When it comes to the functionality and safety of your building, your commercial elevator plays a vital role. Whether it’s transporting staff, clients, or heavy equipment, a reliable lift ensures smooth operations. Ignoring early warning alerts leads to expensive breakdowns, safety hazards, and even liability issues.
Here are the top signs your commercial lift may be due for a service – or even urgent maintenance.
Unusual Noises During Operation
Humming, clunking, grinding, or squeaking sounds are more than just a nuisance—they’re often the first sign that components are wearing down or misaligned. These sounds can indicate:
- Worn-out or loose mechanical parts
- Poor lubrication
- Misalignment in the motor or pulley system
If yours starts to sound distressed, it’s time to call the experts.
Jerky or Delayed Movement
A commercial lift should move seamlessly between floors. If the elevator jerks during start-up, stops abruptly or feels bumpy in motion, it could indicate:
- Brake problems
- Suspension issues
- Faulty leveling mechanisms
Jerky or uneven rides can scare passengers and reflect poorly on your building’s maintenance standards. These symptoms not only affect ride comfort but also pose safety risks.
Doors Not Opening or Closing Properly
Faulty door mechanisms are one of the most common causes of elevator downtime—and a significant inconvenience for users. If elevator doors:
- Take too long to open or close
- Don’t close all the way
- Reopen unexpectedly
These issues often stem from faulty sensors, dirty tracks, or damaged mechanical components. Not only is this inconvenient, but malfunctioning doors are also a major safety hazard, particularly for passengers with mobility challenges.
Frequent Breakdowns or Fault Codes
If you’re constantly resetting your lift or calling in technicians for minor repairs, it’s time for a more comprehensive assessment – frequent malfunctions are a strong sign that something deeper is going wrong. Frequent service interruptions can tarnish your building’s reputation and put you at risk of legal liabilities.
Common causes include:
- Electrical problems
- Malfunctioning controllers
- Sensor issues
- General wear and tear
Routine lift maintenance often catches these problems early, saving you from more repairs.
Slower-Than-Usual Travel Time
Has your lift slowed down over time? This often happens so slowly that it goes unnoticed until someone points it out. If your elevator is taking noticeably longer to travel between floors, it could point to problems like:
- Motor degradation
- Cable wear
- Electrical issues
- Controller malfunctions
Slower operation not only frustrates tenants and visitors but also signals underlying problems that need immediate attention.
Unpleasant Odours or Leaks
If you detect burning smells, unusual heat, or see fluid leaks in or around the lift shaft, it’s important to act immediately. These are red flags that could indicate overheating motors, hydraulic fluid leaks, or other electrical issues—all of which require urgent professional attention.
If you or your tenants notice these odors, shut down the elevator and contact a technician immediately to avoid potential fire hazards or system failure.
Increased Energy Consumption
Have you noticed a spike in your building’s energy usage? Older or poorly maintained lifts can become less energy efficient, straining your systems and increasing operational costs.
An inefficient elevator system consumes more energy than necessary, leading to higher utility bills. This could be due to:
- A failing motor
- Inefficient lighting systems
- Overworked electrical components
If you’ve noticed a spike in energy costs, your elevator system could be a contributing factor and should be checked out.
Inaccurate Floor Leveling
When an elevator doesn’t align evenly with the floor, it signals an issue with the system’s components as follows:
- Worn leveling systems
- Faulty sensors
- Brake or cable issues
Poor leveling is not only inconvenient—it’s dangerous. Passengers can easily trip or fall if the elevator doesn’t align with the floor.
Error Codes or Warning Lights
Diagnostic systems in modern elevators display error codes or warning lights when they detect a malfunction. These alerts should never be ignored. Even if the elevator usually seems to work, internal issues may develop.
Maintenance teams can use these codes to:
- Diagnose problems
- Prevent future breakdowns
- Improve overall system performance
Time for a service?
Implementing a preventive maintenance program is the best way to avoid most elevator issues. These programs involve:
- Scheduled inspections
- Part replacements before failure
- System updates and upgrades
Don’t wait for a full breakdown—if any of the above signs seem familiar, it’s time to book a professional assessment.