Stair Lifts - Are You On The Right Track?

Safety should be top priority for any stair lift. When looking for a unit, be sure that it has plenty of safety features and that it meets ASME standards. Some companies provide safety sensors to prevent the stair lift from hitting something in the way, as well as failsafe mechanisms which prevent operation until the seat is in the correct position. Always review safety features of the different models provided.

Most customers shopping for a stair lift probably do not want a model that will require a lot of maintenance. Always inquire with the dealer or manufacturer as to what type of maintenance is involved with the particular stair lift you are looking at. A quality stair lift should be reliable and require very little maintenance. If you are installing in a public area such as a church or community center, make sure that the unit you are buying has a top and bottom call switch. This makes it convenient for multiple users to use the stair lift.

Another thing that goes hand in hand with maintenance is the drive type of the stair lift. There are two main drive types used today, these are rack and pinion types, and cable driven types.

The rack and pinion is not made for heavy duty applications, and requires regular lubrication of the gears in the stair lift. If one fails to keep it lubricated, the stair lift can fail or glitch.

Cable driven units are very strong and durable and also require absolutely no lubrication. There are no teeth and gears that can wear down.

Always make sure that you are buying from a reputable company. Check that the company is a member of the Better Business Bureau or the Better Business Bureau Online. Also, check that the retailer offers a secure shopping cart on their website if purchasing online. You might also want to see if there are any customer reviews and see what other people's experiences have been at a particular store.

One thing you don't want to run into is a company that doesn't stand by their word or has less than quality products.

Stair lifts are available in both AC and DC units. DC units are equipped with a battery backup and are generally a little more expensive than an equivalent AC model. This means that if the power ever goes out and you are upstairs, your stair lift will continue to work and you can get back downstairs with the power out because your stair lift is running of its battery supply. If you live in an area where the power goes out frequently it would be beneficial to spend the extra money get the DC unit. The DC stair lift will also usually have a softer start and stop motion. The battery in the DC stair lift will also typically last 3-5 years.

When purchasing online, make sure that the warranty for the specific model is clearly stated. If the warranty is confusing or there are parts that are unclear, call the dealer directly and clarify the details before purchasing.

Generally speaking...the longer the warranty is that is offered, the more worry free operation you are going to get out of your stair lift.

When speaking of value, don't think of just price. Value is determined by if you are getting the most for your money. It is a combination of price, quality, service, support, reliability and warranty.

Always try to buy a new stair lift, as you get the full warranty, full support as well as making sure that the stair lift is the exact lengths for your stair case, as every stair lift is custom made. To ensure that you have the best buying experience, be sure to speak with a company representative to make sure you have the best product for your needs.

Many people who can not easily use the stairs are faced with an important decision. They must decide if they should simply stop using the upstairs part of their house, rely on a friend or family to help go up the stairs, or hire a nurse to help with the stairs. All of these options come at a very large cost, and even though you might not be paying anything, you will be greatly changing your lifestyle and possibly that of others. A stair lift is perhaps the best choice for someone who can not use the stairs, because it will restore your independence and make it safe to use the stairs again.

Stair lifts are commonly called stair chairs, because most send the rider up and down the stairs in a chair. The chair will be sent up and down the stairs on a specially reinforced aluminum track, which is lightweight and easy to install, but rugged and incredibly strong.

To install a stair lift, you will need to have some tools, but nothing that is really out of the ordinary. You will need a measuring tape and when you get ready to measure your stairs, it goes much smoother with two people, so it is a good idea to have some help. You will also need a socket set, power drill, screwdrivers, and an allen key(usually comes with the lift.) If you intend to install the lift on steps that are concrete, you will need to use special mounting hardware, so make sure you mention this to your dealer.

The installation is fairly straightforward. The chair, electric motor, and some other electrical components make up what is commonly referred to as the car. The car will be mounted to a small portion of track and will need to be carried up the stairs. This part should almost always be done with assistance or a furniture dolly, because it usually weighs around 100 pounds. The small piece of track that is on the car will be attached at the top of the stairs. Simply plug the car in, hit reverse, and back it onto the installed track. After the cart is on the installed track, you can remove the small piece of track that was originally on the car.

Stair lifts provide a really great way to increase the safety of using the stairs and decrease the risk of injury.