Frequently asked questions

The cost depends on a number of factors - the type of lift, the number of floors, shaft size, level of finish and the complexity of the installation. The most accurate way to get a figure is to request a free site survey, after which we can give you a detailed, no-obligation quote. Email projectsales@andwislifts.com to get started.

Most lifts should be maintained at least quarterly, though the right frequency depends on the type of lift, how heavily it’s used and the environment it operates in. We’ll recommend the right visit frequency when we assess your equipment.

Yes. We maintain all makes and models, regardless of who installed them or how old they are. We carry parts for a wide range of manufacturers and our engineers are trained on all types of equipment. Open protocol lifts are particularly straightforward, as the components are not proprietary.

Open protocol means the components in your lift - the controller, drive, doors, push buttons - are sourced from manufacturers whose equipment any competent lift company can service and maintain. This is the opposite of a proprietary OEM system, where only the original manufacturer’s engineers can access the components or control system. Open protocol gives you freedom: you can choose your maintenance contractor on merit, and you’re not paying a premium because you have no alternative. All the new lifts we install are open protocol as standard.

A machine room less lift uses a compact gearless traction drive that fits within the lift shaft itself, eliminating the need for a separate machine room above or beside the shaft. MRL lifts are the modern standard for most passenger lift installations - they use less building space, are more energy-efficient than older geared systems, and are quieter and smoother in operation.

In many cases, yes. Modern gearless MRL technology designed to EN81-21 (the standard governing new lifts in existing buildings) can work with significantly reduced pit depths - as shallow as 315mm in some configurations - and reduced overhead clearances. If you’ve been told a new lift isn’t feasible because of structural constraints, it’s worth asking us to assess the space. We have in-house design capability and experience of solving exactly these kinds of constrained-shaft challenges.

This depends on the type of lift and complexity of the installation. We’ll give you a realistic programme at the survey stage so you can plan around it.

Call our 24/7 emergency line. We’ll take the details, confirm your location and dispatch a local engineer. If passengers are trapped, call 999 first.

Modernisation means upgrading key components - the controller and drive system, door operators, cab interior - while keeping the existing shaft and structure. It’s typically significantly cheaper than full replacement, improves reliability substantially, and can reduce energy consumption by 50% or more through modern gearless drives with regenerative technology. Modernisation also avoids the embodied carbon cost of a full lift replacement. We’ll always give you an honest view on which makes sense for your specific equipment.

A regenerative drive captures the kinetic energy generated when a loaded lift descends or an empty lift rises, and feeds it back into the building’s electrical supply. In a busy building this is a significant and continuous source of energy recovery. Combined with modern LED car lighting, intelligent standby modes and lower nominal motor power, a lift with a regenerative drive system can use 50% less energy than an equivalent system installed 15 or 20 years ago.

The main indicators are increasing breakdown frequency, rising maintenance costs, difficulty sourcing spare parts or deteriorating energy performance. If you’re seeing any of these, it’s worth having an engineer assess the equipment. We’ll tell you honestly what we find.

Yes. We service and repair lifts from all major manufacturers including Otis, Kone, Schindler, TK Elevator and many others, as well as independent and specialist manufacturers.

Fill in our get a quote form, or email servicesales@andwislifts.com. We’ll arrange a site visit to assess your equipment and come back with a contract proposal.