Although elevators are common in offices and gaining popularity in homes, it wasn’t that long ago that the elevator was one of the most magical and mysterious machines people had ever encountered. Invented by a man named Elisha Graves Otis in 1861, the elevator played an important role in the rising height of buildings around the world. After all, do you think anyone would want to climb 102 stories to reach the top of the Empire State Building? Although commercial and residential elevators might not appear as magical today as they did in the 19 ^th century, they might be just as mysterious. That’s why we’ve devoted this short blog post to looking at elevators and how they work.

Counterweight

One of the most important components that helps an elevator do its job is the counterweight. The elevator car is balanced by a heavy counterweight that weighs roughly the same amount as the car when it’s loaded half-full. This makes it easier for the motor to lift and lower the car since less force is needed to move the car up or down. The counterweight also makes elevators safer since it reduces the amount of braking the elevator needs to use.

Safety Brake

Speaking of brakes, elevators are equipped with a safety brake system that prevents the car from crashing to the floor should the main cable snap. This was one of the breakthrough innovations Elisha Graves Otis made when he invented the modern elevator more than 150 years ago. Elevator cars run between two vertical guide rails with sturdy teeth embedded all the way up. In the event that the cable snaps, a spring-loaded mechanism shoots out hooks which ham into the metal teeth and lock the car safely in position.

Speed Governors

Another important safety feature that is also critical to the operation of an elevator is the speed governor. A heavy flywheel with massive mechanical arms built inside it, the governor ensures that the elevator car doesn’t rise or fall too quickly. In the event that the car accelerates past a safe speed on its way up or down, the governor activates and trips one or more braking system to slow down or stop the car altogether.

Although home elevators had long been considered a medical necessity, the perception has changed in recent years. Now, residential elevators are among the most desired of all luxury home additions—and for good reason. If you’re weighing your options and considering whether or not to have an elevator installed in your home, consider these benefits of a home elevator and then contact a residential elevator company in Salt Lake City .

Functionality and Accessibility

One of the best reasons to install a residential elevator is that it greatly improves the accessibility to the upper levels of your home. This is particularly beneficial if you have older family members living in the home or if you yourself have mobility problems. An elevator can eliminate the risk of falling down stairs for family members and guests who might otherwise have a hard time climbing up a staircase.

Space-Saving Design

If you’re building a new multi-storied home, an elevator can help you save a considerable amount of space that might otherwise be reserved for a stairwell. In some cases, the elevator can be installed outside the home on an external wall, freeing up even more floor space inside your home for other features you want to include.

Unmatched Luxury

Residential elevators are still seen as one of the ultimate symbols of luxury, which means your home will instantly be the envy of guests, friends, and neighbors after you have a residential elevator installed. And unlike some other status symbols, an elevator is actually practical and highly functional.

Increased Home Value

A home elevator is a profitable investment as it can considerably increase the resale value of your home. Not only that, but a feature as unique as a residential elevator will help your home stand out and appear more desirable to potential homeowners. Talk to a residential elevator installation company in Salt Lake City to learn more about the ROI of a home elevator.

At Carson Elevator, we have been a locally owned and operated business since 1983. We have extensive experience in elevator repairs, elevator maintenance, and installing elevators for businesses and residences throughout the community. We pride ourselves on providing extraordinary customer service and high quality elevator services in Salt Lake City to everyone who visits us.

We operate as a non-proprietary elevator services company, which means that elevator equipment must be serviceable and maintainable. The elevator manufacturers that we work with provide direct communication and support to our elevator contractors and technicians, and to the customer. We offer a range of elevator maintenance and elevator repair options, and our high quality elevator services are also affordable.

Our elevator maintenance plans significantly cut down the need and cost for elevator repairs or new elevator installation. We don’t require our customers to sign a long-term service contract, so our customers enjoy the freedom to find the best elevator maintenance prices in the area. We also offer a variety of elevator types, including commercial elevators, residential elevators, dumbwaiters, and accessibility elevators.