What is the lifespan of a stairlift?
Stairlifts are now considered a viable solution for many people with mobility issues since they enable them to move from one floor to another without assistance. Down this article, there are really important questions that often arise from potential users, and these include; ‘’how long do stairlifts last’’.inces? Predict the lifespan of a stairlift based on the kind of stairlift, how frequently it is used, how it is being maintained, and its operating environment.
Types of Stairlifts and Their Durability
There are primarily two types of stairlifts: straight-line and curved line. Straight stairlifts are suitable for consecutive stairs that have no turns or landing, while curved stair lifts are staircase-specific with bends, turns, or intermediate landing. In a broad perspective, straight stair lifts are considered to be less complicated than curved ones because the designs have fewer components prone to malfunctioning and thus have a better shot at having a longer service life than curved stair lifts.
Assuming that a stairlift has been effectively maintained, it can approximately have a life span that ranges between 10 to 15 years. However, the long-lasting models at this level can last longer if well maintained and services as required by the manufacturer. The lifespan is again determined with immense weightage to the brand and build quality of the stairlift. Retractable clotheslines are supposed to last, and therefore, purchasing a brand that is reputed to be hardwearing and reasonably long-lasting will definitely go a long way in ensuring that they last longer.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
If a stairlift is to last long and be efficient in service, its maintenance must be done often. As with any other piece of machinery, stair lifts are bound to have some wear and tear at some point in time. Periodic checks and maintenance are important for elements like batteries for the car, motors that drive the mechanism, and tracks or rails on which the mechanism rolls.
Experts recommend that one should seek the service of a professional stairlift expert to have it overhauled annually as most manufacturers advise. The check-ups are carried out by technicians who then evaluate the state of the stairlifts, Apply grease on moving parts, and confer on the performance of safety measures. It is advised that some of the parts that are already worn out should be replaced at the earliest because minor issues do not have to turn into big problems just for the sake of prolonging the life of the stairlift.
Impact of Usage Frequency
Frequency of use is another aspect that influences the longevity of the stairlift. A stairlift that many people frequently use is likely to wear out faster than a stairlift that is rarely used. A stairlift that is often frequently used daily will most certainly be of more benefit than a stairlift that may occasionally be used in a year. However, this does not in anyway mean that the more frequent one will be using it, then the shorter the expected life span of the stairlift. However, one needs to understand that modern stairlifts are designed to be used every day and are meticulously constructed from very strong materials.
Weight and usage limits have to be strictly adhered to as provided by the manufacturer in order to ensure that too much stress is not placed on the stairlift. Stairlifts ought not to be overloaded, and the correct methods on how to operate them ought to be followed to prevent them from developing faults or degrading quickly, thus having a shorter life span.
Environmental Factors
External influences can also influence how long a stairlift will last once installed and used; for instance, Residents living in houses with high humidity or fluctuating temperatures will notice that the parts of their stairlifts will degrade at different rates than those in climatic conditions that are less extreme. Excessive humidities affect the corrosion of metal parts and the failure of electrical accessories as well; extreme or very low temperatures influence the efficiency of the battery and motor.
These are the effects that can be minimized if the stairlift is well maintained by ensuring that it is cleaned and dried. Cleaning the rail and chair properly and seeing that it does not stay under unfavorable conditions for too long also helps in the functionality of the stairlift as well as its durability.
Signs That a Stairlift Needs Replacement
Like any other equipment, a stairlift will not last a lifetime; therefore, it will, from time to time, require replacement despite the maintenance and care measures that are put in place. For instance, often breakdowns, the appearance of strange noise during the operations, slow or jerky movement of the stairlift, and even increasing frequency of repairs are some of the signs that call for stairlift replacement.
Conclusion
Several factors define the lifespan of a stairlift: the type of stairlift, maintenance practices, frequency of use, and the environment, among others. Although, a stairlift’s life expectancy is approximately 10 to 15 years, the useful life of the stairlift can be extended with proper usage and care as well as proper maintenance of the equipment.
Regarding the company, there is with reference to UK Stairlifts Leeds they supply one of the best stairlifts in the market that is durable and more efficient. Our highly skilled personnel is always avails for the purpose of ensuring that your stairlift is properly maintained to the intended service cycle.
So, whether you’re a customer deliberating over your stairlift purchase or a customer requiring a service, speak to us today for professional service. Our focus areas are your ability to move around and ensure that you are as safe as possible while doing so.
Also Read: Understanding the Differences and Benefits of Homelifts and Stairlifts