Maintenance is a very important action to ensure that all systems work the way they should. Whether it is your car, kitchen appliance or office machine, regular maintenance will help to ensure that you get optimum service from the item. If you ignore your elevator maintenance, you can be sure that the system's performance will decline rapidly. Downtime and response time will increase, as will the repair costs. The system's service life will also be shortened and you will have to deal with more complaints. Most importantly, ignoring maintenance compromises safety, which can be very dangerous for all.
Most places require that maintenance be performed in compliance with safety codes for elevators and escalators. The maintenance requirements have increased over the years and periodic tests and inspections are required. They are intended to assure that the system's level of safety is the same as it was when the equipment was installed or upgraded. The maintenance services can help to deal with performance issues such as door opening time, car start delay and ride quality. Maintenance can prove to be life saving as it can help to identify issues that if left unattended can cause breakdowns.
Understanding elevator maintenance
It is important to ensure that you understand everything about the maintenance. Your lift maintenance contract should include everything from the issues addressed to the maintenance intervals. A written contract is necessary to ensure that you comply with the conditions stated. A good service company will help you to come up with a maintenance program that is ideal for your specifications. By understanding the appropriate intervals for each item, you can ensure that the system works efficiently at all times.
Understanding your responsibilities
It is important to understand your responsibilities as the building owner when it comes to the elevator operation. Many places state the elevator owner is held responsible for the proper maintenance, safe operation, regular inspection and the correction of any code deficiencies. It is important to find out the minimum requirements and everything required to ensure that your system is up to code. In most places, the statutory requirement requires routine examination on an annual basis. It is carried out by registered elevator companies that subsequently provide a written record of the results.
How much you should pay for maintenance
Like with all services, it is important to realize that you get what you pay for. It is not a good idea to try to get the cheapest rates as this can mean that you are paying for substandard service. You need to deal with elevator maintenance the same way you do with different products and services, remember that if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Trying to bargain to get the lowest price can mean that you will not get the best preventive maintenance plan and you have to depend on regular call-back maintenance. Make sure that the contract favors you when it comes to getting the best service.
Get a comprehensive service plan
When negotiating a contract, make sure that you have a comprehensive service plan that identifies the hours of maintenance that each elevator will get each month. This will depend on the type and age of the elevator and the time can vary from one hour to five hours. The best plan will outline the tasks or services that will be performed during each session. The technicians perform the different services to ensure that the elevator performs at optimum level. When you realize how inconvenient it is to have a system that is out of order, you understand the importance of regular maintenance.
What to look for in the best contract
When analyzing a maintenance contract or agreement, you should focus on value instead of the price. This is the best way to ensure that you get the best service and you avoid constant downtime or stoppages. When you work with a reputable elevator company, you will realize that you do not have to worry about the results you receive. Many companies that offer low bids will usually require more supervision in order to ensure that you get exactly what you are paying for. Make sure that the company does not skimp on their services and confirm that it has the resources required to do the job.
To benefit from the best service, make sure that you deal with a company that has skilled engineers. The technicians should have the information and resources necessary to troubleshoot even the most complicated issues. Knowing that the company has experts available will give you much needed peace of mind. How quickly the technicians respond to problems will mean the difference between a building that runs smoothly and one that is poorly serviced. Evaluating the average response time for emergency service calls will help you to know what you can expect.
