How to Choose the Right Stair Lift

At first, choosing a stair lift for your home may seem like a difficult task. With so many makes and models out there, how do you know which stair lift is right for you? Consider these factors to make sure you’re choosing the right option for you:

First, make sure you have the correct measurements for your staircase. You can easily measure your stairs to help choose a stair lift.

1. The most important measurement is the overall length of your staircase, which is determined by standing at the top of your stairs, extending the tape measure so that it’s laying on all the stair treads and the end of the tape measure is touching the landing at the bottom of the stairs.
2. Next, measure from the edge of the top step to the edge of the bottom step. Then, measure the width of your staircase, as well as the length from the bottom step to a wall or door at the bottom of the steps if you have one.
3. Finally, measure the rise of one step, the tread of one step, and the diagonal of one step so that we can preset the seat angle of your stair lift at the factory. For more information on measurements and visual guidelines, check out our stair lift measuring guide.

When considering the measurements of your stair lift, make sure you take into account the weight capacity of the stair lift chair in relation to how much the user weighs. Home Access Products currently has stair lift chairs with weight capacities of 250, 300, 375, 400, and 500 pounds.

If your stairs have a turn or a landing in the middle of two staircases, you can still buy and install a stair lift. For a completely curved stair lift that travels continuously around corners, your stair lift installation may require a custom job. If your stairs have a turn, you may be able to install two separate straight star lifts that break where the middle landing is- a home project that may seem daunting but that can be done in eight easy steps with a few hours of work and a few simple tools. If you’re uncomfortable installing a stair lift on your own, we are also available for a home stair lift installation.

The Difference Between AC and DC Stair Lifts

One aspect of stair lift chairs that you may be unclear on is the difference between Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) stair lifts. AC stair lifts are powered by the house’s electric current; once they’re plugged in, they’re ready for usage. While they are usually a little louder than DC models and have tracks that take up more space, AC lift models are ideal for places like churches or offices that may get a lot of use in short periods of time.

DC stair lift models, on the other hand, have a pair of 12 volt batteries that power the stair lift as moves up and down the stairs. The parking areas at the top and bottom of the stairs have recharge points to keep the batteries powered. DC models are generally quieter and smoother than AC models, with thinner tracks that blend in well with the household décor.

Aging at home becomes a lot easier with a stair lift in your loved one’s home, allowing them to stay in the same home they currently live in without worrying about moving from one floor to the other. These guidelines will help you choose the right stair lift for your home. Have more questions? Give us a call and we’ll be happy to answer them for you and help you find the right stair lift for aging at home.