Upstairs Lift Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
A stair lift can be a great investment in your home since it creates mobility for those who find it hard to use the stairs. Any equipment like the mechanical system, will need general checks from time to time to ensure they are working effectively and safely. Below are some key recommendations you should observe in order to keep your upstairs lift functional.
Regular Cleaning
Cleaning is one of the simplest but very effective types of maintenance, yet, it needs proper execution to ensure optimum results. Food crumbs, dirt or mud, pet fur and other similar particles can collect on or within the stairlift’s track, seat and other features and can cause the stairlift to stop working properly. Picking a damp cloth, wipe the track and seat, also for the debris to be cleared. Do not use aggressive chemicals since these can mar the parts. Cleaning does not only make the stairlift look nice but also helps to reduce some problems which are a result of dirt accumulation.
Lubricate the Track
Maintenance is very important for the proper functioning of your stairlift and lubrication is one of the most important aspects of maintenance. Eventually, it becomes dry with more friction on the component interface and thus tends to experience high wear. Look into the manufacturer’s guidelines on the type of lubrication that should be done and likely apply it to the track. Lubrication also helps to cut down the amount of friction between the devices and the track and this helps the stairlift to run smoothly on the track without straining.
Inspect the Seat and Armrests
The seat and armrests are other critical components as they are responsible for the comfort of the user and help in balancing the product. You should also now and then check these components for any wear or damage that they can possess. It is wrong to overlook some signs like having tears on the upholstery, loose screws or any other thing that may be dangerous to users. If you observe any issues in your advocacy, correct them as soon as possible. Checking if the seat as well as the armrest is well made is very important since it provides comfort as well as security.
Test the Safety Features
Standard safety features for stairlifts are seat belts, sensors that prevent footrests, and emergency stop buttons. It is advisable that you check these features from time to time to confirm that they’re working efficiently. Pull down on the seat belt to make sure that everything is in working order, and press on the footrest sensors to see if they prevent the lift from moving if an object is in the way. Further, ensure that you press the emergency button to ensure that it halts the lift as soon as the button is pressed. These checks are safety measures that need to be taken to make sure that there is no accident and that the stairlift is functioning properly.
Check the Power Supply
These stair lifts are either operated by batteries or by a main electrical system. For battery-operated models, clean the battery part often and replace the battery if it is dead. When the battery is low or has completely drained, it can lead to the stairlift stopping mid-track, which is unsafe. In the case of a stairlift that is connected to the mains ensure that your power cord and joints are well connected and are not damaged in any way. Thus, regular check on the power supply ensures that a power failure is predicted and, therefore, prevented from interrupting the operation.
Professional Servicing
While it is good to engage in regular maintenance as a homeowner, professional servicing is vital at some point. The majority of stairlift manufacturers advise yearly maintenance that can be provided only by a professional. Professional servicing incorporates the assessment and correct functioning of every part, thereby setting the stairlift into the best condition possible. Professionals are able to diagnose problems on the stairlift before they become large problems and, therefore, reinforce customers’ consciousness and longevity of the stairlift.
Respond to Unusual Noises
If your stairlift is making noise which you have never heard before, do not consider it normal. Abnormal noises are often a sign of a serious problem, for example, bent or worn components in the machinery. Locate the source of the noise, and if this can not be done, then refer to a specialist for the repair work. Addressing any sounds as soon as they occur means that serious complications that can affect the stairlift will not happen, and the stairlift will proceed to function optimally.
Keep the Area Clear
Make sure you do not put any barriers or anything that can hinder the progress of the stairlift in or around the area. Any items left on the stairs affect the movement of the lift and present a risk of causing a fall. Further, it is also important to avoid exposing the stairlift to direct sunlight as well as ensuring that people with stokes do not operate it alone. Pets and children should also be warned to avoid the stairlift when it is in motion. Removing objects from the area in question decreases the risk to the occupants and the stairlift can be used to the best advantage.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines
Maintenance work and advice should also be taken strictly from the manufacturer and its instructions. These are general guidelines for your stairlift model and give detailed information on the correct way how to maintain it. Staying true to the manufacturer entails that you are handling the stairlift in the right manner, thus extending the warrant on it.
To increase the life expectancy of your upstairs lift and guarantee its safety, it is necessary to service the lift on a regular basis. Small troubles that are known to happen frequently can be avoided, and your stairlift will be in its best shape always by practising regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection alongside hiring expert servicing. Applying these maintenance tips, you will ensure that the stairlift will provide you with years of use and will be comfortable for you.
If you need stairlift services like servicing and maintenance done, UK Stairlifts Leeds is the best place to go because they are professionals. We have a competent team of certified technicians who will ensure your stairlift is well-maintained to avoid malfunctions. It is also of vital importance that you book an appointment for your stairlift to be serviced to enhance its safety and functionality. To know more, visit our website through our site UK Stairlifts Leeds.