Elevators are expensive, long-term investments that building owners expect to last for decades. However, as elevators age, their outdated equipment can make them more prone to breakdowns, inefficient operation, and safety issues. Another factor that adds to an elevator modernization is the missed preventative maintenance or general maintenance on the elevators. Knowing when it’s time to modernize old elevators is imperative.
Here are six signs it may be time for an elevator upgrade:
Frequent Breakdowns
If your elevators require constant repairs and experience recurrent breakdowns, the root cause is likely worn-out components, improper maintenance, neglect, to name a few. If an elevator system is not properly maintained and / or is aging maintenance and repairs can get very expensive. An elevator consultant firm like The Elevator Consultants can evaluate your equipment issues and identify what is the cause to your elevator issue. The Elevator Consultants can assist in determining the need for a modernization including an appropriate budget and time frame.
Difficulty Finding Replacement Parts
It used to be common for elevators to last over 25 years old however in today’s times elevators are needing modernization as soon as 10 -15 years. Replacement parts often the main reason for a modernization. Parts are simply not manufactured anymore, and manufacturers discontinue will eventually stop support for antiquated equipment. Upgrading to new components with long-term parts availability is often the best solution. Our elevator consultants will verify if sourcing parts for your elevator is becoming problematic.
Enhanced Safety and Accessibility
The latest elevator safety features and accessibility upgrades can be added through elevator modernization. A elevator modernization is tailored to address the specific safety and authority having jurisdiction code requirements needed for your building. The ASME A17.1, ASME A17.3 and other code books are extremely helpful in understanding the safety of your elevators.
Lack of Qualified Service Technicians
When equipment ages beyond 30 years old, fewer technicians have experience maintaining it and finding a qualified technician that can provide service to equipment of this age become a challenge. This factor and replacement parts may also be unavailable is an unfavorable situation for a building.
Updated Aesthetic Improvements
While safety and performance come first, elevators are also part of a building’s aesthetics. Modernization can also enhance the tenant experience and increase leasing appeal. If desired at the time of the elevator modernization The Elevator Consultants can assist in getting dated cabs updated with desired finishes and code required lighting that is needed.
Ongoing Maintenance Challenges
After an elevator modernization, elevator will still require maintenance. Making sure the elevator has a maintenance service agreement in place to ensure the proper life cycle of the equipment. The Elevator Consultants maintenance service agreements are written to protect the buildings elevators with terms and conditions and service level agreements which favor the building. This type of contract allows for maintaining the equipment as it should be to get the most out of your equipment saving unnecessary cost and time.
An elevator modernization with The Elevator Consultants breathes new life into aging equipment, and our maintenance services agreements keep new systems running optimally with your service provider. Our experienced elevator consultants can evaluate your elevator and escalator needs to recommend cost-effective upgrades or a modernization for your property.