3 tips for choosing the right elevator maintenance contract for you

Similar to purchasing a warranty for your car, there are different levels of maintenance agreements that include the tasks performed to keep the equipment running safely over the life expectancy as well as parts coverage options to best fit the needs of your property.

In this article, we’ll explain how to choose the best maintenance service for you. We hope that this information will help you learn what to look for when you’re deciding on which contract is right for you.

Why is elevator maintenance important?

Elevators that are in use in public applications require certain levels of Code-related maintenance (based on the local Authority Having Jurisdiction), annual safety testing while also benefiting from additional tasks that will keep them running optimally for the anticipated life cycle.

Three keys to choosing an elevator maintenance contract

1. Look for verbiage that confirms there is a highly trained team and the availability of stock parts and OEM spare parts. A reputable company should be able to explain their safety protocol and training the technicians follow and ensure the continuous availability of new technology, systems and parts.

2. Perform an evaluation of your building and elevators. Not all equipment requires the same maintenance procedures, and the differences in procedures are determined by several factors, including:

• The kind of building where the elevator is located. Whether an elevator is installed in a hotel, hospital, or commercial or residential building makes a big difference in the type of equipment the elevator needs to work properly.
  
  
• The age of the elevator. This is a key factor in determining the maintenance that should be carried out. 
  
  
• The type of elevator. For example, an elevator can operate hydraulically or with traction, and each requires a radically different maintenance approach.
  
  
• The height of the building. As you can imagine, elevators installed in tall buildings or skyscrapers require a different kind of maintenance than small buildings.
  
  
• The frequency with which the elevator is used. You must know if the elevator is used rarely, seldom, occasionally or permanently. 
  
  
• Understanding these factors will help you determine if you need a contract that covers full maintenance and full parts vs partial parts, etc.
  
  

3. Review the contract coverage options and ask for details about any recommendations. Contracts can be unique to each elevator service provider and you’ll want to know what levels of service agreement are available to you and which one they recommend based on your equipment condition and property needs.

Otis Signature Service helps you simplify your choice

If all this information seems a bit complicated, we recommend contacting a company with experience in the field and a great team of technicians. Otis is a company with a long history in the installation, maintenance and modernization of elevators, and we can provide you with the latest information, whether your elevator is Otis or not.

Check out our Contract Configurator App to see an approximate value of your maintenance contract with Otis and some of the different conditions surrounding your elevator maintenance.

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