For some time now, news outlets have recognized that the general public has a fascination with stories about people being trapped in elevators. The tension of being confined in a small space, often with strangers, is enough to grab attention and keep readers engaged. However, getting stuck in an elevator, especially for an extended period, is relatively rare. As a result, media outlets have begun to shift their focus to another elevator-related issue: persistent outages.
Recent news articles often depict non-working elevators as human interest stories, drawing attention to the personal challenges people face when they rely on this essential piece of equipment. Take, for example, a few headlines from recent reports: “Disabled man trapped on 4th floor of Stockton apartment for weeks after elevator broke down,” “Woman with disability unable to visit deceased parents’ final resting place because of broken elevator at cemetery,” and “‘It’s hell’: Elderly residents forced to navigate stairs amid weekslong housing complex elevator outage.” escalator brushes
Journalists frequently frame these stories as exposés on negligent landlords, suggesting they prioritize profit over the well-being of their tenants. While there are undoubtedly cases where landlords fail to address elevator problems quickly enough, the root cause of many of these delays often comes down to logistics, not malice. Elevators in the U.S. are aging, and as they require more maintenance, sourcing the necessary parts can become challenging. Many elevator manufacturers stop stockpiling replacement parts for their systems approximately 15 years after the elevator is produced. This has led to a shortage of parts for older elevators and a growing market for used components.
“There are seven million elevators in the world that are over 20 years old,” said Ezhil Nanjappan, Chief Technology Officer at Otis Elevator. Not only is it difficult to find parts for these aging systems, but many older elevators lack the digital infrastructure necessary to be compatible with modern building management systems. “When it comes to modernizing elevators, sometimes the upfront cost can be worth it because new technology will be so much more compatible with other systems,” Nanjappan explained.
Modern elevators, in contrast to their older counterparts, are far more proactive when it comes to scheduling preventive maintenance and diagnosing potential issues. “New elevators have self-auditing systems that help compensate for the current shortage of both parts and technicians,” Nanjappan noted. This technological leap means that newer elevators can help reduce downtime, not only saving money on repairs but also minimizing reputational risk for building owners. Given the current media focus on persistent elevator outages, systems that can reduce downtime are becoming increasingly valuable.
New elevators have self-auditing systems that help compensate for the current shortage of both parts and technicians.
There are also innovative strategies for repairing elevators that can further minimize disruption. “The most important upgrade to start with is often the addition of better software for destination dispatch,” said Joseph Bera, VP of Modernization, Sales, and Fulfillment at Schindler Elevators. Destination dispatch technology allows the elevator to move passengers more efficiently, which in turn reduces wear and tear, lowering the amount of downtime required for future upgrades.
Even the oldest elevators are often still highly reliable, and full replacements are rarely necessary. “It is very rare for an elevator to need to be replaced rail to rail,” Bera explained. Instead, elevators can be modernized gradually, part by part, until they are functionally equivalent to the latest models. The order in which parts are replaced varies based on the condition of the equipment, but Bera suggests starting with one of the most problematic and visible components: the doors. “About 80 percent of reliability issues can be solved by replacing the doors. Plus, it shows the rider that you are working on renovations, which might not be true for some of the other pieces of equipment that are behind the scenes.”
Elevators are vital to the operation of most buildings, especially those with multiple floors or housing residents with limited mobility. When an elevator is out of order, it can cause significant disruptions to people’s daily lives and even lead to news coverage. No building owner wants to find their name in the paper under a headline about poor living conditions caused by a broken elevator, but they often face difficult decisions about when and how to undertake major renovations. By finding innovative ways to procure the necessary parts and making the most strategic upgrades, building owners and elevator companies are working to reduce both the physical and financial risks associated with elevator outages.
This increasing focus on proactive maintenance and modernization is critical as many buildings in the U.S. are aging along with their infrastructure. With millions of elevators operating past their prime, the need for modern solutions is more urgent than ever. By implementing new technologies and finding ways to keep older systems running efficiently, building owners can not only avoid the dreaded elevator outage headline but also improve the overall safety and reliability of their properties.
While elevator repairs and upgrades can be costly, the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial expenses. Newer, more efficient systems reduce downtime, lower repair costs, and provide a better experience for residents and visitors alike. Plus, with the media increasingly highlighting elevator-related issues, staying ahead of potential problems is essential for maintaining a positive reputation.
Elevators may seem like simple machines, but their maintenance and repair involve complex logistics, especially as they age. The key to avoiding persistent outages and the negative attention that comes with them is modernization—whether through new systems or incremental updates to older ones. By taking a proactive approach to elevator maintenance, building owners can keep their properties running smoothly and ensure that their elevators remain a reliable part of daily life for everyone who depends on them.
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