The Complete Guide to Lift Modernisation in Ireland

Everything Building Owners, Facilities Managers and Property Professionals Need to Know

Lifts are among the hardest-working pieces of equipment in any building. Whether installed in apartment developments, hotels, hospitals, offices, shopping centres or industrial facilities, they operate thousands of times every week and are expected to provide safe, reliable transport every day.

Like any mechanical and electrical system, lifts have a finite lifespan. While routine maintenance plays a vital role in keeping equipment operating safely, there comes a point where repairs become increasingly frequent, spare parts become difficult to source and reliability begins to decline.

At this stage, lift modernisation often becomes the most practical and cost-effective solution.

Modernising an existing lift allows building owners to significantly improve safety, reliability, passenger comfort and energy efficiency without the expense and disruption of replacing the complete lift installation.

This guide explains what lift modernisation involves, when it should be considered, what components can be upgraded and how a well-planned modernisation programme can extend the operational life of a lift for many years.

What is Lift Modernisation?

Lift modernisation is the process of replacing outdated, worn or obsolete components within an existing lift while retaining those parts that remain in good condition.

Rather than removing the complete lift installation, modernisation focuses on upgrading the systems that most affect reliability, safety, performance and passenger experience.

Depending on the age and condition of the lift, this may involve replacing a single component, such as a controller or door operator, or undertaking a complete refurbishment of the electrical systems, mechanical equipment and lift car.

Modernisation can range from relatively small improvements through to complete system upgrades that transform the performance of an ageing lift.

The objective is always the same:

• Improve reliability

• Reduce breakdowns

• Increase passenger safety

• Extend equipment lifespan

• Improve accessibility

• Reduce long-term maintenance costs

• Enhance the appearance of the lift

• Improve energy efficiency

Why Do Lifts Need Modernisation?

Many lifts installed during the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s continue to operate today.

While the lift itself may still function, many of its electrical and mechanical components were never designed to operate indefinitely.

As systems age, a number of common problems begin to appear.

Increasing Breakdown Frequency

Repeated faults often indicate that multiple components are approaching the end of their service life.

Replacing individual parts may temporarily restore operation, but repeated failures usually become more frequent over time.

Obsolete Components

Many lift manufacturers discontinue controllers, drives, circuit boards and electronic components.

When replacement parts are no longer available, repairs become increasingly expensive or simply impossible.

Passenger Complaints

Passengers often notice changes long before equipment completely fails.

Common complaints include:

• Rough ride quality

• Slow operation

• Poor levelling

• Doors closing slowly

• Excessive noise

• Vibration

• Frequent shutdowns

Rising Maintenance Costs

As lifts age, maintenance increasingly becomes reactive rather than preventative.

Instead of carrying out planned servicing, engineers spend more time attending breakdowns and sourcing obsolete components.

This often results in significantly higher annual maintenance costs.

Increased Downtime

Older lifts generally require longer repair times because replacement components may no longer be available from stock.

Extended downtime can create considerable inconvenience for residents, employees, visitors and customers.

When Should a Lift Be Modernised?

There is no fixed age at which every lift requires modernisation.

The decision depends on several factors, including:

• Age of the lift

• Daily usage

• Quality of previous maintenance

• Availability of spare parts

• Reliability history

• Safety performance

• Passenger expectations

As a general guide, many commercial lifts begin to benefit from modernisation after approximately 20 to 25 years of service.

However, some lifts require upgrading earlier due to heavy usage, while others remain reliable for considerably longer when properly maintained.

A professional condition survey is the most effective way to determine whether modernisation is appropriate.

Signs Your Lift May Require Modernisation

You should consider obtaining a professional assessment if your lift experiences:

• Frequent breakdowns

• Increasing repair costs

• Obsolete electrical equipment

• Poor floor levelling

• Jerky ride quality

• Noisy operation

• Slow door opening or closing

• Outdated lift interiors

• Poor lighting

• Lack of accessibility features

• Increasing passenger complaints

• Difficulty sourcing spare parts

• Repeated call-outs for similar faults

What Can Be Modernised?

One of the greatest advantages of lift modernisation is flexibility.

Every lift is different, meaning upgrades can be tailored to the condition of the existing equipment and the customer’s budget.

Typical upgrades include:

Lift Controllers

Modern controllers improve reliability, fault diagnosis and operational efficiency while replacing ageing electronic equipment that may no longer be supported by manufacturers.

Variable Frequency Drives

Replacing older drive systems improves ride quality, levelling accuracy, energy efficiency and passenger comfort.

Door Operators

Doors account for a significant proportion of lift breakdowns.

Modern door operators provide smoother operation, faster opening and closing cycles and improved reliability.

Landing Doors

Damaged or worn landing doors can often be refurbished or upgraded to improve both appearance and performance.

Lift Car Refurbishment

Interior upgrades commonly include:

• New wall panels

• Stainless steel finishes

• New flooring

• LED lighting

• Mirrors

• Handrails

• Ceiling replacement

• New operating panels

• Position indicators

These improvements significantly enhance passenger perception while extending the life of the lift installation.

Safety Upgrades

Modernisation provides an opportunity to improve safety through upgraded communication systems, emergency lighting, door protection devices and other safety-related improvements where appropriate.

Benefits of Lift Modernisation

A properly planned modernisation project can deliver significant long-term benefits.

These include:

• Improved reliability

• Fewer breakdowns

• Reduced maintenance costs

• Better passenger experience

• Improved ride comfort

• Enhanced accessibility

• Lower energy consumption

• Longer equipment lifespan

• Improved appearance

• Better availability of replacement parts

• Increased property value

• Reduced operational risk

Is It Better to Modernise or Replace?

In many cases, complete replacement is unnecessary.

If the lift shaft, guide rails, structural components and major mechanical systems remain in good condition, modernisation often provides excellent value.

A professional engineering assessment should determine whether:

• Continued maintenance is appropriate

• Partial modernisation is sufficient

• Full modernisation is recommended

• Complete replacement is the most economical long-term solution

Each building should be assessed individually.

Why Choose Honest Elevator Company?

At Honest Elevator Company, we believe every modernisation project should be based on engineering need rather than replacing equipment unnecessarily.

Our engineers carry out detailed assessments of existing lift installations, identifying which components remain serviceable and which have reached the end of their operational life.

This allows customers to invest where it delivers the greatest benefit while retaining equipment that continues to perform reliably.

Our approach focuses on improving safety, reliability, passenger experience and long-term value while minimising disruption to building occupants.

Whether upgrading a single controller or carrying out a complete lift refurbishment, every project is carefully planned, professionally managed and fully tested before being returned to service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does lift modernisation take?

The duration depends on the scope of works. Minor upgrades may take only a few days, while complete modernisation projects can take several weeks. A detailed programme should always be agreed before work begins.

Can the lift remain in service during modernisation?

Some preparatory work may be completed while the lift remains operational. However, the lift will normally need to be taken out of service during key stages of the modernisation programme. Customers should be informed in advance of any planned downtime.

Will modernisation reduce future breakdowns?

Replacing ageing and obsolete components typically improves reliability and reduces unplanned breakdowns. However, regular planned maintenance remains essential to maximise the lifespan and performance of the upgraded equipment.

Is lift modernisation more economical than replacement?

In many cases, yes. Modernisation can significantly improve the performance and reliability of an existing lift while avoiding the higher cost and greater disruption associated with complete replacement. The most suitable option depends on the condition of the existing installation.

Discuss Your Lift Modernisation Project

If you are experiencing increasing lift breakdowns, rising maintenance costs or concerns about obsolete equipment, a professional assessment can help determine the most appropriate long-term solution.

Honest Elevator Company provides nationwide lift modernisation services throughout Ireland, supporting building owners, facilities managers, property managers and developers with practical engineering advice, tailored upgrade programmes and professionally managed modernisation projects designed to improve reliability, extend equipment life and enhance passenger experience.

Contact Honest Elevator Company to arrange a lift modernisation survey and discuss the options available for your building.