Everything You Need to Know About Stairlift Batteries

Discover everything you need to know about stairlift batteries. How long do they last? What’s involved in a stairlift battery replacement? Find out here... Read on, and if your questions aren’t answered please feel free to get in touch and we’ll try to assist in whatever way we can. General FAQs Q: Are stairlifts battery powered? Yes. Modern stairlifts are battery powered and recharged when sitting at their charging points. Some older models are mains powered and have no batteries. Q: What if there's a power cut? On newer models during a power cut, the stairlift batteries will continue to work, getting you safely to your destination (read more here). Even if the power cut is taking a while, fully charged batteries are good for at least 15 to 20 rides up and down your stairs, though if you have a powered swivel you will need to use the manual swivel lever. Q: How to charge stairlift battery? For most brands, stairlift batteries don’t need special checks but do make sure your stairlift is never left too long off its charging point. This simply means “parking” your stairlift after every ride. More recent stairlifts have an alarm or light to let you know, but if you’re uncertain please ask your service engineer during a service visit to demonstrate. When not in use, your stairlift should never be left off its charge point. Your stairlift should also be left in the “On” position under normal circumstances. Q: How do I know the batteries are okay? During a service visit, the stairlift engineer will check both the current battery chargers and voltage, using battery testers to measure if the batteries are still charging properly. These tests will indicate if a replacement is needed or if the current stairlift batteries are still okay. Q: Should I turn my stairlift off? No! Whatever you do, please don’t turn the main power of your stairlift off. If you keep your stairlift turned off, either regularly or for too long, the batteries will not receive the proper charge. It will degrade the battery and a replacement will be required. Q: What about if I am away for longer than a week? The batteries are charged every time you use your stairlift and park it, this is important because it guarantees your batteries are always charged. Should you go away for a longer period, for example, more than a fortnight, it’s a good idea to have someone come over to water your plants and take a joy ride on your stairlift. Q: Why is my stairlift going slow? If your batteries are running low, there’ll be no buzzing alarm system or flashing lights, instead, you’ll see one or more of the following: Your stairlift will go slower than its usual pace, or gradually slow in speed as the upward journey progresses Your stairlift will stop after a short distance and then continue The battery won’t charge in its usual charging point (this means the stairlift battery has been completely drained) At any of these signs, you’ll need to replace it. Q: How long do stairlift batteries last? Stairlift batteries generally last around 2 to 5 years, of course, this depends on the usage. For example, if the stairlift is often left off its charge point it degrades the battery and results in early replacement. Q: How do you change a stairlift battery? You should never replace a stairlift battery yourself. Replacing the battery might not seem overly complicated, but it’s tricky if you aren’t a fully trained and qualified stairlift engineer. If you attempt it, you’ll also likely void any warranty or servicing cover should the stairlift fail. You wouldn’t let an untrained gas fitter check your boiler, or a non-mechanic fix your car. The principle is the same. A Stannah service engineer can take care of the replacement for you, ensuring peace of mind and complete safety for the stairlift user(s). And even better they keep fully approved battery stock in their vans to enable you to get back up and running quickly. Q: How much is a stairlift battery? Stairlift batteries are covered by the initial installation warranty, or a 12-month replacement warranty if replaced. If you have a premium service contract, e.g. Stannah 5-star service contract, then it’s likely batteries and fitting will be covered, on lesser contracts expect a charge. A battery replacement can be a significant cost if you don’t have a service contract. But don’t be tempted by cheap replacements. All the batteries Stannah keep as van stock are manufacturer approved, fully fire retardant and CE marked. When it comes to the price of stairlift replacement batteries it’s best to contact your local Stannah branch. This goes for all your stairlift replacement batteries queries. Who can help you better than a stairlift manufacturer who’s been in the lifting business for more than 150 years? 2604043-1 Regular stairlift servicing gives you peace of mind Any machine with moving parts can become damaged over time from repeated use, dust, dirt or just general wear and tear. As stairlifts provide such an important function, bringing independence and freedom to their users, regular servicing is important to avoid breakdowns, keep your lift running reliably – and doing so safely for the stairlift driver. Stannah can service and maintain any make or model of stairlift - not just our own! To discuss a stairlift service contract or repair, get in touch with Stannah. Top tips Remember if you are home alone we always recommend that you carry a mobile phone so can alert others if you need help. Keep your local branch or supplier number handy or saved in your phone for emergencies. It's always a good idea to ask someone else to be around to help you troubleshoot. If your stairlift stops on the stairs, it’s best to stay seated and see if you can restart it or summon some assistance. If you do have to get off make sure you can do so safely, take it slowly and ideally have someone to help you. How can Stannah help me? We appreciate this is an uncertain time, so Stannah Lift Services can help you to meet your obligations as a stairlift owner by providing repairs, maintenance and supporting lift services on all types of stairlifts. We cover any manufacturer, type and model of lift equipment, not just Stannah products. Contact Us Whilst you're here why not check out our tailored annual service contracts, extended warranties, repair packages and supporting lift services to ensure reliable, fault-free operation. With nearly 50,000 installations across the UK and over 92,000 units on our service portfolio, Stannah offer a wide range of lift solutions and services to move people and goods. Take a look at our product range or simply get in touch. Know someone else who might enjoy this article? Share it!

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