The practice of overstating performance specs is all too common in the restoration industry. 

The problem is that restorers, distributors and insurance adjusters all rely on accurate information to do their jobs, and the consequences of having the wrong information are quite serious.  

Accurate information means everything in the water restoration field. Not only does it help restorers and distributors compare, select and make educated choices when buying inventory, but it also factors into how to dry out a structure. Clean Trust approved courses use published specifications to teach restorers how to calculate the amount and types of equipment needed on a job, and restorers use that information to determine equipment placement every day. 

Inaccurate specifications, however, put businesses and the financial well-being of restorers, distributors, insurance adjusters and manufacturers at risk. Securing certification of equipment performance specifications by an independent, third-party (nationally or internationally) recognized organization that tests according to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) will keep the industry on track for accuracy. 

When making a precise calculation about equipment requirements on a water damage job, select drying equipment based on accurate third-party verified specs. Without that consideration, a situation can be drastically under-dehumidified, and the technician may leave the job thinking that it’s drying when it’s really not. Buildings and homes can be left wet too long, resulting in mold or other long-term problems.

Inaccurate amp draw specifications can lead to blown fuses, damage to electrical equipment, and even cause smoke and fire damage. The practice of overstating specs significantly increases the risk of a lawsuit for equipment not meeting its performance claims, or for a job that doesn’t dry properly.

Restorers need to know the true capabilities and limitations of their equipment so that they can know they’re making the right buying decision and doing a thorough job. Distributors deserve to have accurate information when marketing equipment to customers so that they – along with insurance adjusters – can be assured that they won’t be held liable if equipment doesn’t perform due to incorrect claims.  

If a dehumidifier’s water removal performance at “AHAM” (80°F/60% RH) has been verified by a third-party laboratory under contract with the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), the dehumidifier will bear the “AHAM Certified” seal and/or marketing materials will state that specifications have been “AHAM verified.” It’s also important to check serial labels to be sure that units are ETL tested to UL and C-UL/CSA standards for safety.  

Unfortunately, the practice of overstating claims to make an equipment sale is still common in the industry. This practice undermines the integrity and professionalism of the entire restoration industry. By using third-party verified performance specs the industry will set a standard for truth in performance specifications, minimizing risk within the industry, and supporting a new and much needed level of professionalism in the water damage and restoration field.  

Brandon Burton is the technical education manager for the Restoration Sciences Academy, a part of Legend Brands. He has served the restoration community for more than 15 years as an IICRC instructor, ANSI/IICRC S500 chair, RIA restoration council member, and many other industry roles. You can contact Burton at brandonb@rsa-hq.com.