With spring here, we’re all eager to take care of our outdoor spaces during the sunny days. Pressure washers are ideal for quick and efficient cleaning, perfect for keeping patios, decks, outdoor furniture, sheds and even vehicles dirt-free.
However, improper use of pressure washers can lead to increased energy bills and water usage, and with energy bills continuing to rise in the UK, it is vital that pressure washers are used wisely. Property maintenance expert Gregory Smith from PriceYourJob.co.uk shares some tips on how to save money while keeping your garden looking its best.
“Pressure washers typically consume between 1,400 and 2,800 watts of power and cost between 34p and 68p an hour to run at today’s prices,” the report said.
It depends on whether you choose a high-pressure or low-pressure washer, but they are generally more economical than using a standard hose and grease because they require less water to get the job done.
The type of pressure washer you buy will also make a difference. Gregory recommends using an electric pressure washer, such as the Bosch Pressure Washer EasyAquatak 120, which is currently on Amazon’s Spring Sale Day sale with the price reduced from £109.99 to £92.99.
Bosch pressure washers come with different attachments, including patio cleaners, detergent nozzles and cleaning brushes, and can be adjusted to suit what you’re cleaning, so whether you need a gentle stream of water to rinse your car, or a more powerful jet to remove stubborn dirt from your driveway.
Currently, Kärcher also has some great deals on its range of high-pressure washers, offering a variety of options to suit a variety of needs.
Gregory recommends going electric rather than gas because electric pressure washers are more cost-effective than gas-powered ones. While electric pressure washers use more electricity, the average price of petrol in the UK is currently £1.50 per litre, while petrol pressure washers generally have a higher initial cost and are therefore more expensive to buy.
You can also consider factors such as water usage and pressure applied. According to Gregory: “Most household chores in the UK can be handled by a washing machine with 1,500–2,500 PSI. Higher PSI models (3,000+) will use more water and energy than necessary.”
He added: “There is a strong focus on water efficiency in the UK, with households on a water meter paying an average of £1.50 per cubic meter of water. Choosing a washing machine with a lower LPM (e.g. 5-8 LPM) will reduce water usage.”
To save even more money, why not connect your pressure washer to a rain barrel instead of the main water source? Currently priced at £49.78, the Mini Rainsaver 100L Bucket Kit comes with a lid, tap, base and rainwater diverter kit to help store rainwater.
Not only is this a great way to hook up your pressure washer, but it also helps save money on things like watering your plants. You can also try using your pressure washer during off-peak electricity times (between 11pm and 6am) to save on energy costs if you’re on an Economy 7 electricity bill.
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