Is It Time for A New Elevator in Your Building?

Elevators are slowing down, creaking, and not running as efficiently as they once did – these are signs that an elevator is aging. With more than 10 million aging elevators and escalators worldwide, there’s a good chance that the one in your building will soon be due for a facelift. Here are five signs to help you decide if it’s time to consider an elevator upgrade.

1. Your elevator is getting older, or you want to plan ahead

How old is your elevator? The next time you take an elevator, look for a data plate that shows when the equipment was installed, or a sticker that shows when it was last serviced. Every elevator needs regular maintenance, upgrades, and eventually a complete overhaul.

When an elevator is about ten years old, individual components usually need to be replaced, such as door mechanisms, signaling, and lighting. Over time, it may need new lifting equipment, electrification, and doors, and at some stage, it’s time to get a brand new elevator car. But it’s not just about the age of the equipment; it’s about finding the best time to make a retrofit so your elevator is future-proof. Taking action early can ensure lower lifetime costs for your elevator and prevent you from facing unexpected and expensive repair bills in the end.

2. When more signs of age show

When your elevator shows signs of age or poor condition, it may be too old. Weird noises, slow speeds, stuck doors, and inaccurate leveling when stopping are all signs that may need the attention of an elevator expert. Worse are frequent breakdowns, hard-to-find parts, and rising repair costs. Elevator reliability is critical in buildings with high traffic, such as hospitals, shopping malls, and office buildings.

3. When times and user needs change

When the users of elevators, the purpose of the building, or local safety regulations change, the need for elevator modernization increases. Renovations or changes in use can also bring in new user groups, such as commercial tenants or visitors, which in turn may increase the requirements for elevator design or ride comfort. In residential buildings, an aging tenant base may require enhanced accessibility features to allow them to live comfortably in their homes longer.

New elevator designs are safer for people with different mobility abilities. Larger cars, wider doors, and smooth stops are friendlier to people who use wheelchairs and mobility devices. In addition, better lighting, voice commands, and intuitive interfaces create a more inclusive ride experience for everyone.

Not meeting modern safety standards is another sign that your elevator needs an update. You can check for inspection certificates or stickers inside the elevator to indicate whether it meets local safety codes, or you can ask the building management for inspection reports or maintenance records to confirm compliance.

4. When energy efficiency and sustainability are priorities

Newer elevators use much less electricity and produce less carbon emissions than older models. Replacing an old elevator with a new one can make a huge difference.

Newer hardware uses less energy, while software and smart solutions can take efficiency to a whole new level.

5. When residents and tenants want more

We live in the 21st century, and our needs are constantly changing. The goal of property owners and managers is to keep tenants happy, and ensuring the best living experience is a great way to achieve this goal.

As cities and their interconnections grow, upgrading old elevators completely, or partially renovating them through flexible modular and sustainable upgrade solutions while retaining some of the original components, is a smart way to meet the expectations and needs of the residents in your building. In doing so, you can also ensure that the elevator technology meets today's standards in safety, efficiency and inclusiveness.

If your building does not yet have an elevator, a convenient way to improve the quality of life for residents is to install a prefabricated elevator with minimal disruption to the building, which will bring new vitality to the entire building.

If your elevator is due for an upgrade or renovation now or in the near future, don't hesitate to contact us. Our experts will help you make this process simple and stress-free. Let's find the best passenger flow solution for your building together.