As winter rolls into New York City with snow and freezing temperatures, building owners face a unique set of challenges in maintaining smooth operations – especially when it comes to elevators. The cold weather can wreak havoc on elevator systems, leading to increased downtime and potential disruptions.
In this blog post, we’ll share three simple things you can do as a building owner to help ensure that your elevators run seamlessly during the winter season.
Surprisingly many buildings in New York don’t have continuous investment in preventive elevator maintenance, even though this is the key to ensuring that elevators function optimally – especially in winter. Regular inspections by certified technicians can identify and address potential issues before they escalate. As a building owner, you can keep an eye out for any signs of wear and tear, and alert your elevator company to anything you notice in between technicians’ visits.
In a city like New York, snow and ice are inevitable during the winter months. But once it starts making its way inside lobbies and corridors, it can cause problems. Grit, salt, mud, and water can easily get into the door tracks and damage your elevator doors as people get in and out. Ensure that your building’s exterior and the surrounding areas, including entrance and exit points, are promptly cleared of snow and ice to limit any damage caused to your elevator equipment.
It’s always important to ensure that heating and cooling systems are functioning correctly, but in the winter, temperatures can of course drop dramatically and put extra pressure on your systems. When it comes to your elevators, you should ensure that the engine room is kept at the right temperature, ideally ranging between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, without any cold air leaking in from the outside. For hydraulic elevators, temperature is an even more important factor as it directly impacts the performance of your elevators. A drop in hydraulic oil temperature can cause disruption to the system or, in serious cases, a complete shutdown. The temperature of the oil should range between 85-95 degrees for best performance. The risk of any temperature problems can be easily eliminated by installing a tank heater.
New York’s snow and frost may be pretty to look at, but the winter also presents unique challenges for building owners. By implementing these proactive measures, you can minimize the impact of cold weather on your elevator systems and ensure a seamless and safe experience for everyone in your building. Regular maintenance and protective measures will go a long way in navigating the winter chill and keeping your elevators running smoothly.
Call our helpful team on (718) 324-9166 to discuss a proactive maintenance package that will keep your elevators running through all seasons.
