At Axis Lifts, we believe that a home lift should offer comfort, safety, and convenience for many years to come. But just like any mechanical system, lifts require regular maintenance to stay in top condition. To help homeowners understand what’s involved, we spoke with Simon from Axis Lifts and incorporated insights from our trusted supplier, Aritco, to explore how often a lift should be serviced and what that process looks like.
How Often Should a Home Lift Be Serviced?
The frequency of maintenance depends largely on your location and how often your lift is used. For most homes, servicing every six months is ideal. This ensures the lift is operating safely and smoothly, and allows our technicians to catch any early signs of wear. In coastal areas, where salty air can accelerate corrosion, we recommend servicing up to four times a year. While some homeowners choose to book just one service annually to save on costs, our advice is always the same: twice a year is the safest option for long-term reliability.
What’s Included in a Home Lift Service?
When we visit for a standard service, there’s a thorough checklist our technicians work through. We check and top up the oil, inspect the guide rails, lubricate all moving parts, and ensure that key safety systems—like door contacts and emergency stop features—are functioning correctly. For lifts with emergency telephones, we test those too, so help is always just a call away. We also inspect the lift for signs of rust, oil leaks, or misalignment at landing levels, which could indicate deeper issues.
Aritco Lift Maintenance Schedule and Features
Aritco lifts follow a similar maintenance process for their home lifts. Their recommendation is to have your first service six months after installation, then at minimum once a year after that. Every five years, a more detailed inspection is advised, which includes examining the drive mechanism and guide shoes, checking platform alignment, and testing lubrication levels. With proper care, many Aritco lifts remain in excellent condition decades after installation—some are still running smoothly since the 1990s.
What Can Homeowners Do Between Services?
Homeowners can also play a part in keeping their lift in good shape between professional visits. Cleaning the lift car and landing doors, especially in sea air environments, helps prevent staining and corrosion. Keeping an eye (and ear) out for unusual noises, oil spots, or issues like the lift dropping below floor level are all signs to book a service. As Simon notes, noise is often the first sign something’s not quite right.
Maintenance Plans vs Ad Hoc Servicing
When it comes to how we provide lift service, Axis Lifts offers both ad hoc maintenance—one-off services requested as needed—and ongoing maintenance plans. While ad hoc visits are suitable for infrequent lift users, maintenance plan subscribers enjoy additional peace of mind. These plans include scheduled visits and access to our 24-hour emergency support line. If a lift breaks down unexpectedly, we aim to respond over the phone within five minutes and can be on-site within the hour, depending on your location.
Smart Monitoring with Aritco’s SmartLift App
Thanks to features like the Aritco SmartLift app, homeowners also have more visibility than ever before. You can monitor the status of your lift, troubleshoot minor issues like emergency stop activation, and receive service alerts. For commercial partners, the Aritco SmartFleet system allows remote diagnostics and performance monitoring to ensure the lift is always in perfect working order.
Why Regular Lift Maintenance Is So Important
Regular servicing isn’t just about fixing problems. It’s about preventing them. A well-maintained lift is quieter, safer, more efficient, and ultimately lasts longer. Cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting key components keeps everything moving smoothly and protects against rust or unnecessary wear and tear. It also helps keep your warranty valid and avoids larger repair bills down the track.
Can You Upgrade a Home Lift Over Time?
For those wondering if they can upgrade their lift over time, the answer is yes—within reason. While residential lift interiors are often more integrated than their commercial counterparts, finishes, controllers, pumps, and certain operating features can be upgraded to improve usability or aesthetics.
Support and Advice from Axis Lifts
At Axis Lifts, we pride ourselves on offering responsive support, professional service, and ongoing education for our clients. After each service, our technicians walk homeowners through any findings, offer tips on cleaning and maintenance, and explain the products we use—ensuring full transparency and confidence.
If you own a home lift or are considering installing one, don’t overlook the importance of regular servicing. It’s the key to protecting your investment and ensuring your lift runs smoothly for many years to come.
To book a service or find out more about our tailored maintenance plans, contact Axis Lifts on 1300 002 947 or email sales@axislifts.com.au.
