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StairliftRepair.com

Stairlift Service And Repairs Northern Virginia, DC, Maryland

Ten signs your lift needs servicing
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Stairlift Batteries

Common signs your batteries are going bad and need to be replaced.

The first and most typical sign you will notice is your lift moving slower or going a few inches then stopping and starting in the up direction. While there are other things that can duplicate this problem, batteries are the most likely cause.

When this starts to happen, you will want to call for service quickly before the lift stops altogether. The most obvious sign is if you try to use the lift and it won’t move, there are no indicator lights or beeping sounds.

When chairlift batteries have reached a point of being fully drained and will no longer recharge they will need to be replaced like any other battery. This also happens often if you’ve come back from vacation or the lift has been sitting for several months.

It’s good practice to run your stairlift at least a few times a week to put a load on the batteries. This causes them to work and cycle through the charging process.

Service tech replacing stairlift batteries

When To Have The Batteries Replaced

Stairlifts are battery-powered and operate off two internal 12 DC batteries wired in series to run a 24-volt DC motor. The batteries in your lift are SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) and most use AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) technology for the higher amperage demand needed by stairlifts.

On average the battery life for a chairlift will range from 3-5 years. This will vary depending on the amount of use, length of stairs, load on the system, and age of the lift. If you rely on your stairlift and find yourself using it daily, we recommend having the batteries changed at a MINIMUM of every three years to prevent breakdowns.

Testing, Checking & Replacing

The proper method for testing stairlift batteries is with a load tester. A service tech will have this device to verify the battery level and cell stability before replacing it. In some cases, only one battery will test as bad however both should be replaced. It’s likely the second battery is close behind and replacing it at the same time can save you money on a second service call.

Tech testing chairlift batteries

Also with service, the charging circuit should be checked for the correct voltage from the wall outlet to the rail contacts and the mainboard. Stair lift batteries are charged with an external power supply and transformer that can range from 15vac to 33dc depending on the manufacturer. This transformer needs to supply continuous voltage to charge the batteries. This voltage should be verified, the circuit inspected and the wiring checked for correct grounding or shorting issues.

Pro Tip: It is possible for a digital display to show the batteries as good or charged when in fact they are bad. When batteries drop below a certain voltage, or an internal cell becomes unstable we have seen malfunctions with software causing multiple error codes.

Why Only A Professional Technician Should Check & Change Your Stairlift Batteries

There are many reasons stairlift batteries can go bad including age, transformer problems, power supply issues, contacts, wiring, circuit board problems, motor issues, and more. A technician who services stairlifts on a routine basis is going to be able to identify these problems and repair your lift properly. This is also a great time for maintenance, warranty service and to have the lift checked thoroughly. It’s also extremely important to realize the batteries in your lift store a large amount of power and can cause damage or can be hazardous if not handled properly.

Checking chairlift charger voltage output on rail

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CHAIR LIFT SERVICE

Stairlift broken, making a strange noise, or in need of routine maintenance? If you’re looking for quality stair lift service, repairs or aftercare contact us to schedule service today. With over 25 years of experience in the stairlift business, we know chair lifts extremely well and fix all current models. For professional, reliable service give us a call. Also, take a look at our basic troubleshooting guides for many common stairlift problems.

Stair lift repair troubleshooting most common problems

Sterling (Minivator) Handicare

Sterling Handicare 1000 stairlift service

Sterling stair lifts include the Sterling Simplicity 950, Sterling Simplicity+, Sterling 950, Sterling 1000, Sterling 1000 XXL, Sterling 2000 and their outdoor unit. The Sterling lift is easy to identify with its unique light blue switch at the end of the armrest. The … read more about Sterling

Stairlift Maintenance

Stairlift maintenance

Care and maintenance for your stairlift If you use your stairlift on a regular basis you'll want to keep it running smooth and in good working order with maintenance. Depending on the type of lift … read more about Stairlift Maintenance

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Top 5 Things to Check

Sometimes a stairlift repair can be resolved by removing a simple obstruction, verifying the main switch is turned on or resetting the lift. How to check the five most common stairlift problems and more. Troubleshooting basic stairlift problems.

Stair Lift Brands We Repair & Service

Acorn Stairlifts

AmeriGlide

Bruno Stairlifts

Brooks Stair Lift

HandiCare

Sterling/Minivator

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Contact StairLiftRepair.com

Leesburg, VA 20176

Serving Northern Virginia, Maryland and DC.

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