The benefits of making improvements
Safety, efficiency, and a brief but pleasant journey are what we all want when we step into an elevator. But there are quite a few steps along the way to keep one operational and up to date. From assessing the current working condition of the elevator and the reasons why many put off necessary changes, to finally getting a timeline for improvement in place, here’s our look at the moving parts of an upgrade.
Assess your current level of safety
The first step is to assess whether an upgrade is necessary. Start by ensuring the elevator is compliant with safety codes. Referring to Chapter 399 of the 2017 Florida Statutes gives an in-depth look at terms and requirements for operating an elevator in Florida. An inspection of your elevator(s) is an annual requirement, and these routine inspections will provide you with a Certificate of Operation as well as give you a good look at the machinery. If you’re in doubt about how to proceed with inspections and compliance, an experienced service company can make everything clear. If your inspection uncovers operational issues, such as slow movement, hesitating doors, or long wait times, repair or an upgrade may be called for.
The benefits of an upgrade
Aesthetic improvement is one reason building managers opt for an elevator upgrade, in addition to performance upgrades that will improve its function. Smoother acceleration and deceleration, accurate floor leveling, minimal vibration and noise, and increased rider safety are all benefits to be gained from upgrades.
In addition, the more up to date your elevator is, the less maintenance tends to cost. And all things considered, an efficient and visually impressive elevator can only add to the value of a building.
The factors to consider before an upgrade
The age of an elevator is a primary motivator for making improvements, with a decade of use being a good benchmark for considering an upgrade. From a purely cosmetic standpoint, styles have certainly moved on since many cars were put into use, sometimes thirty years ago or more. The technology has improved over time as well, so certain upgrades can mean a boost in performance, reliability, and energy efficiency.
However, sourcing and installing new operational parts for hydraulics, cabs, doors, and more can give building owners pause. There is the expense, and many will find themselves hampered by a proprietary agreement on parts. This means that only their service provider (who is also a manufacturer) can sell the necessary equipment for an upgrade – and only their technicians can complete it. These proprietary agreements lock an owner into a price and service system that can up the cost and the time it takes to complete any upgrade.
We believe in keeping our clients’ hands free. We install non-proprietary parts when upgrading and maintaining elevators, allowing our customers access to a variety of vendors. And our service technicians tend to have more availability, which means we meet the needs of our clients faster than some publicly-traded elevator service companies do.
Making your plan
Once you’ve considered all of the benefits and moving parts, it’s time to lay out the upgrade schedule. Upgrades can range from minimal to total, so qualified personnel can give you advice in working out a timeline. This is often a fluid schedule as work begins and progresses, but working side by side with professionals will minimize any disruption when elevators have to be taken out of service. Technicians will walk you through the entire process, from code compliance and part sourcing to final installation.
An upgrade to old or underperforming elevators can turn an inconvenience into an investment. We’re available for consultation to assess your upgrade, maintenance, or repair needs and to make the process as streamlined as the final product.
From corporate to condos, we specialize in forward-thinking that helps our customers install uniquely suited solutions. For first-class maintenance, modernization, repairs, and contract management, you can reach us at (954) 792-1234, info@connectionselevator.com, or via our contact form.
