Elevator shutdowns don’t wait for convenient times. They happen during busy workdays, peak hours, and when you least expect them. For property managers, elevator maintenance isn’t just about keeping the machinery running; it’s about ensuring tenant safety, meeting code requirements, and protecting your investment.

Proper elevator maintenance services can extend your system’s lifespan by decades while reducing costly emergency repairs. This guide provides eight essential maintenance tips that will help you keep your elevators running safely and efficiently.

1. Regular Inspections and Check-ups

Schedule monthly visual inspections of your elevator systems. Look for signs of wear, unusual sounds, or any visible damage to the cabin, doors, and control panels. These routine checks help identify potential issues before they become major problems.

Professional elevator maintenance companies recommend quarterly comprehensive inspections that include:

• Testing all safety systems
• Checking cable tension and condition
• Inspecting motor and drive components
• Evaluating electrical connections
• Reviewing emergency communication systems

Document all inspection findings in your maintenance log. This creates a historical record that helps technicians spot patterns and predict when components might need replacement.

2. Promptly Address Unusual Noises or Vibrations

Elevators should operate smoothly and quietly. Any unusual sounds, grinding, squealing, banging, or excessive vibration. These signals indicate potential mechanical issues that require immediate attention.

Common warning signs include:

• Grinding noises from the machine room
• Squealing sounds during door operation
• Unusual vibrations during travel
• Intermittent jolting or jerky movements
• Strange electrical humming or buzzing

Contact Ascent Elevators, a trusted elevator service provider, when you notice these symptoms. Early intervention prevents minor issues from becoming expensive repairs or safety hazards.

3. Keep the Elevator Clean

Cleanliness affects both aesthetics and functionality. Dirt, debris, and spills can damage elevator components and create safety hazards.

Establish a regular cleaning schedule that includes:

• Daily cleaning of elevator interiors
• Weekly deep cleaning of floors and walls
• Monthly cleaning of door tracks and thresholds
• Quarterly professional cleaning of mechanical components

Pay special attention to door tracks, where accumulated debris can cause door malfunctions. Clean tracks ensure smooth door operation and prevent premature wear of door mechanisms.

4. Ensure Proper Lighting

Adequate lighting is crucial for passenger safety and comfort. Dim or flickering lights can cause accidents and create anxiety among users.

Check lighting systems regularly:

• Replace burned-out bulbs immediately
• Clean light fixtures monthly
• Inspect electrical connections quarterly
• Consider LED elevator upgrades for better efficiency and longevity

Proper lighting also helps you spot maintenance issues during inspections. Well-lit elevator cars make it easier to identify wear patterns, damage, or cleanliness issues.

5. Monitor Door Operations

Door problems account for a significant percentage of elevator service calls. Doors that hesitate, close too quickly, or fail to open properly pose safety risks and frustrate users.

Monitor door performance by checking:

• Opening and closing speed consistency
• Proper alignment when doors meet
• Smooth operation without jerking or hesitation
• Sensor functionality and response time
• Emergency door reopening features

Test door sensors monthly by interrupting the closing sequence. Sensors should immediately reopen doors when activated. 

6. Check Safety Features

Safety systems are your elevator’s most critical components. These systems must function perfectly to protect passengers and meet code requirements.

Test these safety features regularly:

• Emergency stop buttons
• Alarm systems and emergency communication
• Fire service operation
• Overload protection systems
• Door safety edges and light curtains

Many safety features require professional testing by certified elevator testing companies. Don’t attempt to test complex safety systems yourself; improper testing can disable critical safety functions.

7. Keep a Maintenance Log

Documentation is essential for effective elevator maintenance. A comprehensive maintenance log helps track patterns, schedule preventive maintenance, and demonstrate compliance with safety regulations.

Your maintenance log should include:

• Daily inspection notes
• Service call records
• Parts replacement history
• Safety test results
• Code compliance documentation

Digital maintenance logs offer advantages over paper records. They’re easier to search, can’t be lost, and provide better organization for regulatory inspections.

8. Work with a Trusted Elevator Maintenance Service Provider

Professional elevator maintenance services provide expertise that in-house staff typically can’t match. Certified technicians understand complex elevator systems and stay current with changing safety codes and regulations.

Choose an elevator maintenance company that offers:

• 24/7 emergency response
• Certified and Licensed Union (IUEC) Technicians
• Comprehensive service agreements
• Transparent pricing and communication
• Local presence for faster response times

Regular maintenance contracts typically cost less than reactive repairs. Professional elevator service and maintenance prevent small problems from becoming major breakdowns that could leave tenants stranded and require expensive and lengthy emergency repairs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many property managers make costly mistakes when managing elevator maintenance. Delaying necessary modernization despite rising repair costs often results in more expensive emergencies. Skipping regular inspections with certified elevator testing companies can lead to compliance violations and safety hazards.

Building owners are required to follow specific codes and standards as per (ASME) A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. Compliance with these regulations not only ensures the safety of the property but also keeps owners in good standing with federal authorities.

Choosing service providers based solely on price rather than expertise and reliability often results in poor service quality and higher long-term costs. The cheapest option rarely provides the best value when it comes to elevator maintenance and repair services.

For Reliable Results: Partner With Ascent Elevators

St. Louis’s climate and local building codes create specific considerations for elevator maintenance. Temperature fluctuations and humidity levels can affect system performance, making regular maintenance even more critical for reliable operation.

Working with local elevator installation companies that understand regional requirements ensures your systems meet all applicable codes and perform optimally in local conditions.

Ascent Elevators specializes in comprehensive elevator maintenance services for St. Louis property managers. Our team provides preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, modernization solutions, and code compliance services designed to keep your elevators running smoothly. 

Ready to elevate your elevator maintenance program? Contact Ascent Elevators today to schedule a consultation and discover how professional elevator maintenance can benefit your property