In the wake of December’s unexpected and devastating tornadoes and the record-breaking snow storms currently hitting the eastern part of the country, you may be rightfully concerned about the possibility of weather-related utility outages during winter weather. There are tips and tricks that are fairly well-known that you can implement, such as dripping a faucet during especially cold weather to deter pipes from freezing. For those that rely on stairlifts to get around at home, there’s the added concern of whether the equipment can function during a power loss. Let’s address this concern and steps you can take to ensure your mobility year-round:
How is My Stairlift Powered?
Stairlifts are battery-powered. These batteries are designed to constantly recharge, so the lift remains ready to use whenever needed. If there should be a power outage in your area, you do not need to worry about the lift working. With battery power, you will always be able to get safely to your destination.
When a stairlift battery is fully charged, it will provide you with at least 15 to 20 rides up and down your stairs. If your lift has a powered swivel, you will need to use the manual swivel bar if there is no electric power in your area.
How Does a Stairlift Battery Charge?
When you park your lift and leave it in the ‘on’ position, most stairlift models will automatically charge. Most models do not require a special check on the battery level, but you never want to leave it off its charging point for too long. It is best to ‘park’ your lift after every ride. Newer models of stairlifts have alarms built-in or a light that will alert you if the battery level gets too low.
Why Has My Stairlift Slowed Down?
When the batteries get too low on a stairlift, and your model does not have an alert system, it may begin to:
- Go slower than usual, or gradually slow its speed as your journey progresses
- Stop after a short distance and then begin again
- Stop charging – this indicates your battery is completely drained
If you experience any of these troubles with your stairlift battery, contact Pennsylvania Stair Lifts and talk to one of the expert technicians to determine what your battery needs, or if it should be replaced.
How do I Know if My Batteries are Good?
When you schedule a service visit for your stairlift, the engineer will check the current battery chargers. They look at the voltage levels with the use of a battery tester to measure whether or not the batteries are charging properly. With a battery check, the engineer can determine if your batteries are operating properly or if it is time to replace them.
How Long do Stairlift Batteries Last?
Typically, stairlift batteries last from two to five years, but this depends on how much you use your lift. The more a lift is left off of its charging point, the faster the battery life will go.
How Do I Change My Stairlift Battery?
You should contact the professionals at Pennsylvania Stair Lift to change the battery in your stairlift. If you are not fully trained in this process, it can get pretty tricky. To access the batteries requires covers to be removed and then correctly fitted. There are also safety features on stairlifts that need to be checked to make sure they are working. A trained professional can identify if other elements need inspection that is causing you battery issues, such as the charger.
If you attempt to change the battery yourself on the stairlift, you are likely to void any warranty or servicing covers should something cause the lift to fail. An experienced technician at Pennsylvania Stair Lifts can take of replacing your battery and give you peace of mind that the lift is operating safely and efficiently.
How Much Will it Cost to Replace My Stairlift Battery?
If you have a premium service contract on your stairlift, the battery replacement is typically covered. If there is no service contract, there will be a charge. Check with your provider at Pennsylvania Stair Lifts to learn what the costs are for the model of lift you have.
Don’t be tempted to go with cheaper versions of stairlift batteries, as you want one that is manufacturer-approved, fully fire retardant, safety marked, and comes with at least a 2-year warranty.
Where to Learn More About Stairlift Batteries
Pennsylvania Stair Lifts specializes exclusively in stairlifts. When you work with us, you are working with experts in the industry who sell nothing less than the absolute best stairlifts in the market. Call us today if you have any questions regarding stairlifts or batteries for stairlifts, and one of the trained technicians will be happy to answer all your questions and get you set up with the best service and products not found anywhere else.
