Elevators are sneaky energy hogs. While everyone obsesses over heating and lighting, lifts can eat 3–10% of a building’s power—and in busy towers, up to 45%. Translation: they’re draining your wallet while you pretend the problem doesn’t exist.
Typical Costs
- Residential lifts: 0.5–2 kWh/day → £45–180/year
- Commercial lifts: 3–5 kWh/day → £270–450/year
- High-traffic lifts: 15–35 kWh/day → £1,350–3,150/year
By Elevator Type
- Hydraulic: ~4,000 kWh/year (£1,080) = least efficient
- Traction: ~3,000 kWh/year (£810) = better
- Gearless traction: up to 40% more efficient = smartest choice
The Standby Problem
Even when idle, lifts burn up to 80% of their total energy on lights, controls, and ventilation. Yes, your elevator is wasting electricity while nobody is even in it.
Energy-Saving Upgrades
- Regenerative drives: recover up to 43% of energy → £1,000–2,000 savings/year
- LED lighting: 90% savings + lower maintenance
- Smart controls/IoT: sleep modes, smart car positioning, energy reporting
Why London Buildings Benefit
High density = high lift usage. Energy efficiency = compliance with carbon targets + better property value.
The Business Case
- Save 30–75% on elevator energy
- Boost property value & marketability
- Stay compliant with sustainability standards
- Reduce breakdowns and maintenance costs
Upgrade Path
- Phase 1: LEDs, smart controls, standby optimization
- Phase 2: Drive + monitoring upgrades
- Phase 3: Full modernization with regenerative drives + IoT
Ready to Stop Overpaying for Elevator Energy?
FlyLifts specializes in making London’s lifts efficient.
- Free energy audit (worth £500)
- Typical 40–60% savings in year one
- 20+ years serving London buildings
- Financing options available
Book this month for a free assessment + custom savings plan.
