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Electric Pressure Washers Are Great Fuel Saving Alternatives to Gas

22 November 2011 636 views No Comment


Read in-depth electric pressure washers reviews and find out which are the best electric washers for your home. See the pros and cons of electric models.

karcher-k5-540-x-series-pressure-washer

Karcher K5.540 X Series Pressure Washer

Pressure washers are powered by, either electric or liquid fuels such as gas, petrol, diesel or propane. Gas-based pressure washers are common for many reasons, although electric pressure washers have recently become more popular. There have been many risks associated with gas pressure washers; so many people are choosing either petrol or electric ones. Both the petrol and electric washers can be found in commercial and domestic variations, as well as featuring cold and hot water options, and some even with steam. When choosing your type of pressure washer, there are a few things to consider, of ecological, economic and practical nature.


Electric Pressure Washers

Electric pressure washers are great since they can be easily connected to any standard socket and are much cheaper to run than liquid fuel pressure washers. Also, replacing liquid fuels with electricity has been regarded as more responsible ecologically, which therefore is more preferable in today’s eco-friendly environment. Electric models are also generally lighter than their counterparts, which make them easier to use around the home. What makes them really great is that they are very versatile and are produced in several different types of models from home-based, to intense commercial models. Another advantage is the noise factor; liquid fuel engines can run from noisy to extremely noisy, while electric motors tend to be much quieter. I have an in-depth comparison between gas and electric washers in my article on How To Choose A Pressure Washer.

While they do have many pros there are a few cons to owning an electric pressure washer. To use one, an electric power socket must be accessible at all times and without an extension cable. This sometimes restricts the user to a certain area of space. This also means that only areas near electric systems can be cleaned, unless you use long electric cables to reach the far-away areas. Since power washers are designed for outdoor use, this can sometimes become a problem.

Before you can understand how any pressure washing machine will work you must first understand all of the parts involved in these powerful washing machines.

  • One of the most important parts of the pressure washer is its water pump. The water pump is responsible for generating the power for cleaning, by producing the highly pressurized water. The water pump functions with a motor, which is then powered by your type of pressure washer.

  • The second most important part is the pressure washer’s hose. The hose is important, due to the fact it can endure temperatures as high as 330° Fahrenheit, and pressures as high as 8000 per square inch. Good pressure washers usually have wire reinforced, double layered hoses. There should be an outer layer of either rubber or thermoplastic, although rubber is a better material for a pressure washing hose.

  • Nozzles are another important feature of pressures. Standard pressure washers come with a variety of different nozzles that feature several spray patterns for different applications. The first type of nozzle creates the deepest impact in a tiny area with a very thin stream; best used for commercial cleaning. The second type is ideal for old finish and paint stains, and sprays in a fanlike pattern. The third kind removes debris from the ground, and forms a large fan spray shape. The fourth type produces the largest fanlike spray pattern. Although it produces the widest spray pattern, it is the best and gentlest for washing delicate areas. Other varieties available are steam nozzles that produce a hot wet steam, with temperatures of up to 330°F. These models only come standard with machines that have a steam temperature option, or are capable of being used as hot water, steam, cold water or pressure washing equipment. If you’d like to read more, check out my article on Pressure Washer Nozzles.


How Electric Pressures Work

Pressure washers function by blasting water through a tiny nozzle. The super pressurized water is forced to cross any surface, which allows the machine the power to blast away deposits and stubborn residues. Differences in power can be attained by choosing either a pressure washer with steam or heat, which will increase its cleaning power. Industrial and commercial users, also have several options to choose among several pressure levels and flow rates, each offering several levels of power with different applications. Changing nozzle sizes can also offer different cleaning ability.

Even the best pressure washers require careful use and maintenance. Retailer John Hoch at pressurewashersdirect.com recommends a few tips on how to keep your electric pressure washers running like new:

  1. Gasoline pressure washers need more care than electric pressure washers, although the pumps on both need to be carefully winterized.
  2. Warm up the pressure washers hose in the sun before using it, to prevent kinks in the hose, which will eventually lead to damage.


Recommended Electric Pressure Washers

Below are a couple of the top ranked models that I have found on the market today. They are efficient and powerful and will surely get your cleaning job done. Click here for a complete list of the best electric pressure washers that I’ve been able to review for this site.


ar-blue-clean-ar383-pressure-washer

AR Blue Clean AR383 Pressure Washer

AR Blue Clean AR383

This pressure washer has a 1.5 GPM flow rate and is rated at 1900 psi, which means it has plenty of power to wash sidewalks or decks. The AR Blue Clean AR383 is manufactured by Annovi Reverberi, which is known for making high-quality pumps. This washer comes highly recommended due to the fact of its triplex plunger pump. Other unique features include an automatic stop system that will shut down when you take your finger off of the trigger. It has a hose reel that comes standard. This machine is good for basic cleaning around your home, although if you want to wash larger areas a more powerful washer may be required.

Pros

  • Budget pressure washer
  • Electric and reasonably priced
  • Turbo nozzle
  • Triplex pump plunger

Cons

  • One-year warranty
  • Universal motor

I have a full review of the AR Blue Clean AR383 Pressure Washer for you to check out. You can also go to Amazon.com to search for the best deals on the AR Blue Clean AR383.


Karcher K5.540 X Series

Another great model to take a look at that I rated as the number one electric pressure washer is the Karcher K 5.540 X Series. This washer has a high tech water cooled induction motor that is more durable, longer lasting, and will run cooler and more efficiently than a standard universal motor. This model is able to blast out water at 2,000 psi and 1.4 gallons per minute making it a strong cleaner. It also has a built-in cleaning solution tank so that you can use it to pre-wash your deck or siding with detergent. The Karcher K5.540 also has a lot of optional accessories that you can choose from, including an extension wand for hard to reach surfaces, a pipe cleaning kit, and a deck and driveway cleaner which will keep the washer at a constant distance from the surface you are cleaning to prevent streaks. If have an in-depth Karcher K5.540 X Series Pressure Washer review on this site if you’d like to read more about it. To check for the Best Prices for the Karcher K 5.540 X Series Pressure Washer click here.


Even the cheapest pressure washer offers at least fifteen times the pressure of a simple garden hose. This makes the job of washing lawn furniture, bicycles cars or whatever, much easier and faster. Also, pressure washers use only around one fifth of the water that a garden hose uses to do the same job. While most gas washers are more powerful, even the cheap electric models are fine for cleaning most of the same items. The electric washers are more environmentally friendly and easier to use than most gas models, and can even clean a mid-sized deck.


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