The elder members in a family often find it difficult to use the stairs frequently. With age, their bones start to weaken, and if they have arthritis, it becomes more challenging to go up and down the stairs. Fortunately, you can help them ease this tedious process. Installing a stairlift in the house will allow the elders to use the stairs like an elevator. A track will run along the side of the staircase, and a motorized chair will take them up and down.
Things to know about stairlifts
If you are planning to install a stairlift, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
1. Type of track
Stairlifts can operate on two different tracks depending on the type of staircase you have in the house: straight tracks and curved tracks. A Straight track is easy to install, and they are the inexpensive variants. They are suitable for homes that have a straight staircase leading to other floors. On the other hand, curved tracks are slightly more expensive because they have to bend in the corners. They need more precise measurements, and the type of staircase is also a factor that influences the installation process.
2. Stairlift seats
The seat is probably the heart of the entire unit. You can’t expect it to carry a person at the speed of a Porsche. According to Ireland government regulations, stairlift seats need to travel at approximately 20 feet per minute to ensure the safety and security of the person sitting on it. Depending on the mobility needs and comfort, you can also customize the seat to collapse or swivel and also add footrests and armrests.
3. Safety controls
Apart from the comfortable seats, the safety feature of the stairlift is another factor that you should keep in mind. Most seats come with key locks, obstruction detection facility, and seat belts. It is also wise to check if the seat offers full torso harness to the person who will use it the most.
4. Stairlift prices in Ireland
Although the prices of stairlifts in Ireland depend on the different brands and the type of unit you want to install, the basic ones usually cost approximately €1,599, excluding VAT. Most of them come with a 10-year motor and 2-year parts and labor warranty. You can also purchase an extended warranty separately. However, different companies provide additional warranties also.
5. Stairlift running cost
Most stairlifts run on rechargeable batteries. You have to place the seat in the charging position when it runs out of power. But, since they are very energy-efficient, you can expect the charge to last for days. Their charging power is also fast. They take approximately the same time to charge like a mobile phone. You need to keep the stairlift switched on all the time to make sure that the batteries remain charged.
So, if you are planning to purchase a stairlift in your house soon, donâ€t forget to keep these factors in mind. They will help to install the most efficient model for your home.