What is the importance of regular stairlift servicing? A stairlift should give you years of un-interrupted service and is a vital mobility aid in the home for many. So how important is keeping up with regular servicing of a stairlift and should you prioritise a regular yearly service for your stairlift?
Like with any mechanical piece of machinery, faults do happen. Stairlifts do break down. Their parts wear out and occasionally there are problems. Stairlifts have fail safe devices built into them. So when something does go wrong, it’s unlikely to be something dangerous. The worst problem is likely the stairlift stopping mid-flight.
Getting your stairlift regularly serviced is one way to prevent problems from arising. A service is a little like an MOT for a car. It helps prevent breakdowns, extends the life of your stairlift and gives you an opportunity to identify potential problems before they have time to occur.
The Importance Of Regular Stairlift Servicing – Preventative Maintenance
Issues can arise with your stairlift due to regular use and wear and tear. Routine maintenance from a qualified engineer is vital to keep your stairlift operating how it should. As dust and dirt gather on the stairlift rail, for example, this can slow down the driving mechanism, adding greater friction to the motor. Even small changes like this, over time, can decrease the lifespan of your stairlift. With regular maintenance, problems like this aren’t given chance to compound and build up.
Stairlift batteries typically have a lifespan of 3-5 years under normal use. But if you are using your stairlift more often, or there is greater strain on the batteries from overuse, they are likely to wear down more quickly. If there’s a problem with batteries, they are usually replaced on a service.
This step alone can reduce potential problems arising from battery fault, of which there are many. Battery fault is a common cause of stairlift issues. So regularly checking the batteries and replacing where necessary is a sensible thing.
DIY Stairlift Upkeep – What Can You Do To Extend The Life Of Your Stairlift?
Stairlift cleanliness is one of the simplest things you can do to extend the life of your stairlift. Regularly clean the rail with a dry cloth to avoid build up of pet hair, dust and dirt. Keep the rail and the stairlift base unit clear of any obstacles. Make sure you’re not exceeding the weight limit of a stairlift, carrying anything which might overburden the motor, or putting any extra strain on the driving mechanism.
Make sure you return the stairlift to its charging point when not in use. Not doing so can mean the battery will run flat and the stairlift will stop working. This can also cause the battery to lose its capacity to hold charge over time. So make sure your stairlift is parked correctly, to allow it to charge. Don’t switch it off at the mains. During a power cut, stairlifts can still operate on their battery charge. But they will only run for a few trips on one charge. So keep them topped up!
Regular Stairlift Servicing Every 12 Months
We recommend you get a service every 12 months to keep your stairlift in tip top condition and help to prevent any issues.
Our engineers will check parts, batteries and make sure the working parts are well lubricated, where needed. It is important to use a professional to do this and not attempt to lubricate moving parts yourself since we use special lubricant which doesn’t damage the electrical components. Some lubricants are unsuitable for stairlifts and may cause damage.
All our stairlifts come with a warranty, with our reconditioned stairlifts having a 2 year warranty – new stairlifts typically come with a 3 year warranty.
This includes parts, labour, call-outs and yearly servicing.
Give us a call if your stairlift is due for a service on 0800 046 3438 and speak with a member of our friendly team.