Many people considering installinga home elevator may have questions and concerns if they decide to install an elevatorin their home, especially for families with elderly, or patients who need to usewheelchairs for getting up and down within the house or building. Regarding long-term elevator maintenance, including the cost of skilled elevator technicians, the frequency of repairs, and importantly, the long-term maintenance cost of a home elevator, etc. The maintenance requirements vary depending on the elevator system, due to the availability of parts and the complexity of the system. For example: 

Maintenance of a cable elevator system

Many people are familiar with cable-operated elevators, as they are widely installed in Thailand, especially in shopping malls, office buildings, and condominiums that require high-speed and heavy-duty elevators. These elevators are designed for office buildings and are complex, requiring frequent maintenance—once a month. Even home elevators, while some models, still require monthly maintenance, meaning 12 checks per year to ensure continuous operation. Considering the privacy of a home elevator, where family members reside and technicians (unfamiliar individuals) frequently enter and exit the house, requiring someone to be home during maintenance, this can compromise family privacy.

Hydraulic Elevator Maintenance

Hydraulic systems are less complex than cable systems. They are typically installed in shafts suitable for lower buildings and require less installation space, similar to screw-type elevators. However, since hydraulic lifts primarily use hydraulic oil for propulsion, a hydraulic oil tank with pipes connected to the lift’s machine room is necessary for operation. If the oil level in the tank is low and insufficient for the lift’s specified capacity, the lift may not stop correctly or may not move smoothly. Of course, some hydraulic lift brands have been significantly improved to use less hydraulic oil and provide smoother operation. Nevertheless, the hydraulic oil tank and pipes must still be located near the lift, requiring frequent inspections approximately every 2-4 months, or 3-6 times a year, to prevent oil leaks. However, in the long term, if maintenance is not continuous, leaks may occur. If the lift is installed inside a house, the oil tank will be located inside the house and requires careful maintenance.

KALEA Lift is a screw-driven home lift that is easy to maintain and requires only one maintenance check per year.

Maintenance of Screw-System Lifts

This refers to screw-type elevators, specifically designed for home use. These elevators feature a glass shaft, requiring minimal installation space. They eliminate the need for a lift pit or machine room, resulting in a simpler system and lower maintenance requirements compared to other elevator systems. Maintenance frequency depends on the generation and technology of the elevator, which has been developed to be more intelligent and cost-effective in terms of both electricity and maintenance. Some entry-level screw elevators require maintenance every four months, progressing to every six months, while advanced Ecosilent systems may only require maintenance once a year. For example, Kalea Lifts and Antera Lift from Sweden, established in 1898, have reached Generation 5, saving only 30-50 satang per ride in electricity and requiring only one maintenance per year. This is because they utilize the Ecosilent 2.0 system, which automatically sprays oil only during elevator movement, rather than lubricating the entire screw shaft. This reduces the need for screw oiling to just once a year and prevents oil spills or drips around the screw shaft. 

In addition, Kalea Lifts and Antera Lift offer FREE! 5-year warranty and maintenance for the lift, including a backup battery. They also guarantee the screw shaft and nuts/washers, the main driving components of the lift, for up to 15 years. The screw shaft is designed to not need replacement throughout its 25-30 year lifespan. Furthermore, as direct manufacturers rather than distributors, they ensure reliable pre- and post-sales service. Customers can research more information on each brand of screw lift to compare value before deciding on a home screw lift.

KALEA Lift guarantees the screw shaft and nuts for up to 15 years, FREE!

Summary of Home Lift Maintenance

Whether it’s a screw system, a cable system, or a hydraulic system, they all differ in lift technology, maintenance procedures, and the frequency of lift visits. Lift functions also vary. Those looking to install a home elevator should thoroughly research each elevator system and consult with expert sales staff before making a decision. This ensures you choose the right elevator system for your family, ensuring a long lifespan, energy efficiency, and low long-term maintenance.