Most high-rise buildings across the world have elevators, some of which are even older than most of the occupants of the building. When a building or structure is built, it is generally expected that the elevator or life lasts as long as the building lasts. No one thinks about when the elevator needs to be replaced. However, as time progresses parts in the elevator begin to wear out and fail, making it extremely prone to breakdowns and other problems. While these can be solved, in every elevators life, there comes a point of time where the cost of servicing and maintain that elevator is simply more expensive than the cost of a new elevator. At that point of time, you certainly need to consider revamping your elevator.
Here is a quick rundown on elevator modernization and what you need to do about it.
When Should You Consider Elevator Modernization or Replacement?
The first question that anyone will ask you when you inform them that you want to replace your elevator is the age of the elevator. Hydraulic Elevators typically last 20 to 25 years, while overhead traction electric elevators are designed to last over 30 years. Machine Room less or MRL elevators are meant to last for only 10 to 15 years.
Although the life span of the elevator matters, the extent of use and the load in the elevator also matters. For instance, commercial elevators experience more problems and have more breakdowns than a home lift. Additionally, elevators that are sparingly used tend to outlive their lifespans.
When your elevator is close to the end of its lifespan, keep a close watch on breakdowns and repairs. If it is hard to find spare parts (since the mechanism has become obsolete), it implies that the lift will be out of operation for an extended period of time. This can particularly be a nightmare in high-rise and commercial buildings. In such structures, once the parts are obsolete, it is an indication that the lift surely needs to be replaced.
In the case of home elevators, where it caters to only 2 or 3 stories, you may choose to replace the part and use the stairs instead (if possible). In such a scenario, the elevator should be replaced when it leads to frequent repair. A qualified elevator service person will be able to identify and inform you when the elevator is approaching the end of its usable life cycle.
When Should You Continue With Repairs?
Although elevator lifespan is an important factor that needs to be considered, as mentioned earlier, one should take into account the usage of the lift as well. An elevator that is used only two or three times a week will surely have a lifespan that exceeds an elevator that is literally used round the clock.
Contacting your elevator service company and seeking their opinion on whether the life needs minor repairs, major overhauls or needs complete replacement is a sensible option as these personnel have more information on the availability of parts and the design functionality of the elevator.
In some cases, it is likely that the elevator will be perfectly functional, albeit looking a little old. In such a scenario, a cab modification where the flooring, walls and panels of the elevator are replaced will be sufficient. In other scenario.
Although elevator lifespan is an important factor that needs to be considered, as mentioned earlier, one should take into account the usage of the lift as well. An elevator that is used only two or three times a week will surely have a lifespan that exceeds an elevator that is literally used round the clock.
Contacting your elevator service company and seeking their opinion on whether the life needs minor repairs, major overhauls or needs complete replacement is a sensible option as these personnel have more information on the availability of parts and the design functionality of the elevator.
In some cases, it is likely that the elevator will be perfectly functional, albeit looking a little old. In such a scenario, a cab modification where the flooring, walls and panels of the elevator are replaced will be sufficient. In other scenario.
Why is Elevator Modernization Important?
While some may feel that elevator modernization and replacement purely offers aesthetic benefits, that is far from the truth. Replacing the elevator with a newer, better and more functional one offers the building a plethora of benefits. Here are some of them.
1. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: Elevators typically account for about 5 to 7% of a buildings energy consumption. Larger buildings sometimes may even spend thousands of dollars on a monthly basis to operate their elevators. In the past, elevators has heavy components and systems that consumed a lot of energy. Fortunately, parts are sleeker, and technology is more advanced. Revamping your elevator can save up to 80% of the energy consumed by the elevator, translating to considerable cost savings.
2. Compliance With Building Norms: Building norms pertaining to elevators keep changing on a regular basis. If your elevator is more than a decade old, it is likely not complying with latest elevator laws. This can affect the commercial valuation of the building. While this can be ignored in home elevators (unless you plan to sell the home in the near future), it has considerable implications for commercial structures.
3. Better Load Capacity and Efficiency: In the past, the load carrying capacity and efficiency of the elevators was based on the components installed at that point of time. With changes in technology, the elevators have undergone a metamorphosis of sorts too!
What Should You Keep in Mind While Planning Elevator Replacement?
Modernizing and Revamping the elevator is a big choice you will be making. Hence you need to plan for the makeover. Firstly, you need to contact an organisation that specializes in revamping elevators and will have to determine whether the architecture of the house will need considerable modifications.
Additionally, depending on the level of renovations, the elevator will have downtime lasting from a few days to a few weeks. In the case this will have considerable impact you need to plan accordingly. In the case of commercial elevators this can be done by working on one lift at a time (since many are present), however, this isn’t possible in home lifts. You will need to ensure that the people dependent of the lift (such as senior citizens) have other arrangements in place.
Invest in an Elevator
While the cost of investing in Elevator Modernization may be steep, it will pay off for itself in due course of time. The difference in power costs, repair and service charges, and maintenance will be considerable. Additionally, the joy of traveling in a swanky, new and technologically superior elevator is just unparalleled. In case, you have an elder or a disabled person at home, dependent on the elevator, frequent breakdowns can hamper their daily living, and a new elevator can help immensely.
