If you’re in the market for a pressure washer, or if you’ve been using a cold water unit for a while and are simply wondering about a hot water unit (or vice versa), this discussion is for you. So, what are the big differences between a cold and hot water pressure washer? Let’s sort them out.
Both cold and hot water pressure washers are powerful cleaning tools, even without the use of any kind of cleaning formula. Many people who pressure wash regularly use water alone because high pressure water spray is amazingly effective. That said, there are some significant differences in the way hot and cold water pressure washers clean.
Cold water pressure washers are highly effective in cleaning dirt and grime off driveways, walkways, decks, fences, some outdoor furniture, parking lots, factory floors, heavy equipment and other vehicles and more. As effective as these pressure washers are, however, they can leave behind residue from oily grime that’s resistant to cold water. Nonetheless, cold water pressure washers are used in residential, industrial and commercial settings on a regular basis.
Hot water pressure washers offer some cleaning capacities that cold water units don’t. For example, hot water units can dissolve some grime and oil substances that cold water pressure washers can’t. Some grime and oil resist cold water, and while they may be sprayed off surfaces by cold water under high pressure, they often leave a residue that only a hot water pressure washing can remove. Hot water permeates, dissolves and removes some residues that would be left behind by a cold water pressure washing. In addition, hot water units heat water to temperatures upwards of 200°, so they can disinfect, without the use of additional disinfectants. If you’re responsible for cleaning in a healthcare setting, school, food manufacturing plant or wherever disinfection is required, a hot water pressure washer can be an excellent solution. Hot water units are also often used to clean oily grime off heavy equipment.
Cold pressure washers cost less to operate simply because they don’t heat water. They also typically cost less upfront because they don’t include a built-in heater. Hot water pressure washers cost more than cold water units both to operate and to purchase upfront. As they operate, they use extra energy to heat water via their built-in heater. This extra energy adds to the operation cost, and the built-in heater adds to the purchase price.
If you have cleaning needs that require both cold and hot water pressure washing, keep in mind that you can usually use a hot water pressure washer as a cold water washer simply by turning off its heater. A cold water pressure washer, on the other hand, is not engineered to use hot water. (Also, using hot water in a cold water unit is not recommended.) If you have any questions about a pressure washer of interest, be sure to ask a Northern Tool + Equipment expert in a retail store near you, or chat with an expert online.
