Why Preventive Elevator Maintenance Costs Less Than Emergency Repairs

Elevators are complex machines that require regular maintenance to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. In multi-story buildings, elevators are often among the most used pieces of equipment, making work life easier for many, especially for businesses that rely on heavy foot traffic in and out of their workplaces. 

As one of the most used systems in commercial and residential buildings, property managers should be vigilant to maintain the efficient and safe operation of the elevators to reduce energy costs, keep the equipment running safely and smoothly and keep tenants and visitors happy. 

The Benefits of Preventative Maintenance

Minimizing Downtime 

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

If this is your mantra when it comes to elevator maintenance, your building may be in for a rude awakening when your elevator malfunctions at an inopportune time, say, in the middle of the night or during peak usage, when riders need to access the elevator car to get to work. 

Elevators are critical to keeping many workplaces and residential buildings running without the hassle of climbing multiple stories. Minimizing downtime for an elevator system means regular system checks throughout the year. Even minor issues, such as a misaligned door or grinding/squeaking when doors open and close, can require an elevator to be serviced at times that may negatively impact your business. Minor issues can be addressed during scheduled maintenance, thereby avoiding annoying shutdowns during high-traffic hours. 

Emergency repairs can occur at any time, day or night. Middle-of-the-night emergency repairs cost property owners far more than scheduled maintenance. By scheduling regular maintenance, these types of emergencies can be prevented, not only saving your emergency repair budget but also helping businesses stay open. 

Improve Efficiency 

When elevator machinery has been lubricated, adjusted and maintained regularly, it tends to operate at the highest level of efficiency, thus saving property owners money on their energy bills. Additionally, when an elevator system operates at peak efficiency, it reduces electricity bills and avoids strain that can lead to costly repairs, supporting sustainability and keeping overall operational costs low.

Maintain Safety & Compliance 

In Massachusetts, most elevators and escalators are required to undergo annual safety inspections. These mandated inspections ensure that devices such as elevators in commercial, public, and multi-unit residential buildings operate safely and comply with regulations. Failure to have a valid inspection certificate may result in a $100 daily fine. 

Regular maintenance can be more cost-effective than paying daily fines until the elevator is in compliance with state laws. 

Predicting Systems Budgeting 

Signing a maintenance contract with a professional elevator company can help you budget for predictable expenses related to your elevator system. Fixed monthly or biannual costs can be much lower than the cost of an emergency repair, which could be large and unpredictable. 

By proactively investing in regular preventative elevator maintenance, property owners and businesses can avoid the significant financial and operational burdens of emergency repairs. This consistent upkeep minimizes costly downtime, ensures peak efficiency for lower energy bills, maintains vital safety and state compliance, and provides predictable budgeting through maintenance contracts. Ultimately, scheduled maintenance is the most economical, safe, and efficient way to manage your building’s vertical transportation system. 

Talk to our team at Buckley Elevators about the health of your elevator system and how we can keep your costs down through regular preventative maintenance.