Upgrading or Replacing Your Elevator: FAQs

Elevators have become an integral part of buildings everywhere. Offering easier access, improving comfort and convenience, and enhancing the kerb value of any establishment, elevators are a must for any multi-storey building. However, with time and after undergoing wear and tear, when your MRL elevator stops running smoothly or has a breakdown, you will be faced with the decision of scheduling repairs or elevator upgrades or of planning a complete replacement. There are several factors, like safety concerns, long-term expectations, current elevator technology, new technologies, compliance, etc., that must be considered. If you too find yourself in this situation, where your MRL elevator is not working properly, here are some frequently asked questions that can help you make the right decision:

What are the signs that the elevator needs an upgrade?

If the elevator keeps breaking down, it is best to upgrade or replace it. Slow movement or doors that take ages to open can be frustrating, especially in busy buildings. Along with this, older lifts tend to be a safety concern, so regular inspections are a must. Apart from that, changes to building codes or safety rules might mean one needs to modernise to stay compliant. And older models often guzzle more power, so switching to a modern, energy-efficient lift can cut running costs and reduce carbon footprint.

How old is the elevator?

MRL elevators generally have a lifespan of around  18~20 years with proper maintenance. If your elevator is nearing this age, it may be a better idea to have the entire system replaced. However, if the issues that are occurring are not major, modernisation or elevator upgrades can significantly increase its lifespan. In such a situation, it is better to consult professionals regarding your elevator.

Are proprietary parts available?

If you are considering modernising your elevator, you should first find out if proprietary parts are still available in the market. Many MRL elevators use OEM-specific part, which may be unavailable if your elevator is an old or discontinued model. In cases where parts are difficult to source or too expensive, the practical choice would be to replace the elevator.

Is the current elevator able to meet the building’s traffic requirements?

If the issue that you are facing is to do with the performance of the elevator, like its ride comfort, speed, door operation, etc., upgrading the elevator can help you a lot. However, this is also a good time to assess if the elevator is meeting the building’s needs or not. If the elevator is undersized or does not have the top specifications that you’d need, you may want to replace the elevator.

What are the benefits of getting an elevator upgrade?

You also need to consider the many benefits you get if you opt for elevator upgrades.

• Improved Safety: Upgrade the elevator lift improves the current safety standards.
• Superior Performance: By upgrading or replacing elevators, one can ensure better performance. Advanced features like predictive maintenance can significantly reduce breakdowns. 
• Energy Efficiency: New or upgraded lifts often use regenerative drives and LED lighting that lessen energy consumption.
• Higher Property Value: A well-functioning elevator increases the property’s market value for investors.

Can you bring the system up to code through elevator upgrades?

If it is only the safety circuits, door systems, or controls of the elevator that need an upgrade, modernisation is the perfect solution for you. On the other hand, if the elevator’s layout, safety gear, or shaft clearances do not meet code and compliance requirements, replacing the elevator is unavoidable.

Mitsubishi Elevator  India offers a range of advanced, energy efficient MRL elevators, expert consultation services, as well as elevator modernisation services, so you can choose as per your needs.