Stair lifts are an invaluable mobility device for those who suffer from mobility issues. Whether you are looking for a permanently installed stair lift or a rechargeable stairlift chair, it is important to be mindful of how much electricity the device uses. In this blog post, we will explore how much electricity is consumed by a permanently installed stair lift versus using a rechargeable stairlift chair.
Permanently Installed Stairlifts
These are stairlifts that are installed onto the stairs and usually require wiring and other electrical parts to be installed. The amount of electricity used by a permanently installed stairlift depends on how often it is in use. Generally, these types of stairlifts use anywhere from 5-20 amps, which is about 1/2 - 4 kWh per hour.
Permanently installed stair lifts typically run on direct current (DC) motors, which consume less energy than alternating current (AC) motors. The amount of energy required to run the motor will vary based on the type and size of the motor used in the lift system. Generally speaking, a standard motor usually uses around 100 watts per hour when operating, while some higher-end models can use up to 200 watts per hour.
In terms of cost, these figures translate into very little in terms of overall energy consumption. For example, if you leave your lift running for one hour each day at 100 watts per hour, that would only equate to about 7-kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per month—which translates into about $0.70 per month at an average rate of 10 cents/kWh!
The benefit of a permanently installed stairlift is that you don’t have to worry about constantly recharging the battery and can use it anytime without worrying about running out of power. However, a downside is that if there is a power outage, your stairlift will not work as it requires an electrical outlet for power.
Rechargeable Stair Lift Chairs
Rechargeable stair lifts offer the opportunity of having a device that is portable and requires no wiring or installation. These types of stairlift chairs will typically use between 2-6 amps, which is approximately 0.25 - 0.75 kWh per hour when in use. The cost to operate a rechargeable chairlift usually falls around $0.05-$0.10 per hour depending on the power source and how often you use it.
Rechargeable stairlift chairs often use batteries that are either lead-acid or lithium-ion based. Lead acid batteries generally have higher energy capacities than lithium-ion batteries but they can be heavy and require more frequent charging cycles due to their limited charge retention capabilities. On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries offer more power and lighter weight but also come with higher costs upfront due to their increased efficiency and longevity compared with lead acid batteries. Depending on the size of the battery used and its capacity rating, it may take anywhere from 3-7 hours to fully charge a battery depending on your model's charging speed rating. On average, most models consume about 1 kWh per full charge cycle – so if you use your chair regularly it may consume up to 7 kWh per week ($0.70).
In comparison to permanently installed stairlifts, rechargeable stairlift chairs offer numerous benefits. For starters, they are more affordable and require less maintenance than their wired counterparts. Additionally, since they are battery-powered, you won’t need a professional electrician to install them. Rechargeable stairlift chairs also provide a sense of freedom and convenience as they can be moved from one place to another without having to worry about disconnecting it from the power source or dealing with wires. Finally, if you ever move house or relocate your chairlift to a different location, then you won’t need to pay for costly removal and installation services like you would with a wired model.
When considering whether or not to purchase a stairlift for yourself or someone in your household, it is important to consider all aspects—including cost and energy consumption—before making any decisions. Both permanently installed and rechargeable chairs have benefits as well as drawbacks when it comes to energy consumption; however, both options offer significant convenience and comfort that make them worthwhile investments for those in need of greater mobility aid indoors or outdoors. Ultimately, the decision between these two options should depend on individual needs and preferences rather than simply cost alone!
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