Choosing Between Cold And Hot Water Pressure Washing Systems
Pressure washes can be a great way to get walls, floors, homes and other items clean. They tend to work faster than doing the job by hand. The big question tends to be which type of pressure washer is needed in any given case. One way to divide pressure washers is by the type of water they use -- hot or cold. Hot water pressure washing systems and cold water pressure washing systems each have their pros and cons.
Effectiveness
When choosing between hot and cold water pressure systems in any given category, hot water systems will win for effectiveness. The hot water makes them more effective when cleaning anything that has oil or grease spilled on it. However, if you don't need to clean up an oily, greasy mess, then a cold water system may be good enough for your needs, as they're very effective for cleaning up dirt and most other types of grime. Adding detergent to a cold water system can make it closer in effectiveness to that of a hot water system.
Cost
Cold water pressure washing systems in any given category will be less expensive than hot water systems, as the hot water systems are more complicated. It also tends to be cheaper to maintain these systems due to this less complicated design.
Time Savings
Either a hot or cold pressure washer will save time over cleaning something by hand, but those that need to frequently use a pressure washer may want to go for a hot water system, as these tend to work faster than those that use cold water, helping to save even more time.
Size and Mobility
People who need to be able to move the pressure washer around a lot may want to opt for a cold water system, because these tend to be smaller and easier to move around. They also take up less space when they need to be stored, which can be handy for those who are a bit short on space and don't need to use a pressure washer very often.
Other Considerations
In some cases, such as when wood is involved, a cold water system is better, as a hot water system could damage the wood. However, a hot water pressure washer can be used during more times of the year than one that uses cold water. If the temperature is too cold and a cold water pressure washer is used, it could cause icing, which could, in turn, lead to damage.
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