get word the central differences between these outdoor cleaning machine .

( L ) Jason Donnelly , ( R)vitranc/ Getty Images

Pressure washer are popular home maintenance tool forcleaning decks , terrace rock , and drive . Used on a low setting and with the appropriate technique , pressure washers are also excellent for cleaning fence , siding , and even vehicles .

Gas and electric pressure washer

Credit:(L) Jason Donnelly, (R)vitranc/ Getty Images

press washersare available as gas or electric putz , but before settle which type is suit for your home , it ’s recommended to find out more about the remainder between gasolene vs. electric pressure washers . Use this guidebook to break down the pros and cons of gas and galvanic force per unit area washer so you may figure out the good option for your project .

6 Things to Consider When Deciding Between a Gas vs. Electric Pressure Washer

1. Power

One of the main component to count is the magnate output of the press automatic washer . This is typically assess in two ways : The flow rate , measured in gallons per minute ( GPM ) , is the amount of water the pressure washing machine eject , while the output insistency is measure in Ezra Pound per straightforward in ( PSI ) . eminent - baron tools can be used toscrub concrete , cement , and asphalt , though the high insistency can damage the target surface if the pressure washer is not by rights directed and controlled .

Electric pressure washersare mostly construe aslight - duty power toolsbecause they do not generate the same amount of magnate as gas pressure washers . On average , the power production of an electrical pressure automatic washer will raise about 1.5 to 2.5 GPM at a water pressure of 1,500 to 3,000 PSI . Gas imperativeness washer set out from 2,500 to more than 4,000 pounds per square inch and typically have a catamenia charge per unit between 2.5 and 4 GPM .

If the pressure is too high , the water spraying from a pressure sensation washer could damage the quarry control surface . Depending on the pressure washer type and the unit ’s max psi , a atmospheric pressure washer could even chip patio stones . For this understanding , it ’s important to utilize pressure washers with appropriate acquisition and caveat .

front of home with garage wrap

2. Safety

Safety should always be a primary condition when working withany eccentric of power tool . Pressure washers are no elision . The knock-down atomiser of water produced by these dick is enough to bruise or break peel and can cause permanent equipment casualty to tender surface area of the body , like the eyes or ears .

Given that gas vs. galvanic pressure washers tend to have a higher big businessman output , a gas model presents a higher hazard of hurt than an electric model . However , electric atmospheric pressure washers can still cause physical damage and should not be plow carelessly . These idle - obligation products have a power cord that can create a tripping hazard . Additionally , the motor on both galvanizing and gun pressure washers can get live during usage , so it ’s a skilful idea to keep your hand , arms , and any expose tegument away from the motor and exhaust ports .

3. Maintenance

It can be easy to overlook that even putz usually used for cleaning require regular sustenance . galvanising pressure washers are light-colored and typically easy to defend than gun air pressure washer , but even thesegarden toolsneed semi - regular lubrication to keep the ticker operate on decently . Electric force per unit area washing machine should also be cleaned after every economic consumption .

Gas pressure washers have combustion engines with oil and throttle filter that call for to be changed about once per class . The oil must also be changed when need , and the twinkle plug must be replaced if it fails to check that the pressure sensation washer will start out without an proceeds . Beyond these infrequent maintenance tasks , you also take to keep the ticker lubricated and clean the gas pressure washing machine after each use .

4. Environmental Impact

Before purchasing a unexampled power tool , looking into the ecological monetary value of purchase and using one of these machines is a dependable idea . This should admit the waste material , noise pollution , emissions , and any other impact the instrument has on the local environment . Gas vs. electric pressure level washer have clear differences regarding this question .

Electric pressure washers are the honorable option for low-pitched environmental wallop . They bunk at about 80 dB ( dB ) , around the same level as a standard vacuum cleanser . These tools use clean electrical energy for power , so they do n’t produce emissions or swear on fossil fuels for operation .

Gas press washer are made for power , not environmental protection . They can operate on at a volume of more than 100 dB. For reference , hearing protection is recommended when continuous noise layer exceed 85 dB , which is why it ’s essential to have earplug when work with this creature . The gas and oil used to operate the pressure automatic washer are non - renewable resources that produce harmful emissions , so if you are looking for an eco - well-disposed tool , the galvanic mannikin is a better pick .

white brick house exterior

5. Ease of Use

The way a insistence automatic washer operates should be deal before pick out between gas vs. electric pressure automatic washer . Gas pressure washing machine are more powerful and easier to use forheavy - duty cleaning . You wo n’t have to worry about stumble over a king cord as you form , but throttle insistence washers are loud and produce harmful emanation , so they should only be used outdoors .

galvanic pressure washers are lighter and well-off to move around than gas exemplar . However , you involve to endure a power cord to the unit for the pressure automatic washer to function , which can create a tripping hazard . As long as you do n’t mind watching your step around the force cord , galvanic air pressure washers are worthy for both indoor and outdoor use , making them a good pick for lightcleaning in the service department , barn , or shed .

6. Cost

While the price of a ware trust heavily on the producer , in most cases , there is a significant difference between the price of gas vs. electrical pressure washer . Gas pressure washers are more expensive than electric units , with an average price vagabond from $ 300 to $ 600 . Electric pressure washers fall well below this range , at an average price of $ 100 to $ 400 .

After the initial leverage , electric insistency washers are power byelectricity from the base , while accelerator pedal pressure washers require fuel and oil to function . Generally , the cost of electrical energy is slightly higher than that of gas and rock oil , though the remainder in operating costs is comparatively small .

Gas vs. Electric Pressure Washers

There is a wide range of factors to turn over before determine between gas vs. electric imperativeness washers , including power , safety factors , maintenance requirements , ease of consumption , environmental impingement , and cost . Take some time to weigh the benefits and drawback of each while you determine your needs to detect the good type of insistence automatic washer for your home .

Frequently Asked Questions

Avoid cleanse anything with glass , include electric meters , windows , easy fix , or sliding doors , since the secure pressure can shatter the deoxyephedrine .

A lot bet on how much you use it . Check the rating for your tool , then divide that by how many hours you ’ll use it in a yr . For example , if your pressure washing machine is rated for 500 time of day , and you habituate it for 50 hour each year , you could await it to last for 10 years .

Exterior of house

exterior of house with decorative fence green and gray siding

castle-inspired stucco home

home exterior with stucco siding blue front door

white saltbox house in green field

White garage covered in vines

white home with both modern and traditional elements

A window with a flower box mounted below, filled with white and red flowers

victorian house exterior

blue Colonial home exterior

White house frame section

cottage home with window boxes and trellises

Colonial-style house with landscaped front yard and trees

blue shingled house with wood front doors and stone porch