Your sump pump is an essential part of your home’s flood prevention system. But have you ever wondered how much electricity a sump pump uses?
The answer may surprise you.
Of course, some factors can affect how much electricity your sump pump uses. For example, if your sump pump has to work harder to move water out of your home, it will use more electricity.
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How Much Electricity Does A Sump Pump Use?
Before we answer that, let’s first understand the factors that affect a sump pump’s power consumption. There are different factors that will affect how much electricity your sump pump uses.
Motor power
Motor power is one of the main factors. A higher horsepower pump will use more electricity than a lower horsepower pump. The average sump pump has 1/3 horsepower, but some have 1/2 horsepower. There are also sump pumps that come in 1 horsepower motor. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean a higher horsepower pump is more efficient. A higher horsepower pump may be able to move water out of your home faster, but it will also use more electricity.
Type of Sump Pump
The sump pump you have will also affect how much electricity it uses. For example, a submersible sump pump will use less electricity than a pedestal sump pump because the latter has to work harder to move water. This is because submersible pumps are more efficient at moving water. They are also less likely to overheat since they are submerged in water.
Run time
The length of time your sump pump runs will also affect how much electricity it uses. If your sump pump runs for an hour, it will use more electricity than if it only runs for 10 minutes. When the motor is restarted, it consumes extra power, and, if the pump can run till the basin is dry, it will use less electricity.
Frequency of Use
How often your sump pump is used will also affect its power consumption. For example, if you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, your sump pump will be used more often and use more electricity. On the other hand, if you live in an area with little rain, your sump pump won’t be used as often and won’t use as much electricity.
Age of the machine
The age of your sump pump will also play a role in how much electricity it uses. An older sump pump will not be as energy-efficient as a newer one. This is because newer sump pumps are designed to be more energy-efficient.
What about the Cost of Running a Sump Pump?
The cost of running a sump pump will depend on your electricity rate. The average sump pump uses about 10 kWh of electricity each month. Make sure you’re not using more than your circuits can handle. You might trip the fuse if you overload them.
Small pumps, such as those with a rating of 1/4 HP, 1/3 HP, and 1/2 HP, cost around $10 to $20 per month to run. Larger pump motors of 1 horsepower or greater will set you back an additional $30 to $40 each month in electricity costs. Keep in mind that the price will rise during the rainy and spring months when snow is melting due to rising groundwater levels.
How to Take Control of the Electricity Use
It is imperative to take control of the electricity your sump pump uses. There are a few ways you can do this:
Reduce the run time
One way to reduce the electricity your sump pump uses is to reduce the run time. You can do this by ensuring your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris. This will help reduce the amount of water that flows into your sump pit and, as a result, reduce the amount of time your sump pump has to run. In addition, it draws in additional energy every time the motor is restarted. Therefore, if the pump can run until the basin is dry, it will use less power.
Select the Right Size of Pump
Another way to reduce the electricity your sump pump uses is to select the right size of the pump. A larger pump will use more electricity than a smaller one. You don’t need a large pump if you have a small basement. You can save on energy costs by choosing a smaller pump.
Choose the Right Type of Sump Pump
You can also save on electricity costs by choosing the right type of sump pump. For example, a submersible sump pump is more energy-efficient than a pedestal sump pump. This is because submersible pumps are more efficient at moving water.
Reduce the Frequency of Use
You can reduce the frequency of use by installing a battery backup system. This way, your sump pump will only come on when absolutely necessary. This can help reduce the amount of electricity your sump pump uses.
Install a Flo-Control valve
Another way to reduce the electricity your sump pump uses is to install a Flo-Control valve. This valve is installed on the discharge pipe of your sump pump. It works by controlling the water flow coming out of your sump pit. This helps reduce the amount of time your sump pump has to run.
Replace an older model with a new one
If you have an older model sump pump, you may want to consider replacing it with a newer model. Newer models are designed to be more energy-efficient than older models. As a result, they will use less electricity and save you money on your electricity bill.
Choose an energy-efficient model
When shopping for a new sump pump, choose an energy-efficient model. Energy-efficient models use less electricity and save you money on your electricity bill.
Conclusion
The amount of electricity your sump pump uses will depend on several factors, including the type of sump pump you have, the length of time it runs, how often it is used, and the age of the machine. You can take control of the electricity your sump pump uses by following the tips above. Doing so will help you save money on your electricity bill.
We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below.
