How Often Do Elevators Need to Be Replaced? Everything You Need to Know

Elevators quite literally have a ton of moving parts. That’s why when we talk about the service life of elevators, it makes more sense to look at each component, which can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years.

The best thing you can do to increase the lifecycle of your elevator is to practice regular elevator maintenance. Without any maintenance at all, you may need elevator replacement in as little as 10 to 15 years.

That means that rather than asking, “How soon will I need to replace my elevator?” you should start asking, “What can I do to take care of my elevator?”

Read on to learn more about how to practice good elevator maintenance to avoid costly elevator replacement in the near future.

Elevator Problems That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

In order to keep your elevator functioning and its riders safe, you should have your elevator inspected at least twice a year. However, there are also some serious warning signs that you should never ignore. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest signs that your elevator may require a serious overhaul.

Slow Transport

Is your elevator starting to slow down? This can occur over time when an elevator undergoes more strain than it can bear. The weight of too many passengers can wear out the cables, hydraulics, and other crucial components. 

Slow transport isn’t just an inconvenience. It presents a tangible threat to riders that an accident may occur.

Stopping at Mid-Level

You ride your elevator and rather than stopping when it’s level with a floor, it’s a little higher or lower. Riders can trip on their way out, but they can also experience more severe injuries. For example, the mid-leveling can send mixed signals to your elevator’s control box, causing the car to continue moving or the doors to close at random.

Most of the time, mid-leveling indicates an issue with the brakes. 

Constant Breakdowns 

Is your elevator breaking down on a regular basis? If so, the primary concern is that it may break down with passengers stuck inside. 

If you’re dealing with constant malfunctions despite your elevator maintenance practices, it’s time to replace the entire thing. 

The Right Way to Take Care of Elevators

When you’re looking for an elevator maintenance contractor, there’s a specific type of maintenance you should look to secure. This type of elevator maintenance is called elevator modernization.

Elevator equipment is constantly updating. Elevator modernization is the practice of outfitting your elevator with the latest and safest equipment that will work with your existing model. This is a cost-effective way to increase the service life of elevators with a safety-first approach.

Increase the Service Life of Elevators and Avoid Costly Elevator Replacement

Without any maintenance, you can expect your elevators to require replacement in as little as 10 years. By practicing elevator maintenance and modernization, you can get the most out of your elevator and keep riders safe.

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