Does a Stair Lift Use a Lot of Energy in Ann Arbor, MI?
Over the past year, homeowners across the country have seen their electricity bills increase by about $5 per month. Those dollars add up and have many of us concerned about making energy-conscious decisions for our homes. If you’re experiencing limited mobility, a stair lift can be quite the difference maker. But, how will it affect your electricity bill?
You’ve come to the right place for answers! In this article, we’ll go into more detail about how much energy it takes to run a stair lift, the average battery life for a stair lift, and more so you can make an informed decision for your home.
How Much Electricity Does a Stair Lift Use?
Truthfully, there’s not a simple answer to that question. The amount of energy your stair lift uses might vary from your neighbor’s. That’s because it largely depends on the model you buy and how often you use it.
However, the good news is that regardless of the one you choose, stair lifts, in general, are fairly energy efficient. On average, it uses about .024 kWh, which is the equivalent of about $15 per year. That’s much less energy use compared to other household appliances, like a washing machine, for instance.
How Do Stair Lifts Use Electricity?
Many of our customers assume that because it is plugged into the wall, it’s constantly drawing power. But, that’s not actually the case. Our stair lifts rely on two rechargeable batteries for power. When the battery levels get low, the recharger within the unit pulls electricity from the outlet to get them back to full strength.
This results in a minimal impact on your bill. Best of all, because it relies on battery power instead of utility-supplied electricity, it means that your unit will continue to work in the event of a power outage.
How Long Will Your Stair Lift Batteries Last?
Of course, like any battery-powered device, it’s only natural that the batteries will need to be replaced every once in a while. Usually, you can expect to replace your batteries within 1-3 years with heavy use or within 3-5 years with less frequent use. However, the lifespan of your batteries largely depends on the following factors:
- The slope of your stairway
- The frequency of use
- The brand and model
Fortunately, replacement batteries are usually fairly inexpensive. You can help extend your stair lift battery life by scheduling regular maintenance checks for your device, to ensure that it continues to operate correctly.
Move Around Your Home With Ease by Installing a Comfortable Stair Lift
After reading through this guide, you should now have peace of mind that adding a stair lift to your home won’t cause your electricity bill to skyrocket. In fact, the change in your bill will likely be negligible. Our stair lift customers agree that having the freedom to move comfortably around their homes is well worth the cost. With that said, we are more than happy to discuss stairlift solutions for every budget.
If you’re ready to make your home safer as your mobility levels change, the Atlas Home Improvement team is here to help. Contact us today to get a free quote on your stair lift installation.
