Top 5 Signs Your Building Needs Elevator Modernization

Introduction

In the life of any commercial or residential building, there comes a time when its elevator system begins to show its age. While routine maintenance can address immediate concerns, eventually, a more comprehensive solution becomes necessary. Elevator modernization isn't just about aesthetics—it's about safety, efficiency, and maintaining the value of your property investment.

Outdated elevator systems can lead to frequent breakdowns, increased energy consumption, and even safety hazards. But how do you know when it's time to move beyond repairs and commit to a modernization project? The signs aren't always obvious, especially if issues have developed gradually over time.

In this blog, we'll examine the five most telling indicators that your building's elevator system is due for an upgrade. By recognizing these warning signs early, property managers and building owners can plan proactively, minimize disruptions, and ensure their vertical transportation systems meet today's standards and tomorrow's needs.

Sign #1 – Longer Wait Times and Slow Performance

If your elevator takes more than 30 seconds to arrive or crawls between floors, it’s a clear sign of trouble. Older elevators, especially those in Massachusetts’ historic buildings, often rely on outdated control systems that struggle with modern traffic demands. This sluggish performance frustrates tenants, particularly in high-traffic commercial properties, and can lead to lease terminations as businesses seek more efficient buildings. At Keystone Elevator, we’ve modernized systems across the region, replacing relay-based controllers with microprocessor-based ones that can reduce wait times by up to 40%. Imagine a 10-story office in Boston’s Back Bay going from 45-second waits to 25-second arrivals—tenants notice the difference. If your elevator feels like it’s stuck in the past, it’s time for an upgrade.

Sign #2 – Unusual Noises or Jerky Movements

Creaking, grinding, or clunking noises, paired with jerky starts and stops, are red flags that your elevator’s components are wearing out. These issues often stem from aged bearings, motors, or hydraulic systems common in elevators installed decades ago across Massachusetts. In busy medical facilities along Route 128 or coastal properties in Plymouth, where salt air accelerates corrosion, such problems pose safety risks, including potential entrapments or breakdowns. Keystone Elevator has tackled this head-on, replacing outdated parts with modern gearless traction systems that deliver smoother rides and enhanced safety. Our inspection expertise catches these issues early, preventing costly disruptions. Given New England’s harsh winters, which exacerbate mechanical wear, regular checks are vital.

Sign #3 – Rising Energy Costs

If your utility bills are climbing, your elevator might be the culprit. Older systems, like those with DC motors or inefficient hydraulic pumps, consume excessive energy—a concern for property managers in high-cost areas like Boston, where energy rates exceed the national average. Modern elevators can reduce energy use by 30-50%, a significant saving for budget-conscious owners of office parks in Norfolk County or mixed-use developments in Somerville. Keystone Elevator offers modernization solutions like regenerative drives, which recycle energy during braking, and LED cab lighting to cut consumption further. With Massachusetts cities like Cambridge pushing sustainability mandates, upgrading your elevator isn’t just cost-effective—it aligns with local green initiatives.

Sign #4 – Outdated Control Systems and Accessibility Issues

Outdated control systems, such as relay-based logic, lack modern features like destination dispatch, which optimizes traffic flow, and often fail to meet accessibility standards. In Massachusetts, where buildings range from historic structures to new high-rises, non-compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts CMR 524 can lead to fines or lawsuits. Tenants in downtown Boston law firms or retail spaces demand accessible elevators with proper button heights, braille, and voice announcements—features missing in older systems. Keystone Elevator upgrades to digital controllers and adds ADA-compliant modifications, ensuring inclusivity and efficiency.

Sign #5 – Frequent Breakdowns and High Maintenance Costs

More than 2-3 breakdowns per year or escalating repair costs signal that your elevator’s core systems are nearing the end of their 20-30 year lifespan. For example, a 1980s elevator in an office park might cost $10,000 annually in repairs, while a one-time modernization investment of $50,000 could last 20+ years with minimal upkeep. Frequent downtime drives tenants away, especially in competitive markets like Boston’s Seaport District, where reliability is key. Keystone Elevator replaces high-failure components—pumps, motors, and cables—with durable modern equivalents, reducing both costs and disruptions.

Conclusion

From longer wait times and unusual noises to rising energy costs, outdated controls, and frequent breakdowns, these five signs indicate your building needs elevator modernization. Addressing these issues improves safety, cuts costs, enhances tenant satisfaction, and ensures compliance with local codes—critical in a region as diverse as Massachusetts, from historic Boston to growing suburbs like Braintree. With over 35 years of service, Keystone Elevator brings personalized expertise to Norfolk, Suffolk, Middlesex, Essex and Plymouth counties, delivering modernization that transforms properties.

Contact Keystone Elevator at 781-340-3860 to discuss your elevator modernization needs.