Signs Your Building Needs an Elevator Modernization

Elevators are the backbone of vertical transportation in commercial, residential, healthcare, and industrial buildings. When outdated or poorly functioning, they compromise not only efficiency but also safety and compliance. Recognizing the signs that your building needs elevator modernization is critical to maintaining property value, meeting code requirements, and improving user experience.

Modernization is more than aesthetics—it enhances ride quality, optimizes energy efficiency, and ensures adherence to ADA and local building codes. This guide outlines the clear indicators that your elevator system requires a professional upgrade.

Why Elevator Modernization Matters

​Elevator modernization—also called elevator retrofit or elevator upgrade—refers to the comprehensive process of replacing outdated components with state-of-the-art systems. Modernization boosts performance, improves safety protocols, and aligns your lift with modern energy standards. In the United States, over 900,000 elevators are in operation, many of which are more than 25 years old, placing them beyond their optimal service life.

Key Benefits of Modernization

• Improved passenger safety
• Increased elevator uptime and reliability
• Enhanced energy efficiency
• Compliance with ADA and building codes
• Smoother ride comfort and quieter operation
• Better aesthetics and user experience
  
  

Hints Your Elevator Equipment Is Outdated
​Old elevator systems tend to suffer from inefficient operation, long wait times, and frequent shutdowns. If your building is operating with legacy components, you’re likely already seeing the warning signs.

Elevator Age Over 20 Years
Most vertical transportation systems have a practical lifespan of 20–25 years. After this point, components begin to deteriorate, software becomes obsolete, and replacement parts grow scarce. If your elevator has exceeded this threshold, it’s time to consider a comprehensive evaluation.

Common Issues in Aging Systems

• Door malfunctions or sluggish openings/closings
• Frequent callbacks and repairs
• Outdated relay logic or analog control panels
• High energy consumption due to inefficient motors
  
  

Persistent Service Disruptions
An increasing frequency of breakdowns is a strong indicator that your elevator system is at the end of its service life. If tenants or visitors regularly complain about elevator reliability, your building’s reputation—and potential revenue—suffers.

Frequent Repairs = Mounting Costs
When service calls become monthly or even weekly occurrences, your maintenance costs quickly eclipse the cost of modernization. Beyond financial implications, consistent issues erode user trust and impact accessibility. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that elevator repair and maintenance costs have increased by nearly 15% over the past decade, making persistent service disruptions a growing financial burden for property owners.

Long Wait Times and Poor Ride Quality
Passenger expectations have evolved. Slow response times and jerky movement are no longer acceptable in commercial properties, hotels, or healthcare facilities.

Indicators of Performance Decline

• Noticeable vibration or noise during travel
• Extended door dwell time at each floor
• Delayed car dispatches
• Uneven leveling at landings

These inefficiencies suggest that your elevator’s control system or motor drive needs upgrading.​

Elevator Fails to Meet Current Code Requirements

Building codes and elevator safety standards, such as those from ASME A17.1, change regularly. Older elevator systems may no longer comply with fire service mandates, emergency power requirements, seismic safety standards, or ADA accessibility laws. The United States sees over 17,000 elevator-related injuries annually, many tied to outdated or non-compliant systems—highlighting the critical need for modernization.

Legal and Financial Risks
Operating a non-compliant elevator exposes your property to:

• Fines from local regulatory bodies
• Liability in the event of passenger injury
• Insurance complications or denied claims
• Reduced property resale value
  
  

Obsolete Elevator Components Are Hard to Source
When your elevator repair company starts mentioning “obsolete” or “discontinued parts,” it’s a red flag. Sourcing outdated mechanical relays, analog drives, or legacy circuit boards becomes time-consuming, expensive, and unreliable.

Typical Outdated Parts

• Relay-based controllers
• Motor-generator sets
• DC drives with carbon brushes
• Manual call stations without LED indicators
  
  
  

High Energy Bills and Inefficiency
Older elevators consume more electricity due to outdated motors and poor lighting systems. If your utility costs are rising, your elevator may be a hidden contributor.

Energy-Draining Components

• Incandescent or fluorescent cab lighting
• Inefficient hydraulic systems without regeneration
• No sleep or standby mode in the control system

Upgrade Solutions

• LED lighting with motion sensors
• Gearless traction motors with regenerative drives
• Energy-efficient microprocessor-based controls
  
  
  

In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that modernizing elevator systems can reduce energy consumption by up to 40%, delivering both environmental and financial returns.

These upgrades often qualify for local utility rebates or energy-efficiency incentives.

Dated Cab Aesthetics Diminish Tenant Appeal
The appearance of your elevator cab matters. Scuffed wall panels, flickering lights, outdated fixtures, and grimy buttons give the impression of poor maintenance and diminished property standards.

Modern Cab Renovation Enhancements

• Sleek stainless steel panels or glass walls
• Touchless call systems and digital displays
• LED downlighting and ambient ceiling designs
• Voice prompts and real-time floor indicators
  
  

Renovating the cab interior complements mechanical upgrades and enhances your building’s overall impression.

Tenants and Visitors Complain
User feedback is a powerful barometer of system performance. Complaints related to delays, breakdowns, rough rides, or accessibility barriers reflect the urgent need for system improvements.

Impact on Property Value and Retention

• Commercial tenants may seek relocation
• Hospitality guests post negative reviews
• Property management reputation suffers
• Residential occupants may not renew leases
  
  

Proactively addressing elevator concerns signals your commitment to safety, accessibility, and quality infrastructure.

Smart Technology Integration Isn’t Possible
Modern elevators are designed to integrate with building automation systems and cloud-based monitoring tools. If your current system cannot support IoT-based diagnostics, destination dispatching, or remote maintenance, it’s time to consider modernization.

Benefits of Smart Elevators

• Predictive maintenance alerts
• Real-time traffic optimization
• Mobile app access and contactless control
• Remote diagnostics to minimize downtime
  
  

Digitalization enhances operational efficiency while aligning your building with smart infrastructure trends.

Fire and Seismic Safety Features Are Missing
Older elevator systems often lack essential life safety enhancements. These include fire recall functions, elevator hoistway pressurization systems, and seismic event detection features.

Required Safety Upgrades

• Emergency power operation
• Automatic recall in fire events
• Elevator shaft venting and pressurization
• Earthquake-resistant bracing and shock sensors
  
  

These features aren’t optional—they are mandatory under many updated local and international codes.

Take the Next Step Toward a Modern, Reliable Elevator System

Your elevator system plays a critical role in daily operations, occupant safety, energy efficiency, and property value. If your building shows signs of wear, delay can lead to increased risk and higher costs. Address issues proactively before they compromise reliability or code compliance.

With more than 30 states offering financial incentives or rebates for energy-efficient elevator upgrades, property owners have more resources than ever to offset modernization costs.

Our Modernization Services Include:

• Thorough equipment audits and regulatory code assessments
  
• Tailored modernization plans for both traction and hydraulic systems
  
• ADA-compliant upgrades and eco-efficient technology integration
  
• Sleek cab redesigns with modern lighting and materials
  
• 24/7 emergency response and scheduled preventative maintenance
  
  

Ensure your building stays safe, efficient, and up to standard—modernize with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common signs that indicate my building needs elevator modernization?
Frequent breakdowns, slow travel speeds, and outdated interior features often signal the need for elevator modernization. Unusual noises, sudden stops, or long wait times can also suggest aging equipment. If your system is over 20 years old or no longer compliant with current codes and safety standards, it’s time to consider an upgrade to ensure safety, reliability, and energy efficiency for all users.

Why is elevator modernization important for building safety and performance?
Modernizing your elevator improves operational reliability, enhances passenger safety, and reduces the risk of accidents. Aging systems may have worn-out components that compromise functionality, leading to breakdowns or emergency shutdowns. Upgrades ensure compliance with updated building codes and accessibility standards, while also integrating advanced technologies for smoother operation, energy savings, and user comfort—all essential for maintaining a high-quality building experience.

How does outdated elevator equipment affect energy efficiency?
Old elevator systems typically lack energy-saving technologies and operate with inefficient motors, control systems, and lighting. This increases operational costs and environmental impact. Modernization introduces energy-efficient components like regenerative drives, LED lighting, and smart controllers, significantly reducing electricity consumption. In addition to cutting energy bills, these upgrades also align your building with sustainability goals and modern green building certifications.
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When should I consider elevator modernization instead of repairs?
If your elevator requires constant repairs, has components nearing the end of their lifespan, or lacks replacement parts, modernization is the smarter long-term investment. Frequent maintenance costs add up quickly and may not solve underlying issues. Modernizing restores full functionality, extends system life, and adds value to your property—delivering greater performance, safety, and user satisfaction than temporary fixes can offer.

Contact us today for a free elevator modernization assessment. Our experts will develop a cost-effective plan that enhances safety, boosts performance, and future-proofs your building's vertical transportation.

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Conclusion:

Elevator modernization is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for future-ready buildings. By identifying performance issues early and acting proactively, property owners and managers can avoid costly emergencies, ensure compliance, and provide a better experience for users.

Position your building for long-term success. Modernize your elevator system today and elevate your property's value, safety, and functionality.