Elevator modernization cost depends on the how much will be modernized. For just the fixtures and rails the average is about $250. To modernize the control system averages $12,500. Full elevator modernization costs around $125,000 on average.
Maintaining commercial buildings to stay current with safety standards is expensive.
It is possible to manage these costs by choosing which level of elevator maintenance you will choose for your property.
In this post we will outline the levels of elevator maintenance to help building owners or managers plan for and understand elevator maintenance costs.
Modernize Fixtures & Railings Cost:
To modernize the fixtures and rails inside your elevators will cost $250 average. The fixtures you can modernize include, button panels, floor indicators, wall mounted fixtures, and more. How much or how little you choose to modernize will affect your cost.
Modernize Control System Cost:
The cost to modernize the elevator control system is about $12,500 average. This depends on which model you choose and what options you choose. Optional features that you can select on control systems include: absolute landing systems, emergency power, card reader/floor lock out, and much more.
Full Elevator Modernization Cost:
If you’re planning on completely modernizing your elevators it will cost up to or around $125,000 for buildings with 12 stories or less. For buildings with more than 12 stories the cost of full elevator modernization will cost $175,000 on average. Full elevator modernization improves energy efficiency, shortens ride times, updates the feel and look, provides a quieter elevator, reduces vibration, improves reliability and safety.
If your building’s elevator system is 25 years or older it should be evaluated for safety, efficiency, and comfort for your building’s occupants. Some laws govern the safety standards for the condition of your elevator. If you’ve found that it’s been ordered from a safety inspection to modernize your elevator, get in touch with our expert team to keep elevator modernization affordable.
Finding Affordable Elevator Solutions
Modern technology is for more than skyscrapers. When it comes to new construction or the existing construction of low to mid-rise buildings, advanced elevator systems are now available. For instance, Machine Room-Less (MRL) technology is a new advanced hoisting machinery available for elevators and is gaining popularity within newer construction for midrise buildings. The requirement of mechanical rooms on rooftops or in basements are eliminated with the use of MRL elevators, which saves space.
In addition, there is a great amount of energy saved by using MRL elevators, as they require much less electricity to operate. As motors are built within the hoist way, it eliminates the need for an energy supply room to be built. Compared to a conventional elevator, an MRL elevator creates less heat.
Although it costs more to install an MRL elevator compared to conventional elevators, it will be cheaper overall. According to Scott, an elevator consultant with Arizona Elevator Solutions, “MRL elevators are a little more expensive compared to traditional elevators, but enable the architects to offer clients less expensive construction options, as they do not need to build an additional structure for machinery. In addition, this improves the building’s health.”
Make Your Own Energy To Save More Money
If you’re trying to go green, you can’t get better than creating your own energy. The use of regenerative drives help recaptures the energy that dissipates into heat as elevators use the brakes, turning the motor into a generator that feeds energy back into the main power grid.
Scott says, “If an elevator is modernized, you add the regenerative drives as an option. The efficiency of the system is so great, any additional power gets resent back to the building.” Although regenerative drives are nearly twice as expensive as traditional drives, in the long-term they are able to save between 20% to 40% of total energy use.
When to Modernize Your Elevator(s)
Prior to elevators being operated by computers, an elevator had a lifespan of 20 to 25 years. Scott added, “Today, we are seeing elevator systems being switched out between 18 to 20 years, due to the constant electricity flowing throughout the computer systems.” Additionally, when flow variations occur from Con Edison, it’s commonly impossible to locate the replacement parts. Over time, manufacturers get acquired by larger companies and product lines are discontinued.
An operator is able to review the service call history with the maintenance company used to obtain an idea of the elevators overall health. If service interruptions occur frequently, it can be a sign the major system should be replaced.
Any time elevators are showing clear signs of an issue, an independent consultation company needs to be called in for assessing the situation and determining which parts should be replaced, which parts can be salvaged, etc.
Scott says, “elevators have hundreds of parts. We examine each link within a chain to determine the issue, and based on professional judgement provide a cost for repairing or replacing.”
It Could Get Complicated
According to Scott, “In buildings under 20 years old, modernizing elevators are rather simple due to the systems being designed according to ADA regulations and more recent building codes. However, with older buildings, an application must be filled out. For example, to switch out an elevator control panel, which triggers compliance requirements.” This complicates the process, more so after the elevator provisions were extensively revised with NYC Building Codes in 2009.
The average cost for a comprehensive modernization within a six-story New York City building ranges between $125,000 and $150,000 per elevator. Because a taller building will require elevators to be faster, this range increases between $150,000 and $250,000.
There are times independent reviews could indicate that some major components require replacing, but not all of them. In these situations, it could be worth the additional expensive to have a full modernization. According to Scott, “You will be spending a great amount either way, and the elevator will be out of service for a significant period of time.”
Keep in mind, if your elevator system is currently between 10 and 15 years old, with the current lifespan of an elevator being 18 to 20 years it is likely other components will begin going out within a few years.
Elevator Modernization In Arizona
If you are thinking about elevator modernization in Arizona, we can help! Arizona Elevator Solutions is your go to elevator specialists that can handle anything from elevator repair and maintenance to elevator modernization and upgrades. Get a free elevator modernization quote from Arizona Elevator Solutions today!