For homeowners and business owners, an elevator or lift can be a critical investment. A home elevator or stairway lift adds value to a home and convenience and peace of mind for the resident. For businesses, elevators provide accessibility and safety for visiting clients.
Protecting your investment in an elevator or lift is likely high on your list of priorities and regular maintenance will play a big role in its efficient operation and longevity. It also is important to know the life expectancy of the elevator or lift you purchase or the history of a previously installed elevator or lift in a home or business you purchase or acquire.
Lifespan of an elevator
Commercial elevators typically last 20 to 25 years, after which service calls and repair needs begin to render the elevator less cost effective. Businesses owners are usually advised to consider replacing or modernizing an elevator that is more than 20 years old to avoid growing repair expenses, especially if service calls have become more frequent.
Residential lifts will provide anywhere from 20 to 35 years of service depending on the type of unit and how it is used, expertise of installation, and frequency of maintenance. Often a home elevator or lift can be partially updated and, with regular maintenance, can continue safe operation for more than 35 years.
Tips to maintain your elevator or lift:
A quality elevator properly installed and regularly maintained will provide any homeowner or business the most years of service with minimal repairs. You can ensure you get the most cost-effective service from your elevator and get ahead of problems by doing the following:
- Inspect your elevator every day by checking that the panels, buttons, and doors are operating smoothly.
- Log your daily inspections and include details of any concerns you may have.
- Keep detailed records of service calls, repairs, and issues with operation, including dates and times of repairs and how problems were resolved.
- Adhere to weight guidelines by posting signs and educating users.
You can take steps to keep an older elevator running longer by being proactive. Consider the following:
- At 15 years, replace the elevator call station and update the cab interior.
- At 20 years, if your elevator has been maintained and is running well, inspect and consider replacing, the controller, the operating panel inside the car, and the gibs and rollers on the shaft door. You also should replace all cables.
- An elevator that is 30 or more years old should have new machinery and wiring, as well as a replacement hydraulic piston.
If you have an aging elevator or lift in your home or business, Handel & Son Elevator/Lift Co. can help you determine whether repair or replacement is your best option. Call today for information about elevator maintenance and repairs or click here for details about installation of quality elevators and lifts for your home or business.