercial pressure washer is incomparable for more involved and large-scale cleaning tasks. Only a commercial unit can do surface preparation, fleet maintenance, graffiti removal, and water-based paint stripping. Additionally, it's ideal for filthy tasks like cleaning up after construction.
Why go for professional commercial pressure washing?
While it's no secret that commercial pressure washers are better than non-commercial ones, such devices are best left in the hands of trained professionals. Many things can go wrong when you try a DIY approach, including causing costly damage. Here are some essential reasons why you should hire commercial pressure washer companies.
1) Access to equipment
Commercial-grade pressure washers are usually sold in small quantities. You'll only find these at major home improvement stores or online. However, professional pressure washing companies have access to the best commercial pressure washers. Not only this, but they also know how to use them. Even if you rent a commercial pressure washer, you may need to learn how to operate it in a way that cleans surfaces effectively without damaging them.
2) Skills and experience
Let's face it - professionals are far more experienced in this field. They know how to work with all surfaces and use the proper pressure level and nozzle without damaging the material. They also know if to use a cleaning solution and when to use hot water instead of cold.
3) Faster and better results
While you can stress about washing your property yourself, professionals are more likely to get the job done faster and with better results. They already know what to do and how to do it, so they can get started immediately when they arrive at your facility. No time is wasted reading the manual, figuring out how to operate the machine, or figuring out which part goes where.
4) Cheaper in the long run
You might think it's cheaper to rent a pressure washer and do it yourself, but you're not considering the cost of potential damages. There is a higher risk of damage when you take a DIY approach. And you have to pay for the repair of these damages yourself.
However, you can be more confident that the results will be damage-free if you work with a professional pressure-washing business. Reputable businesses will have sufficient insurance coverage to cover these repairs, safeguarding your finances even if they cause damage.
FAQs
1) What PSI pressure washer do I need for commercial use?
A unit rated at 2500 psi or higher is usually sufficient for heavy-duty work; however, higher power, up to 4000 psi, may be needed for cleaning industrial equipment, such as automotive or aircraft components.
2) How long does a commercial pressure washer last?
New pressure washers will be rated by the number of hours they should run. For example, if it is rated for 500 hours and you use it less than 50 hours a year, it will last you more than ten years as long as you maintain it well.
3) Do pressure washers require maintenance?
Maintenance requirements vary between pressure washers, but gasoline-powered models generally require more maintenance than electric models. The owner's manual provides a comprehensive guide on maintaining the best possible performance from your pressure washer.
4) Does a pressure washer use a lot of electricity?
Most electric pressure washers range from 1500-3000 watts. Assuming a 3000-watt electric pressure washer, it will use about 3 kilowatts per hour. This means an electric pressure washer will use about 90 kilowatts of electricity monthly.
5) What makes a pressure washer more powerful?
The PSI rating indicates how much pressure is required to remove the stain. The stronger the chemical bond - the more pressure you have to remove it. Water flow is measured in GPM. The higher the GPM, the more surface area a pressure washer can clean in one minute.
Conclusion
Choosing between a home and a commercial pressure washer depends on specific cleaning needs. A home pressure washer offers plenty of power and convenience for everyday household chores. Meanwhile, a commercial pressure washer is built for heavy-duty use if you're dealing with large areas or running a business that requires strong cleaning capabilities. For those looking for superior performance, consider exploring the BISON pressure washers. Elevate your washing routine today by opening up the possibilities for accessible, high-quality cleaning and experience excellent results with a professional-grade pressure washer. Report this page