Residential Archives - Godwin Elevator

3 Common Myths about Residential Elevators

Most people don’t even think about putting an elevator in their home because of a few common misconceptions, but in reality, an elevator can be a great addition to your home. Here are 3 myths about residential elevators that you shouldn’t believe.

1. Residential elevators are unsafe and prone to malfunction

Stereotypically, people think that residential elevators are less reliable than their commercial counterparts, and therefore are unsafe. This is far from the truth. There are many safety regulations and laws that have to be followed when installing an elevator in your home. These laws regulate things like speed, how much weight an elevator can hold, and the safety protocols that are required.

When thinking about potential elevator malfunctions, people tend to worry about a cable breaking and the elevator falling. Elevators are equipped with multiple cables, so if one breaks there are backups. People worry that they will exceed the weight limit and cause the elevator to fall. This is also untrue. If an elevator is holding too much weight, it will make noise and stay still until people get off and the weight drops below the limit.

Finally, there are concerns about power outages. Most elevators today are equipped with backup battery power, so if the power goes out, the safety features will engage and lower you to the nearest floor. Just because an elevator is being installed in a home as opposed to a commercial area doesn’t mean it’s any less safe. Similar safety protocols are followed either way.

2. Residential elevators require tons of maintenance/repairs

People might think that a home elevator will break down all of the time and require constant maintenance or repairs. This is why it is important to choose the right company to install your elevator. At Godwin Elevators, we ensure that your elevator is properly installed and works correctly. We also stress the importance of preventative maintenance. If you get your elevator checked every year as we recommend, you are less likely to have unexpected problems. It may seem like home elevators need more maintenance but that is because companies are more likely to have their commercial elevators checked than homeowners.

3. Residential elevators are only for the wealthy

Many people don’t even consider the option of a home elevator because they associate them with the affluent. This is a myth. Prices for residential elevators can vary based on the number of floors or cab type. Home elevators can vary in price, but if they seem too pricey there are other cheaper options like chair lifts to make your home accessible for everyone.

Residential elevators can be a great addition to your home. Contact us today to talk more about your options.

How an Elevator Works

You’ve probably stepped onto an elevator hundreds of times, but have you ever questioned how it works?

You’ve probably stepped onto an elevator hundreds of times, but have you ever questioned how it works? How it balances your weight to keep you from falling? After taking a look behind the scenes, you may never look at an elevator ride the same way again.

In 1861, Elisha Graves Otis created what would be the first iteration of the elevator that we use today. It was the first time anyone had created an elevator equipped with a safety feature, a device to keep it from falling if the lifting rope broke. Today, there are two types of elevators that are typically used – and lucky for us, both come equipped with safety features standard.

The Hydraulic Elevator

Hydraulic elevators are comprised of a cylinder, hydraulic fluid, a piston, a fluid reservoir, a rotary pump, and a valve. When the elevator needs to go up, the pump sends fluid into the cylinder which closes the valve. This pressurizes the fluid and moves the piston up. To go down, the valve opens and fluid is released back into the reservoir. The machine room to house the mechanism for a hydraulic elevator is typically located on the lowest floor.

Safety Because of the hydraulic arm, the elevator car is never suspended in the air. It is always being held up, no matter where the elevator is. There are fewer moving parts than a roped elevator, so as long as you get your elevator maintained regularly, it’s completely safe.

The Roped Elevator

Roped elevators can travel much quicker than hydraulic elevators. These elevators include a counterweight to balance the car, the electric motor, breaks, metal chains and pulleys, and a safety system. It’s basically an elaborate rope and pulley system. The ropes are wrapped around a sheave that is connected to the electric motor. When the motor turns one way, the car goes up, and when it turns the other way, the car goes down. The ropes are connected on the other side to a counterweight that weighs as much as 40% of the elevator’s capacity. Typically all of this equipment is housed in a machine room above the elevator shaft.

Safety Although one rope can easily carry the weight of the car and the counterweight Every roped elevator is built with multiple ropes. This is the first line of safety. Elevators are built with between four and eight ropes, typically, so if one breaks, there are plenty more to ensure the car doesn’t fall. Other than the ropes, the cars also have built-in braking systems just in case.

If this isn’t already more than you want to know about how an elevator works, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have!

3 Reasons to Install a Home Elevator

With the affordability of home elevators now, you’ll have several reasons to consider adding one to your home. Here are our top three reasons to install a home elevator.

Home elevators are often considered either a luxury or a medical necessity. But more and more homeowners are beginning to install home elevators for other reasons. And the best part — the cost is nothing compared to years ago. With the affordability of home elevators now, you’ll have several reasons to consider adding one to your home. Here are our top three reasons to install a home elevator.

Increases Your Property Value. While property value isn’t something that every homeowner initially thinks of, it should be. Everyone wants their home to sell for more than what they bought it for, but making the strides to get there takes smart decisions and planning. Adding an elevator to your home can add to the property value by 10% or more. It’s one addition that will pay off in the end. Potential buyers are more attracted to homes with elevators because they add accessibility and design value to the house.
Accessibility. If you own a two-story home and would like to live there into old age, an elevator is a wonderful addition that you’ll be thankful for in the future. Most people will not be able to utilize stairs for the entirety of their lives. We are here to make your lives easier, and you should always think ahead. Elderly people, injured people, and all others who are unable to use stairs will be able to move floor to floor without assistance when you add an elevator into your home.
Safety. Let’s be honest. How many people do you know that have injured themselves tripping up or down the stairs, if you haven’t yourself? More than 1 million stair-related injuries have landed Americans in the emergency room, and home elevators can decrease that number. After
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installing a home elevator, you won’t be worried about young children or more frail adults slipping or tripping down the stairs. An additional concern that disappears when you get rid of stairs and strictly use an elevator is the chance of a small child or pet falling over the rails.

So, after reviewing our top three reasons to install a home elevator, what are you waiting for? Contact Godwin Elevator today for pricing and details, and begin the process to make your home a more valuable and safe place. Whether you are interested in a home elevator to increase your mobility level, make your life easier, or a bit of both, we are here to help.

How Often Should My Home Elevator be Serviced?

Safety is our priority, which is why our recommendation is to have your elevator serviced annually. Here’s why.

Home elevators offer many benefits, no matter your age or home’s location. If your home elevator has been running smoothly, you probably haven’t thought twice about making a routine maintenance check-up. But you may not realize elevators can seem to be running correctly but could be having internal issues, big or small. So, how often should you set up a preventative maintenance appointment?

Safety is our priority, which is why our recommendation is to have your elevator serviced annually. Here’s why.

Most states have strict requirements for maintenance and inspections of commercial elevators, but not for home elevators. Many homeowners don’t realize the necessity of an annual review. We are here to emphasize the importance and remind you to schedule an inspection if it has been 12 months or more since your last.

What are the Benefits of an Annual Home Elevator Inspection?

Cost – No, an in-home elevator assessment isn’t free, but an annual check-up could save you a lot. For example, you could have a tiny internal issue that has a quick fix. Maybe a guide-roller has worn down and needs to be replaced. If you choose to have an inspection, we can fix that tiny issue quickly, and it won’t cost you a fortune.
Peace of Mind – While elevators add value and a level of convenience to your home, they can be dangerous when not maintained properly. You and your family might use your in-home elevator every day, and you want to be confident that it is performing at its highest level. Having an inspection will give you that peace of mind that the elevator is safe for you and your family, and you won’t have to worry while using it.
Knowledge – We know that elevator terminology isn’t a regular part of the average person’s vocabulary. A checkup is not only a time for your elevator to get checked, but you can be learning, too! Your elevator technician will explain how damages may occur, how you can prevent them, and warning signs that something may not be right. We recommend participating in the checkup and listening to your inspector. He or she will give you some useful information and help you become more confident about using and maintaining your in-home elevator.

If you suspect something isn’t right with your elevator or it’s been 12 months or more since your last visit from an elevator specialist, contact us today. Our team of experts is eager to help give you peace of mind and make sure your home elevator is performing to its best ability.