How Much Electricity Does a Home Lift Use and How Much Will it Cost to Run (October 2022)

How much electricity does a home lift use and how much will it cost to run (October 2022)?

If you have a home lift or are thinking about having one fitted, you may be wondering how much it will cost to run due to increasing energy prices in the UK. There’s no need to panic, a home lift uses minimal electricity and should only cost around 5p per day to run! Don’t be put off having a lift installed or discouraged from using yours – it’s much more energy efficient than you think. Let's explain in more detail how these models are powered, the energy they use and what to do if you experience a power cut.

How is a Home lift powered?

These models are mains powered only, however, there is an emergency battery backup fitted on these models as standard.

How much does a home lift cost to run?

Again, this is product is a low-wattage appliance and like stairlifts, should cost around £15-20 to run for the year, depending on the make and model (and based on the increased price cap rate: 1 October 2022).

Should I switch off my home lift to save energy?

No, when the lift is on standby it hardly uses any electricity. It has backup batteries that need to be continuously charged and switching off the lift could cause them to go flat. You would then have to pay for a callout and a set of new batteries, which would cost a few hundred pounds.

Can I use my home lift if there is a power cut or blackout?

Mains-operated lifts have battery backup so if you are travelling in the lift when the power goes out, it will have enough power to lower them to the ground floor. However, unlike a stairlift, it can’t be used it in a power cut. Your model should be left on ready for the power to return.

Does your lift need check-up?

1. When was your lift last serviced? All lifts should be serviced once a year (or twice a year for home lifts). On this service we check the voltage in the batteries to make sure they are at their optimal running capacity and shouldn’t run flat.
2. Are new batteries needed? The average lifespan of batteries is around 2-5 years, depending on usage. Home lift manufacturers recommend they should be changed every 1-2 years. If a stairlift has been running slower than usual, that’s normally an indication that the batteries are running low and may run flat.
3. Is the stairlift mains operated? Older stairlift models from 20+ years ago usually run on mains only. If you can’t see a copper strip charge point or a battery charger unit on the wall, the model is likely to be a mains-operated lift with no battery backup – consider replacing it.

If you have a lift that needs servicing, new batteries or maybe even an upgrade, give us a call on 01249 814528 to talk to a member of our team! You can also check out our range of products and give us a call for a free, no-obligation visit

In summary, a home lift is very efficient and is likely to cost you less than £20 a year to run. It is mains operated and works on a battery back-up to lower you to the ground floor if you are travelling in the lift when a power cut occurs.

If you are thinking about having a home lift, check out our range of products and give us a call for a free, no-obligation visit to assess your needs and your home.

Are you on the Priority service register (PSP)?

If you are worried about keeping supply going for emergency medical equipment then make sure you are registered on the Priority Service Register.
The PSR is a free support service to help people in vulnerable situations and is provided by your energy, network operators, and water supplier – just contact them and ask them about getting onto the register.
By being on the register, you will be told about planned interruptions to supply. Priority support can be given from emergency response organisations, you may provided with free bottled water or a generator for medical equipment you depend on.

For more information contact your supplier or take a look at these websites:

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/getting-extra-help-priority-services-register

https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/households/customer-assistance/special-assistance/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/getting-extra-support-from-your-energy-supplier/