Flood damage restoration often leads to a noticeable increase in your electricity bill due to equipment like dehumidifiers, air movers, and water extraction units running continuously, using a lot of power. The longer this equipment runs, especially in severe cases of flood damage, the higher your energy consumption—and your bill—will be.
Using energy-efficient machines and being smart about electricity use can help reduce these costs a bit. However, most insurance policies do not cover the increased electrical costs, so it is important to prepare for a higher bill.
Keep reading to learn more on the typical electrical costs involved in flood restoration and ways to manage these costs effectively.
How Much Will Your Power Bill Increase During Flood Restoration?
It has been reported that some household have seen their electrical bills as much as quadruple after flood incidents, particularly when drying and restoration efforts require continuous power use.
For instance, one household saw their monthly bill increase from $200 to over $800 due to prolonged use of drying equipment and heating systems during restoration.
Depending on the severity of the flood, you could expect an increase ranging from 200% to 400% in your electricity bill during the restoration phase, especially if multiple appliances are running at full capacity.
Why Does Flood Restoration Lead to Higher Electricity Usage?
Use of Industrial Equipment
These machines are essential for drying out water-damaged areas, but their constant use can lead to a higher electricity bill. The following are some of the equipment typically used during flood restoration.
- Dehumidifiers: These large units run non-stop to remove moisture from the air, helping to prevent mould and structural damage.
- Air Movers: Powerful fans circulate air to speed up drying. They often run 24/7.
- Water Extraction Units: Industrial pumps work tirelessly to remove standing water from floors and carpets.
- Heaters: In some cases, specialised heaters are used to speed up evaporation, operating around the clock.
While these machines are efficient, their continuous use during flood restoration means they consume a lot of electricity. Managing this equipment efficiently and considering energy-saving practices can help reduce some of the costs. However, the need for these industrial machines is a main reason why flood restoration can lead to a noticeable increase in electricity usage.
Extended Operating Hours
The size of the flooded area and how long does water damage restoration take also impacts electricity usage. Larger spaces need more equipment and longer drying times, which further increases energy consumption. If your home or building has significant water damage, the equipment may need to run for days or even weeks, depending on how severe the flooding is.
To manage energy use, monitor and maintain your drying equipment. Regularly check the machines to ensure they’re working correctly, as any malfunction can lead to wasted energy. Adjusting the settings to match the specific needs of your space can also help reduce power usage.
Heating and Ventilation Systems
Running heating and ventilation systems non-stop can significantly increase your electricity usage. Keeping the temperature and humidity at optimal levels is essential for effective drying.
Industrial fans, dehumidifiers, air movers, and heating systems are powerful tools that work around the clock to circulate air, remove excess moisture, and help water evaporate faster from carpets, walls, and floors.
While using this equipment continuously ensures efficient drying, it also leads to higher electricity bills. Proper ventilation is crucial to avoid mould and further damage, yet it contributes to increased energy consumption.
While these systems are necessary, you can save on costs by using efficient drying methods and reducing equipment operation time when possible.
How to Minimise the Electrical Costs of Flood Restoration
Flood restoration can be costly, but you can take steps to reduce the electrical expenses. The following are some of the steps you may consider.
- Choose Energy-Efficient Equipment: Select dryers and dehumidifiers that use less electricity. These machines are designed to be efficient and will help keep your utility bills low.
- Insulate and Seal: Make sure the affected area is well-insulated and properly sealed. This helps maintain the temperature, reducing the need for extra heating or cooling.
- Target Specific Areas: Focus on drying the most important spots first. This prevents overuse of equipment and saves energy.
- Maintain HVAC Systems: Regular maintenance of your heating and cooling systems ensures they work efficiently after the restoration.
Who Pays for the Electricity During Flood Restoration?
When it comes to paying for electricity during flood restoration, the costs can fall on either the homeowner or the tenant. It is important to check if your insurance policy covers the increased electrical expenses.
Some policies may offer partial or full reimbursement. Additionally, knowing how much does flood restoration usually cost can help you budget better and avoid surprise costs.
Homeowner vs. Tenant Responsibilities
As a homeowner, you usually cover the electricity bill since it’s part of property maintenance. For tenants, it can be more complicated. Your lease might say you’re responsible, especially if the flood damage was your fault.
No matter your situation, it’s smart to talk about electricity cost responsibilities with your landlord, insurance company, or restoration contractor. This can give you a clear idea of what to expect and help you prepare for any extra expenses.
Insurance Coverage for Increased Electrical Bills
Many people are surprised to learn that most insurance policies do not cover the increased electrical bills that come with flood restoration. Instead, flood and water damage insurance coverage focuses on property damage and the costs of restoration. This means you are generally responsible for paying for the electricity used to run fans, dehumidifiers, and other drying equipment during the restoration process.
The added electrical costs can vary depending on the size of the affected area, the extent of the water damage, and how long the restoration takes. It is important to be prepared for a potential spike in your electrical bill during this time.
However, there are ways to manage these costs. Using energy-efficient equipment, ensuring proper insulation, and strategically using electricity can help reduce the impact on your bill. You might also consider consulting with your restoration company or electric utility provider for energy-saving tips.
Monitoring your electricity usage closely can also provide insights into how to keep costs down.
How to Address an Unexpected Surge in Your Electricity Bill After Flood Restoration
- Check Your Equipment Usage: Look at how many dehumidifiers and air movers you used and for how long. These machines running non-stop can really add to your electricity costs.
- Monitor Energy Consumption: Keep track of how much energy each piece of equipment uses. Many machines have built-in meters, or you can use an external monitor to get accurate readings.
- Consider Energy-Efficient Equipment: If you’re still in the process of drying out your home or think you might need to again in the future, it’s worth investing in energy-efficient models. They use less power but still get the job done.
- Schedule Equipment Use: If possible, try to run your equipment at different times. Using them during off-peak hours can sometimes save you money, as electricity rates are often lower then.
Worried About How Flood Restoration Might Impact Your Electrical Bill?
Flood restoration can significantly affect your energy costs, but taking swift action can help minimise long-term expenses. At RestorePro, we specialise in efficient flood restoration services that not only restore your home but also help manage energy usage during the drying process.
Don’t let water damage drive up your electrical bill. For an expert assessment and cost-effective solutions, contact RestorePro today at 0800 843-776 or email info@restorepro.co.nz.