There are several types of water heaters available for pressure washer applications. Most of these are instantaneous types (tank-less) with coils or heat exchangers that heat the water as it’s required. Most carwash systems utilize these types of heaters and feed storage tanks to provide reserve capacity which allows for smaller heaters.

Most heaters used with pressure washers are designed to withstand very high pressures and utilize steel or stainless steel coils. Higher quality heaters are made with heavy wall (sch. 80) pipe, have stainless steel enclosures and offer the most up to date heater and gas controls. Heating equipment should be approved by  organizations such as CSA to ensure they are manufactured to meet all safety requirements.

Pressure washer heaters will heat with natural gas, propane (LP), fuel oil/diesel or to a lesser degree electricity.

Natural gas and propane are very clean burning and efficient and are normally used in stationary applications.

Fuel oil/diesel fired heaters are well suited to portable applications but can also be used for stationary applications.

Heaters should always be sized to the capacity of the pressure washer. This provides the most cost effective and efficient combination.