Last Updated on February 24, 2024
When choosing a residential elevator for your space, there are several things you need to keep in mind. Your budget, of course, but also the type of elevator you need will largely determine what can be installed in your home, not to mention the amount of space available will also limit your options.
There are a few main types of residential elevators available on the market today, each with their own pros and cons. Let’s take a look at them.
Roped Hydraulic
These hydraulic elevators for the home use the combination of a hydraulic pump and a piston and pulley. These elevators are often chosen for home installation since they don’t always require an adjoining machine closet.
That cuts down on the space needed to install. If a space for machinery is necessary, the hydraulic system can use pipes so that the machinery can be placed where it is most convenient. That cuts the need for a machinery closet, but running a pipe system will raise costs.
Pneumatic Vacuum
These elevators are gaining popularity because of their affordable nature. That can be placed adjacent to a staircase that is already present for a breezy installation. These elevators are also environmentally conscious since energy is only needed to lift the cab rather than lower it.
Pneumatic vacuum elevators are always round, and they cannot be concealed behind a wall. They will become the focal point of the room where they are installed, so be prepared to discuss it with visitors.
Counterweight
These traditional elevators rely on a winch and counterweight to operate. An electric motor wades a cable through a drum that raises and lowers the counterweight for the elevator. The engine can be housed below or above the car, so no machinery closet is needed.
While these elevators are typically cheaper than hydraulic and pneumatic vacuum elevators, they are noisier and provide a bumpier ride for passengers, which may be a factor down the road long into retirement. The exact stopping point for this type of elevator can create uneven exit scenarios, too.
Shaftless
These elevators can only be installed between two floors, but they can be installed outside the home. They are also temporary and can be removed later down the road. The cost of these systems will be the prohibiting fact for most people.
Hydraulic elevators are by far the most expensive to install when considering all final costs including labor, delivery, and installation fees. Pneumatic elevators tend to be cheaper than hydraulic elevators, which is one reason they’re rising in popularity.
No matter which style of the elevator you choose, you should understand the impact it will have on your home. Speak with a personal elevator consultant who can understand your situation and personal needs and match you with the type of elevator that suits you best.
These qualified individuals will help you understand the full cost of installing an elevator beyond just buying the machinery to make it work. Often elevators are installed as part of a whole home remodel, since some types of elevators need extensive space.