Signs Your Lift Needs Modernisation — And How It Can Save You Money in the Long Run
Let’s be honest — most building owners don’t think about their lift until something goes wrong. It’s out of sight, out of mind… until it breaks down, starts moving slower, or makes a noise that wasn’t there before.
If that sounds familiar, it might be time to think about lift modernisation. At ACE Elevators Northern, we help businesses and property managers across Yorkshire and the North of England upgrade old lift systems so they’re safer, smoother, and more energy efficient.
So, how do you know when your lift is due for a refresh? Let’s talk about it
Think of your lift like a car — it might still run, but after years of wear and tear, it just doesn’t perform like it used to. If your lift is outdated, you might notice:
Slow or jerky movement between floors
Noisy operation or unusual vibrations
Buttons that don’t always respond
Outdated interior panels or lighting
Frequent breakdowns or call-outs
If you’re seeing two or more of these signs, your lift could be costing you more to keep going than to upgrade.
Even if it still “works fine,” older control systems and motors are often less efficient, which means you’re paying more in energy bills — and that adds up fast.
Safety and Compliance — the Quiet Motivators
It’s not just about comfort and speed. Regulations around lift safety have changed over the years, and older systems often don’t meet the latest standards. Modernisation doesn’t always mean a full replacement. In many cases, we can upgrade control panels, doors, or safety systems to bring your lift up to spec — without replacing the whole thing.
That means you can stay LOLER-compliant, avoid downtime, and extend your lift’s life for another decade or more.
The Hidden Cost of “Making Do”
Many building owners hesitate to upgrade because the lift still “sort of works.” But here’s the catch:
older lifts often need more frequent repairs, and replacement parts can become hard to source — or more expensive.
We’ve seen situations where annual repair costs end up exceeding the price of a full modernisation within a few years.
Worse still, when a lift fails completely, the disruption can be huge — tenants frustrated, staff inconvenienced, and accessibility affected.
Upgrading proactively helps you avoid all that drama and keeps your building running smoothly.
The Benefits of Modernising Your Lift
A modernised lift isn’t just more reliable — it completely changes how people experience your building.
After an upgrade, you can expect:
Smoother, quieter travel
Faster response times
Energy-efficient operation (lower bills!)
Modern aesthetics — lighting, control panels, finishes
Better accessibility and safety compliance
Modern lifts are smarter — many systems can self-diagnose issues before they cause a breakdown, so maintenance becomes easier and cheaper over time.
What Lift Modernisation Looks Like with ACE Elevators Northern
Every lift — and every building — is different. That’s why we start with a free site survey to assess your system and identify the most cost-effective upgrade path.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as updating the controller or door mechanisms. Other times, it might mean a complete refurbishment to match your building’s standards. Either way, our NVQ-qualified, CHAS-accredited engineers handle the process from start to finish — minimising downtime and keeping your tenants happy.
Thinking About Upgrading? Let’s Chat
If you’ve been dealing with breakdowns, delays, or unhappy users, your lift is trying to tell you something.
Modernising now can save you money, improve safety, and future-proof your building for years to come.
ACE Elevators Northern has over 30 years of experience helping businesses across Yorkshire and Northern England transform tired old lifts into reliable, efficient systems.
Call us today on 01535 600 688
or
Request your free lift modernisation quote
We’ll give you honest advice, a clear plan, and a lift that feels brand new — without the price tag of a full replacement.

















