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To keep your elevator up and running, you must have a maintenance routine. For building owners that do not focus on general upkeep, the cost of elevator maintenance later on can be a burden. In some cases, owners let maintenance slide until they have to completely replace the elevator. Preventative maintenance is all it takes to keep your elevator repair costs down.

What Do You Need to Maintain?

When it comes to elevator maintenance, there are a few components that you must pay special attention to. These are the most utilized elements in an elevator. For instance, you want to maintain the doors and the rollers. Every time the lift stops, the doors move twice. This makes the doors the most used component in the system. Often, users will prop open the doors to load and unload cargo, bang their luggage against them, and pry them open when needed.

Does the Cost Go Down?

To run an elevator costs money, but to maintain your elevator will cost you less money than if you didn’t pay attention to maintenance at all. If you ignore your maintenance contract until your system is no longer code compliant, then your elevator becomes a liability. If issues do appear, then it is going to be even more costly to repair it.

You may not see cost-savings right away when you invest in preventative maintenance. However, in the years that follow, you will notice that you have fewer problems, saving you from repair costs. This will also increase the lifespan of your elevator, delaying any major, expensive upgrades.

When you invest in proper maintenance for your elevator, you can avoid a lot of performance and safety issues. As a bonus, you will save money as well.  issues. To set up a preventative maintenance plan for your commercial elevator, contact Puget Sound Elevator Company by calling 425-800-8256 or emailing us today!  

Maintenance is Key

Elevators can last for a long time, but only if you keep up with the maintenance. If you ignore elevator maintenance, you will notice that they begin to decline, quickly. Their performance deteriorates and the downtime increases. Then, once you finally arrange repairs, the costs will be even higher than they otherwise would have been.

Overheating Problems

If you don’t have a dedicated cooling system for your elevator, then you may have to deal with overheating of the control system. Elevators have a recommended temperature and humidity that you should take measures to follow.

Energy Use Problems

Elevators use a large supply of energy. What you may not realize is just how much energy it uses. Over the course of the year, you need to monitor energy usage. Older systems may be using larger amounts of power. This can wind up costing you more money in the long run.

Wait Problems

Wait problems are more than an inconvenience. You will want to have your elevator checked on a regular basis if you experience long wait times. This sometimes means that the elevator control system is beginning to develop problems.

Multiple Breakdowns

One of the biggest signs that your elevator needs maintenance or repair is frequent breaking down. As components age, they may shut down or interfere with the entire operation. Door operators undergo a lot of wear and tear.

Power Quality Problems

Most commercial buildings have a lot of computerized equipment that requires the power to be high quality. If you modify the system voltage, then you can interfere with the operation of the equipment. If your facility has a motor failure history or problems with sensitive electronic equipment, then you should perform a power quality survey.

If you have a commercial elevator, it is crucial that you keep up with regular maintenance. Regular maintenance will keep you from experiencing a lot of breakdowns or costly problems with your elevator. To learn more about how to care for your elevator, contact Puget Sound Elevator Company by calling 425-800-8256 or sending us an email today!

Elements of a Commercial Elevator Modernization

With the passage of time, even deluxe elevator systems need upgrades and modernization for the sake of tenant and employee safety and satisfaction. While not every elevator modernization is the same, most upgrades include the following important elements.

Update Fire Safety Measures

For the sake of every person who gets on the elevator, it is vital that all fire safety components are up-to-date and compliant with current codes. This is one of the first things the contractor will address to keep everyone safe in case of a fire.

Upgrades for ADA Compliance

Every commercial elevator must meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The elevator company will complete a thorough evaluation of the system and make any necessary improvements to comply with the ADA requirements.

Modernize Mechanical Components

Obviously, this is another vital segment of the elevator modernization since mechanical parts wear out with time and use. The contractor will inspect cables, hydraulics, brakes, and power units, as well as evaluate door operators and call systems. The elevator company will replace worn or obsolete parts, lubricate components as necessary and install replacement systems where needed.

Protection Against Natural Disasters

With increasing awareness of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes, many commercial contractors are putting extra safety measures in place. This includes increasing elevator durability and stabilization to withstand unexpected natural events.

Renovation of the Elevator Cab and Doors

While attention to mechanical parts and safety codes provide the most important parts of the elevator modernization, this is also the perfect time to upgrade and renovate the interior to improve the riding experience for the passengers. Painting or decorating the cab and doors, installing new floors or carpets, and adding stylish touches, not only makes the elevator ride more enjoyable but also assures passengers they are using a modern, up-to-date device.

If you feel it is time to modernize the elevators in your commercial building, contact Puget Sound Elevator Company today.  Call 425-800-8256 or email us today, our team of professionals will be happy to answer your questions.

ADA Standards and Elevators

As a building owner, you likely know about the ADA. The ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act, has specific requirements for different aspects of a property, including the elevators. Understanding and complying to the basics of the ADA regulations will help you keep your elevators safe for all.

Basics of Elevator Provisions

There are specific ADA provisions for elevators. These provisions include the following:

• All call buttons in the elevator have to be centered at 42 inches above the floor and should have signals to display when a call is recorded or answered
• Elevators must stay open for 3 seconds
• Elevators must open and close automatically and include a reopening feature
• Elevators must have control features such as buttons and braille control designators
• The floor of an elevator should have plenty of room for a wheelchair
• Handrails must be at approximately 30 inches
• Emergency control buttons should be in an accessible area

The point of these regulations is to ensure that at least one elevator in the building is accessible to all people, including those with disabilities.

Importance of Maintenance

Elevators break down from time to time, even more so when not maintained properly. When an elevator is out of order or being repaired, those who are able can take the stairs. However, the stairs are not a viable option for all, especially those who use a walker or a wheelchair to get around. Frequent breakdowns will have much more of an effect on those with disabilities. Make sure your building is safe and welcoming for all by staying up to date with maintenance and remaining ADA compliant.

If you aren’t sure that your property is up to the latest ADA standards and requirements, you can contact Puget Sound Elevator Company to assess and update your elevator. Call 425-800-8256 or email us today for more information.

In today’s culture of commercial convenience, any building with three or more floors tends to have an elevator installed. The newer the building, the more likely this becomes. Company commitments to accessibility for all might also lead to elevator installations even in two-story buildings.

Like any other structure that people use regularly, elevators soon begin to show wear and tear. So, how do you know when it’s time to get repairs done?

Scheduled time is coming up

Ideally, you work with a responsible elevator company that has routine and preventative maintenance already scheduled. This allows you to take a proactive approach to elevator safety. These professionals can catch problems quickly and repair them before they pose further issues.

Elevators make strange sounds

Creaking and other similar noises are normal for older elevators, but they might make people fearful. There are too many horror stories of elevators malfunctioning. Thuds, squeaks, and other such noises should be investigated. Even when they are fairly normal relative to the age of the elevator systems, there are solutions that will make people feel safer.

Elevator cabs take a while to appear

Long wait times can make guests, customers, and business owners impatient. The more impractical it is to rely on stairs or escalators, the more that impatience mounts. Elevators might take a while to become available during busy times, but if you notice the time getting longer and longer, schedule inspection and maintenance.

The elevator makes strange movements

Malfunctions manifest in a number of ways. One such way is when cabs move in a strange manner. For instance, the elevator might jerk to the side, drop suddenly, or go up past a floor to then right itself again. These might seem normal after a few years of dealing with them, but they are signs of future trouble. Get these issues looked at as soon as possible.

Are you looking for a reliable elevator company in the Seattle area? Look no further than Puget Sound Elevator Company. Call 425-800-8256 or email us today to learn more!

If circumstances have put you in the market for a new elevator service provider, it may be time to evaluate and compare the elevator companies in your area that can better serve you. Although seeking referrals from other building owners or checking online reviews is a great place to start, remember your commercial property is unique in terms of size, location and equipment. As you contact each business, ask questions and keep notes on important requirements.

1. Accessible Service

Find out emergency response times and the elevator company’s process to meet customer service needs. It’s easy to assume providers located nearby may provide the fastest response, but this is not always the case. Service routes and the strategic location of elevator mechanics also play an important role.

2. Experienced Technicians

When it comes to elevator service, a business is only as good as the skills of the mechanics who work on the lifts. While customer service, management and procedures are important, include questions about training, certifications and experience of the service team. Also, ask about mechanical supervision and quality control.

3. Expertise With Your Elevators

In the same way that auto mechanics may have experience with different brands and types of vehicles, elevator technicians tend to excel with various kinds and manufacturers of elevators. Whether your building uses hydraulic or traction elevators, for example, may make a difference with the type of mechanic best suited to maintain your system. Ideally, you want a technician familiar with the type, age and brand of your elevators.

4. Clear Contract Details and Cost

When it comes down to receiving the initial proposal, carefully compare pricing and included services in potential maintenance contracts. Make sure everything is spelled out and you are evaluating comparable services. If a more expensive plan includes extra services, ask the competing company for quotes to add these benefits.

5. Excellent References

Once you’ve assembled a list of desirable service vendors, check their references to make sure they live up to what they promise. Listen carefully to what other building managers have to say about them as well.

If you are looking for responsive, experienced elevator professionals, contact Puget Sound Elevator Company today by calling 425-800-8256 or sending us an email today!

Elevators can last for decades. For many people, this is a good reason to keep elevators how they are. However, there may be more benefits to modernizing your elevator than you realize. If you have an older elevator, take note of these three modernization benefits and discover if an upgrade is right for you.

Lower Energy Costs

Older equipment tends to use more energy to run than new, upgraded equipment. A modernized elevator can even convert the friction into energy for later. In addition, most new elevators do not require you to have a machine room. This means that you can also cut down on your cooling and ventilation prices.

More Upscale and Trustworthy Appearance

The design of your elevator matters to your staff, guests, and others who enter your building. If you have an upgraded, modern building, then an old-fashioned elevator will stand out. It will not complement your design elements. Likewise, when you have a new elevator, passengers are more likely to feel secure inside of it. Your elevator’s appearance should leave a good impression. Elevator modernization provides you with a trustworthy and upscale aesthetic.

More Efficient 

Elevators can have a very long life. Unfortunately, this means many elevators may have out of date technology. Modern elevators have technology that can provide passengers with quicker trips and no wasted time going in the wrong direction. New technologies make elevators more efficient, especially in terms of acceleration and deceleration rates.

While the most important reasons to consider an upgrade tend to be in the added efficiency, cost savings, and the appearance of the elevator itself, they are not the only reasons. There are plenty of reasons to make the change to a new elevator system. To upgrade your elevator, contact Puget Sound Elevator Company by calling 425-800-8256 or emailing us today for more information!

No one wants a run-down, underperforming elevator on their property. If you choose to ignore elevator maintenance, then your elevator may decline more rapidly than it should and leave you in the dark. The service life will be shorter, you’ll have more complaints, and the safety of your guests and employees may be compromised. Invest in a maintenance plan if you wish to avoid the following issues.

Breakdowns

Frequent breakdowns are frustrating. Over time, components may wear down and interfere with the elevator’s operation. Door operators are activated at least twice every time the elevator stops. This results in more wear and tear than other features, leading it to be the most common feature to malfunction or breakdown.

Overheating

Elevators have sensitive drive and control systems. If you don’t have the appropriate cooling system, your elevator’s mechanical rooms could suffer from overheating. Overheating ultimately leads to more breakdowns.

Wait Times

The world grows more and more impatient every day, do not let your elevator be a cause. If you slack on maintenance, your elevator may be slower than usual, creating longer wait times for your customers. Malfunctions or age can lead to these delayed wait times. Be sure to have the wait times and speed checked on a regular basis.

Energy Use

Older elevator systems are not as efficient as newer systems. Sometimes you may not notice the higher energy usage of your elevator. However, if you have a separate meter to check the elevator’s energy use you can keep better track. Another problem you may encounter involves the low power factor of older elevators. Older systems may increase your utility bills and lead to overloaded circuits.

Maintenance is a requirement when it comes to elevators. If you don’t keep up with regular maintenance, your elevator could suffer from frequent breakdowns, overheating, high energy usage, and more. For elevator modernization and repair in the Seattle area, contact Puget Sound Elevator Company by calling 425-800-8256 or emailing us today!

When you’re tasked with coming up with the best elevator design for your commercial building, you may not know where to start. The good news is, you can work with a professional to come up with the perfect design. The following three factors could help get you started.

1. Your Budget

When it comes to any improvements to a commercial building, your budget should be one of the main factors you take a look at. Components of a building that are custom-made are already expensive, but when you consider the different aspects of an elevator, it becomes even more expensive. If your budget doesn’t allow it, don’t plan on the most high-end features. Instead, settle for something that looks and functions just as well, but fits better within your budget.

2. The Style of the Building

If your building is historical with a lot of old charm and character, you probably wouldn’t want an extremely modern-looking elevator. Similarly, if your building is quite new with modern features, you wouldn’t want to include an elevator that looks vintage. Choose an elevator design that fits with the type of building it’s being installed in, including colors, style, size, finishes, lighting, and other features.

3. The Use and Purpose

Consider what your elevator is going to be used for on a regular basis. If it’s going to be a cargo or freight elevator, you would want to use materials that are quite durable. If the elevator is simply for casual use by employees or tenants, you could include materials that are more enjoyable to look at, but that might not be quite as durable. If the elevator is being installed in an area of town where vandals seem to hit often, you could consider durable, yet washable, and easily-replaceable materials.

Getting Started

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the right elevator for your commercial building. To get started, contact Puget Sound Elevator Company by calling 970-409-1245 or emailing us today!

When you take a look at your old commercial elevator, do you wonder if there’s something you can do besides having it completely replaced? It’s possible you can modernize it! There are a few things you can consider that will help you determine if modernizing is the best option for your elevator at this point. Ask yourself the following questions.

1. Have Service Calls Increased?

If you have found there are more and more service calls every year required to keep your elevator running, it might be time to modernize it. Service calls cost money, and if you can put that money into modernization, it could end up saving your budget in the end.

2. How Old Is Your Elevator?

An elevator that is just a few years old probably doesn’t need modernization at all. If your elevator is 20 years or older, however, it is obviously out of date. Modernization might be your best bet at this point.

3. Have Passengers Experienced Safety Issues?

If there have been recent safety concerns brought up by passengers of the elevator, it’s something worth looking into. You want your passengers to feel safe and secure every time they step foot in the elevator. If safety is a concern, some modern fixes might remedy the problem.

4. Do You Frequently Have Elevator Downtime?

Downtime for your elevator generally means it’s in disrepair and waiting to be fixed. If your elevator is down frequently, it might benefit from some modern fixes that will make it run more efficiently.

5. Are Parts to Your Elevator Obsolete?

If your elevator repair company has to look for obsolete repair parts, it could save you both time and money to modernize the elevator. Obsolescence is a common driver of the decision to modernize as parts that are hard to come by are going to eventually be impossible to come by.

Learn More About Modernization

Modernization is a great way to keep your elevator running. To learn more about elevator modernization, contact Puget Sound Elevator Company by calling 425-800-8256 or emailing us today!