Recognising the Signs That Home Lift Elevator Requires Modernisation

Lifts and elevators play a significant role in our lives by providing high-speed vertical transportation features. They are the lifeline of high-rise buildings and facilities, and residential elevators, in particular, are a boon for older people and those having mobility-related issues. The absence of timely maintenance and upgrading will result in decreased performance, safety hazards and diminished aesthetic appeal. Not to mention, this will also put rider's safety at risk.

The lift owner must stay attentive to the signs that it's time to upgrade the lift. Failing to detect these signs in residential elevators will result in decreased performance and efficiency, and safety hazards will also be present. You will see that the elevator's aesthetic appeal is also affected by the lack of timely lift modernisation. Here is a post where we discuss some signs that tell that it's time to modernise and upgrade your home lift elevator.

Failing to detect these signs in residential elevators - Oldmateelevators

FREQUENT DOWNTIME AND REPAIR ISSUES

One of the most common signs that tell you that residential lifts need modernisation or upgrading is the increased frequency of breakdowns and system failure. Due to the lack of maintenance, machines and components of residential elevators start wearing away, and due to this, breakdowns and malfunctions become very common. This significantly affects the downtime, and costly repair work becomes a headache for the lift owner. If reliability issues and malfunctioning become common, you must understand that the home lift elevator requires maintenance or repair.

Home lift elevator requires maintenance or repair 

COMPROMISED SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

The owner of the home lift elevator is responsible for passengers' safety as they travel and also for ensuring that residential lifts comply with relevant standards. Home lift elevators that have been ignored will fail to meet safety standards, and it will be assumed that they are unsafe for travel. Poor lift performance and erratic stops are critical indicators of compromised safety. Similarly, inconsistent floor levelling is a straightforward sign to understand that residential lifts are risky and need maintenance or modernisation.

Straightforward sign to understand that residential lifts 

REDUCED PERFORMANCE EFFICIENCY AND USER SATISFACTION

The performance of residential elevators in terms of energy efficiency and user satisfaction plays a significant role in determining the machine's overall effectiveness. If it fails to match the expectations regarding energy efficiency, user satisfaction, safety, comfort and quality, it should be assumed that residential lifts need modernisation and upgrading. Similarly, longer waiting and travel times decrease satisfaction levels, and this is a significant sign that tells you that it's time to upgrade your lift.

 

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Different Residential Lifts Recommended By Elevator Companies

Convenience, mobility, and comfort—all three can be achieved very easily with high-quality residential lifts offered by top lift companies. However, you must be aware of certain factors, as every residential lift will not gel with your property's overall structure. This can be done by understanding different types of residential lifts and how they operate.

Here are some quick details of different residential elevators offered by an elevator service company. Based on their operation and mechanism, there are four different types of elevators.

Details of different residential elevators - Oldmateelevators

WHAT ARE HYDRAULIC ELEVATORS?

Hydraulic elevators are available in three types: conventional, roped, and hole-less. They can achieve a maximum speed of 150 ft per minute and can be used for residential buildings lifts with a maximum of eight storeys.

WHAT ARE TRACTION ELEVATORS?

Traction elevators are available in geared and gearless form, and they use ropes, wheels and electric motors for operation. Traction elevators are easier to control, manage and maintain than hydraulic elevators. They will work well in high-rise and medium-sized buildings. They are faster and more convenient.

Manage and maintain than hydraulic elevators - Oldmateelevators

WHAT ARE SHAFTLESS ELEVATORS?

Shaftless elevators are available in multiple types, and the maximum speed they can achieve is 20 feet per minute. Lift companies offer shaftless elevators for residential properties as they consume very less space and are economical as well. Shaftless elevators are space efficient, as they don't require any space and you can easily fit them in your existing property without any major structural change or renovation. Lift companies can install them simply by cutting a small part of your floor to retrofit the mechanism.

WHAT ARE VACUUM ELEVATORS?

Vacuum elevators are stylish, elegant, and functional. They are used in properties with a maximum of six floors. They are ideal for residential use as they run on suction technology. They are versatile and quite identical to shaftless elevators. They require more maintenance than traction or hydraulic elevators.

Require more maintenance than traction 

WHAT ARE PITLESS ELEVATORS?

Pitless elevators are used for two-storey or mid-rise buildings and travel at the speed of 80 feet per minute maximum. The name clearly signifies that they don't have a pit and the elevator sits on the ground at your home. Yes, they are ideal for residential use and have a small motor and ropes for ascending and descending.

 

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What Are The Unique Advantages Of Using Residential Lifts?

The upper floors of any property become impossible to access for people with disabilities or old age people or those with heart problems. In such situations, residential elevators come to the rescue, as they allow people to access the upper and lower floors very easily without risking their health or their bodies.

Let us talk about the advantages of residential elevators in this post after understanding what residential elevators are.

Residential Lifts access for disable people - Oldmateelevators

WHAT IS A RESIDENTIAL ELEVATOR?

A residential elevator or a home lift elevator is similar to any other lift in buildings. The only difference is that they operate at a much slower speed and have lower capacity than commercial elevators installed in high-rise buildings. The average speed of residential lifts is somewhere around 0.15 m/second. Residential elevators also differ in design compared to commercial elevators. The former has a design that is exclusively for use within a residence, and hence, they are also called single-person lifts. They are quieter, safer and easier to operate.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF RESIDENTIAL ELEVATORS?

These types of installations come with a whole plethora of advantages for people with reduced mobility, disabilities or those suffering from issues like old age, heart disease and so on.

Residential Lifts reduced mobility - Oldmateelevators   

IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE

Residential elevators play a significant role in improving the overall lives of people who cannot use stairs for various reasons. For these people, residential elevators have become a safe, fast, and practical method of accessing the entire property without assistance.

MOBILITY FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE

People who use canes, crutches or wheelchairs are the biggest beneficiaries of home lift elevators. They can move around quickly on any floor without restrictions. This is all due to the versatile residential lifts installed in their homes.

Crutches or wheelchairs are the biggest beneficiaries - Oldmateelevators

TOTAL SAFETY GUARANTEED

Residential lifts and elevators are entirely safe to use, as they have all the safety features mandated by the government. For example, there are rescue solutions, followed by battery backup to keep the lift moving in power outage situations.

INCREASED PROPERTY VALUE

A home lift elevator installed in your home will act as a prominent USP if you look to sell your property in the near future. These lifts will not just be a helpful solution but also something that people will appreciate and agree to the resale value you quoted.

 

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Two Most Common Kinds of Residential Lifts

In the presence of right information and careful planning, it is not going to be very hard to get residential lifts installed. This information should mainly be regarding all the different kinds of home elevator, their types and also, styles. 

Therefore, it is recommended to talk to the chosen installation team regarding the lift that you are about to get installed and also its overall modus operandi. 

Here is a small write-up giving all the information you need regarding these elevators that we can use at our homes. In this post, we will try and familiarise you with – 

• Residential elevator systems
• The best type to use for specific applications
• Typical installation requirements

In terms of residential elevators, it is always recommended to check with your local authority about elevator installation rules and laws that you have to comply with. The reason is that these codes and laws can vary city to city or state to state and hence, keeping them in the focus all the time is very important.

HYDRAULIC ELEVATORS -

The first thing to know about this version is that it’s a heavy duty lift and hence, the residential elevator cost is also really high. These lifts com with the standard weight capacity of 750 lbs, but they can be customised or programmed to carry weight up to 1000 lbs as well. 

Hydraulic residential lifts require a full hoist-way enclosure on every floor and also a pit at the lowest standing point. Then, some more space has to be allotted by the name of machine room.

MACHINE ROOM-LESS -

There is another range of residential elevators that are given the name of MRL or machine-room less elevators. In this version, the drive and controller are located in the hoist way and this way; it eliminates the need of a separate space to use as a machine room. MRL’S are available in counterweight electric chain drive and cable drive systems.

People may know also : What Is An Inclined Platform Lift And Its Safety Features?

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Different Kind Of Residential Stair Lifts and Their Features

So many different kinds of residential lifts are present in the markets, but for homes that have space related constraints, there could be nothing better than stair lifts.

In stair lifts too, there are different options available to accommodate different types of settings, but all in all, there is no doubt that they are a cost-effective way of enhancing the accessibility at home, where people with limited mobility dwell. 

STRAIGHT STAIRLIFT -

According to the vendors of residential elevators, this happens to be the most economical version of stair lifts and it can be installed along any side of the straight staircase. The top benefits of this version come in the form of quick installation, economical availability and low in maintenance. 

Apart from this, one more fact is that based on the needs of the users, companies involved in the business of residential lifts can customise them to fit any needs or staircase. 

CURVED STAIRLIFT -

The next version available here is given the name of curved stair lifts and the main difference is that this one has to be customised every time before installing in the curved staircase. This version is ideal for areas that have curved staircase, immediate landings or there is unique and complex design to accommodate. 

To get the best out of the residential elevator cost as well as your curved stair lift, it is important that you get the chair customised. 

This is majorly due to the fact that if not built to match the specific set of stairs, it may not be able to give you the best fit or using experience. 

Just like the version discussed above, you will find this version too coming with easy-to-use and intuitive controls and with a foldable seat, footrest, and armrests. 

OUTDOOR STAIR LIFTS -

Another very useful option in terms of stair lifts is the outdoor stair lifts that come in both straight and curved configurations. The main difference that this type has from others is that this one is designed to withstand the blows from nature and outside weather conditions. They’re also equipped with a lock-and-key for added security and a cover to keep the equipment protected.

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Reduce Electricity of Commercial/Residential Lifts with These Tips

In a commercial building, it is said that an elevator or lift consume only 5-7 percent of the total electricity, but this too can be saved by a number of steps. The best thing about these steps is they work equally on commercial as well as residential elevators and lifts for houses and some important points have been mentioned here.

Hardware Improvements

• With several small and major improvements of the overall mechanism or the hardware, you can make sure that commercial, as well as residential lifts, can be made to consume less electricity.
• The biggest step you could take is replacing the old school hydraulic lift with a traction elevator that travels up and down on a steel rope.
• With traction lifts, you will not require a dedicated machine room because the entire mechanism or machine is kept on the top of the cabin.
• This way, you actually get a more usable space, less heat and consumes less energy.

Other Hardware Improvements you could make include – 

• Motors – Replacing old obsolete DC motors with AC motors
• Lighting – Replacing fluorescent tubes, incandescent and halogen lights with high-efficiency, low-heat LED lighting.
• Doors – Using door drive motors that can go into standby mode when not in use.
• Starters – Replacing old starters with new ones can help in greater energy efficiency.
• Landing systems – Replacing old landing systems that use magnets or tape with new ones.
• Lights & Fans – These can be turned off if the lift is stationary.

Software Improvements

According to the sellers of commercial and residential lifts, the biggest change here is switching to software that can accommodate any kind of hardware or software based changes.

Some important changes to make in the software to decrease the energy consumption of lifts for houses – 

• Use Standby Mode – Automatically powers down lighting and all non-essential operations.
• Destination Despatch Control – Groups elevator stop requests, creating fewer stops, minimising wait time.
• Data Logging – Provides tools that allow for traffic studies to be performed. 

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Why Home Lifts And Elevators Should Be A Part Of Your Home?

Some people believe that things would continue to be "Okay" without getting a residential elevator installed, but very soon they realize the importance of getting one installed. Here in this post, we will initially get to know some very robust reasons why you should not skip getting this installation.

Reasons to Get a Residential Lift Installed

It Is an Economical Option

• In case, you are skipping it just because you think that it is an expensive installation, you are probably making the biggest mistake of your life.

• According to those engaged in installing minivators, residential lifts, etc., getting this installation done is actually cheaper than several other features that we get in our homes.

• Yes, this is a fact that getting a lift installed could be cheaper than getting a media room prepared or getting a modern-day kitchen set up with all modern amenities.

Reduce Construction Cost

• Another reason why you should get a residential lift installed is that it will help you experience a reduced construction cost.

• The reason is that it is more economical to build on top of an existing structure and install an elevator than it is to increase the footprint of a house.

Lighten Your Load

• Another reason given by the experts is that these residential lifts or home elevators reduce injuries caused by carrying heavy items up and down stairs.

• Not to mention the fact that with them, you will get a super-easy access to all levels of your home at every stage of your life.

• Last but not the least that these minivators, home lifts, inclinators Sydney all play a very important role in increasing the resale value of your property. 

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Cost of Installation of Different Kinds of Residential Lifts

When we talk about lifts for houses, we need to keep one thing in mind that they are a must have thing for people having mobility issues. Keeping this point in mind, manufacturers of these mobility solutions have devised a number of options in terms of residential lifts and all are totally different from each other. Their functionality is different and so is their cost. The cost is something that potential buyers are more concerned about and this is why, we have decided to discuss this topic and know the expenses of installation of three different kinds of residential lifts. The names are – 

• Hydraulic Lifts

• Traction Lifts

• Non-Hydraulic Lifts

Let us discuss the cost of installation and other expenses here.

Hydraulic lifts

• This version is powered by an electronic pump that transmits hydraulic fluids in to the jack and with its help; the elevator gets pushed above and below.

• The space consumed by this version is somewhere around 15 sq feet and for this, a separate machine room would be required.

• The typical home elevators price for a basic hydraulic home lift, based on a standard installation, is between $40,000 and $50,000.

Traction lifts for houses

• This version of residential lifts moves up and down a shaft using cables with a counterweight to balance the weight load. 

• There is no requirement of any separate room for this but space would definitely be required to house the elevator.

• The residential lifts cost for a basic traction home elevator, based on a standard installation, would be $55,000 plus.

Non-hydraulic lifts for houses

• Then, at last, we have this non-hydraulic version that requires no supporting wall and no hydraulics or vacuum systems.

• The best thing is that this version can be plugged straight into a regular power outlet with no additional external power packs.

• The cost of standard installation of this version is way economical then the two 

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Why Seek Services Of Professionals For Residential Lifts Service And Maintenance?

Home or residential lifts/elevators have become a standard addition in modern-day homes. Architects and builders accommodate them not just for added comfort of the entire family, but to enhance the looks and luxury as well as the resale value of the property. 

But one thing more that they add is that these installations work the best only in the presence of time based maintenance and servicing. In this post, we take a look at the top methods to use in the maintenance of lift for houses.

Only Professionals Should Be Used

• Right at the time of getting residential lifts installed, one thing is made clear by the vendors that DIY servicing and maintenance would void the guarantee/warranty, etc. 

• Therefore, the best step is to seek the services of professionals who can carry out the process in a step-by-step manner to generate expected results.

• Other than these services, from these companies, you can even get assistance to get the right thing installed at a valid residential elevator cost.

• They are all certified and trained professionals who carefully evaluate your site and consider user requirements before starting the process. 

• They can even cater installation services and make sure that the residential traction lift fits to the configurations of your building.

• They make sure that no structural modifications are required and if some are required, they are kept to the minimum.

• These experts work in coordination with builders, architects and contractors.

Residential Elevator Maintenance Services Include Processes Such As:

• Assessment 

• Adjustment 

• Lubrication 

• Replacement of faulty parts 

• Repair 

• Checking for creaks, squeaks, other noises or vibrations 

• Checking bolts 

• Checking emergency alarm and other safety devices

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Types of Commercial Lifts and Their Features

Ever since they came into existence, they have continued to be the most convenient option for travelling up and down. Amongst several types present in the markets, there are commercial lifts that we use in commercially used high-rise buildings such as hospitals, offices, hotels, shopping malls, hospitals and so on. Because they are used at so many places, you will find this version in a whole variety or range and some of them are really stylish. Here is a classification of the different types present in the markets.

Automated Passenger Lifts

• According to the sellers and suppliers of commercial and residential lifts, this version is mostly used in an office, mall or any kind of commercial space.
• A very remarkable factor about this version is that they may and may not be inside the complex only and can run through different ways like electric, vacuum, cable or hydraulic lifts.
• Usually, they can carry 10-12 passengers at a time safely and comfortably.

Hospital Passenger Lifts

• Sellers of home lift elevators, etc. say that as the name depicts, this version is mostly used in hospitals or nursing homes for moving patients.
• These are wide for accommodating the stretchers and also a couple or more people.

Glass Passenger Lifts

• The biggest feature of this variant is that the riders can have full visibility outside the lift.
• From outside, this version looks really stylish and the residential elevator cost is also not that high.
• With its appearance, it is sure to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area where is has been installed.

These were some of the most popular versions used, but there are some other names too, that deserve a mention here and they are –

• Stairway Elevator
• Dumbwaiters commercial Lifts
• In-Ground Lifts
• Twin Jack Roped Hydro Lifts
• Cantilever Roped Hydraulic Lifts

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Types of Wheelchair Lifts for Houses

A wheelchair can make life easier for those facing a disability or unable to move because of the age factor. Even better than wheelchairs is the wheelchair lift that allows these people to live without boundaries or worries of going upstairs. There are several versions present in the markets that can be used as residential lifts, but it is important to pick the right one based on your needs. To be very precise, there are two most popular types present that can be used as wheelchair lifts for houses and here is the brief information of them all.

 

 

Vertical platform lift

• The first one is called vertical platform lift that has a huge plethora of features to cite here.
• In most cases, you will find this version being installed near a stairway, but not on it.
• It resembles almost an elevator and raises and lowers the person in a wheelchair straight up and down.
• One more feature that needs a mention here is that it can hold at least 500 pounds.
• As far as the installation is concerned, there is nothing very fancy required and can be installed by an expert installation team.
• The last thing to describe here is that they are sometimes also used for public buildings.

Inclined platform lift

• The next version is the inclined platform lift and this one is basically the largest and most stable style.
• It is available at very justified residential elevator cost and can be installed inside the stair railing of a flight of stairs.
• Other than this, it can also be installed indoors or out.
• According to the suppliers of traction lifts, this version happens to be the most commonly used in most of the places like government offices and public schools.
• The biggest feature is that it is very reliable and stable and comes with extraordinary features and extra heavy weight lifting capacity.
• However, a drawback associated with version is that they usually take up a lot of space.
• Because of this drawback, you will not find it practical for smaller homes or narrow hallways.

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Etiquettes to Follow in Commercial and Residential Lifts

No matter, it’s an office lift or residential lifts, if you are using it, this means that you’ll definitely have to be aware of some common etiquettes that you need to follow. In this post, we have chosen this topic because not many people are aware of the fact that there are lift etiquettes as well that can make them hugely popular in their building.

 

Remember where to stand

• While waiting for the lift to arrive, the best step is to stand on the right side of the entry/exit point.
• This will give enough space to exit to those coming via lift and evacuating on the same floor.
• Other than this, you should allow everyone who are getting off, a chance to exit before you board the elevator.
• Similarly, while inside the hydraulic lift, make sure that you continue stepping backwards and stand as close as possible to the wall.
• In this regards, experts say that the first places to be filled are the four corners and then, people should fill in the middle of the elevator.
• If you are going to a higher floor, try to stand near the back of the elevator so other people who are getting off before you can exit easily.
• Suppliers of different kinds of lifts for houses say that if you are standing near the buttons, help out your fellow passengers.
• Hold the “door open” button until everyone has boarded.
• You should even play the role of a lift boy and ask people, which floors they are going to as they enter.

 

Managing the luggage 

• Suppliers of hydraulic lift carts say that in case, you have a large bag or package with you, try and adjust in between your legs.
• This way, it will not occupy the space of at least two persons in that elevator.
• Stay as polite as possible to your fellow passengers and use words like “Please” and “Thank You” to everyone.

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