Making the decision about which type of lift for homes to install is not simple, and that’s why it’s important to seek proper advice on which lift is the most suitable. To address this issue, it is vital to understand the main differences between hydraulic and electric domestic lifts. Throughout this article, we will explain everything you need to consider when installing a residential lift.
Although less common than popularly believed, installing this kind of lift is a significant investment that requires consideration of various factors, such as improving quality of life, accessibility, energy consumption, safety, and manufacturer warranties.
Differences between hydraulic and electric homelifts.
It is evident that the main difference between these devices lies in their operation. An electric homelift has an electric motor and a frequency converter, which allows for lower electricity consumption and much smoother and more precise starts and stops.
In contrast, the starts and stops of a hydraulic elevator are more abrupt and imprecise due to changes in the density and temperature of the oil, which ultimately affects its proper operation
Maintenance and breakdowns of domestic lifts.
Understanding how each of them operates leads us to the following difference: Electric homelifts require less maintenance time and experience fewer breakdowns. This type only require an electric motor, which ensures efficient operation. In contrast, hydraulic elevators consist of a hydraulic unit, piston, and valves, which themselves require constant adjustments. Additionally, the hydraulic unit’s oil needs to be changed periodically, incurring the associated financial cost.
The belief that electric elevators consume less than hydraulic elevators is indeed true. For example, SHE-Elevator’s , which consume the equivalent of a toaster, have a nominal power of 1.5 kW, while hydraulic home elevators have a nominal consumption of 3.5 kW.
Security in residential lifts
Among the most significant differences you can encounter when considering whether to install an electric or hydraulic homelift is safety. Electric elevators come equipped with a mechanical speed limiter, which detects if the cabin is exceeding its speed limits. In the event that this happens, it activates a safety system that deploys parachutes to bring the elevator to a halt
Sustainability Factor
Another significant difference between hydraulic and electric homelift is the environmental impact they produce. The latter generates lower energy consumption thanks to frequency converters, which allow for significant energy savings and reduced CO2 emissions.
Another positive point for electric in-home lift is that hydraulic home elevators are less sustainable due to their higher environmental impact from hydraulic unit oil changes. As mentioned in this article, the oil must be changed periodically, resulting in the generation of certain waste that must be removed and treated.
Installation of a Home Lift
We could say that the difference between installing a hydraulic home elevator and an electric one is considerable.
Taking the example of installing a SHE-Elevator electric homelift fewer workers are needed during assembly because most of the components come pre-assembled. This also means less installation time since only the parts need to be assembled.
Continuing with the Simple Home Elevator example, technological advancements have allowed their models of residential lift to eliminate the need for a counterweight, requiring less space for installation. Another technological improvement incorporated into SHE-Elevator’s design is the frequency converter, which makes starts and stops smoother and more precise.
For all these reasons, installing an electric homelift like SHE-Elevator is one of the most popular choices. As we have seen in this article, electric home elevators offer better performance and features than hydraulic elevators.
In conclusion, the decision to install a domestic lift is not one that can be taken lightly. It is advisable to consult with a trusted professional who assesses the needs of the individuals and the home where the elevator will be installed and advises on the option that best suits each case.
If you want to install an elevator in your home, feel free to contact us. We will be happy to provide you with guidance.