Outdated elevator systems can lead to frequent disruptions, slower travel times, and increased maintenance needs. For property owners and facility managers, these issues often result in higher costs, tenant complaints, and unnecessary downtime. Elevator modernization helps solve these problems by upgrading aging components and integrating smarter technologies into the elevator system.
Modernizing elevators goes beyond fixing individual parts. It involves a full evaluation of the elevator’s performance and replacing outdated elements with modern alternatives that improve speed, safety, and usability. From upgrading control systems to updating the door mechanisms and safety features, elevator modernization supports a smoother experience for both building owners and users.
What Is Elevator Modernization?
Elevator modernization is the process of updating an elevator’s equipment and systems to meet today’s performance standards. This can include the replacement of electrical controls, motors, safety systems, and interior features. Many older elevators still run on outdated mechanical parts that not only slow down performance but also increase the risk of failure.
By modernizing these systems, property owners gain a more reliable and energy-efficient elevator that’s better equipped to meet daily demand. Elevator modernization also makes it easier to meet current building codes, especially in older properties that haven’t been upgraded in decades.
With commercial and industrial buildings facing higher traffic volumes, elevator modernization becomes especially important. Faster response times, smoother rides, and improved accessibility features are all common outcomes of a well-planned upgrade.
Why Elevator Modernization Matters for Commercial and Industrial Buildings
In large buildings, elevator use is constant throughout the day. If an elevator is slow or frequently down for repairs, that becomes more than a minor inconvenience. It affects how employees move, how customers experience the space, and how much time maintenance teams spend responding to issues.
Modernized elevators are built to handle the demands of high-traffic buildings. With advanced controllers and smarter load-handling capabilities, they can respond to demand more quickly and reduce bottlenecks in lobbies and hallways. These upgrades also decrease the chances of unplanned outages, helping teams stay focused on core operations instead of emergency elevator repairs.
Elevator modernization also helps improve the building’s energy usage. Many older systems use inefficient lighting, motors, and controls that drive up electricity costs. Newer systems reduce energy consumption without sacrificing performance, which is especially important for property managers looking to control operational expenses.
Safety and Code Compliance
Safety is one of the most important reasons to modernize an elevator. As building codes evolve, older elevators can quickly fall out of compliance. Elevator modernization brings equipment up to current standards and reduces the risk of accidents.
Common Safety Upgrades
- Emergency communication systems
- Door sensors
- Fire-service operation modes
These features are especially important in buildings where elevators must stay in service during emergencies or be accessible for all users, including those with mobility limitations.
For many commercial property owners, safety compliance is not optional—it’s a legal and financial necessity. Investing in elevator modernization helps reduce liability while providing a safer experience for everyone who uses the building.
A Closer Look at Elevator System Upgrades
Elevator modernization often begins with the controller. This is the part of the system that tells the elevator where to go, how fast to travel, and when to stop. Older relay-based controllers are prone to failure and difficult to repair. Digital controllers provide better performance, reduce wait times, and make it easier to troubleshoot issues.
Motor Drive Improvements
New motor drives are more efficient and offer smoother acceleration and deceleration, which makes rides more comfortable and reliable.
Cab Interior Updates
Modern finishes, better lighting, updated button panels, and voice floor announcements all contribute to a more accessible and professional feel—especially in buildings where presentation matters.
Addressing Energy Efficiency
One of the most overlooked benefits of elevator modernization is the impact on a building’s energy usage. Older elevators use outdated lighting, ventilation fans, and drive systems that run continuously. This leads to wasted electricity and higher utility bills.
Modern elevators use regenerative drives and more efficient lighting systems. These upgrades reduce the system’s overall energy draw and offer long-term savings. For commercial buildings with multiple elevators, the difference in energy usage can be substantial.
Elevator modernization also allows property managers to take advantage of smart building technologies. Upgraded systems can be connected to building automation platforms, which helps monitor usage patterns and reduce waste during off-peak hours.
Improving Reliability
With any mechanical system, age plays a role in reliability. As elevators age, parts become harder to source and more expensive to replace. Delays in finding the right part can lead to extended outages, which impacts tenants, staff, and operations.
Elevator modernization replaces hard-to-source components with modern, readily available alternatives. This cuts down on downtime and eliminates the need for frequent emergency service calls.
The more reliable the system, the less time and money a building owner has to spend on repairs. For commercial and industrial properties, that translates to better performance, fewer tenant complaints, and more predictable maintenance costs.
The Importance of Planning Ahead
Planning a successful elevator modernization project starts with a full evaluation of the current system. Every elevator has its own history of repairs, upgrades, and daily use patterns. Working with an experienced contractor like Murphy Elevator means you get a detailed assessment of what should be replaced and why.
This process involves looking at ride performance, system age, energy usage, and current safety compliance. With that information, a modernization plan can be created that addresses the building’s most critical needs first.
Elevator modernization doesn’t need to happen all at once. In many cases, upgrades can be phased over time to minimize disruption and spread-out costs. Murphy Elevator works with property owners to find a modernization schedule that fits within the building’s budget and operations.
Why Choose Murphy Elevator for Modernization
Murphy Elevator has worked with commercial, industrial, and residential clients for generations. With experience across hydraulic, traction, and freight elevators, the team understands how to modernize systems of all sizes and types.
The company offers customized modernization solutions based on the specific needs of each building, focusing on safety, performance, and long-term reliability. From initial assessment to final inspection, Murphy Elevator provides support every step of the way, ensuring your system is brought up to current standards and built to perform for years to come.
Ready to Modernize Your Elevator System?
If your elevators are showing signs of wear, running slower than usual, or needing frequent repairs, it’s time to consider a modernization plan. Upgrading your system improves performance, saves energy, and keeps your building safe and accessible.
Contact Murphy Elevator today at (800) 752-6075 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how elevator modernization can benefit your property.
Travis graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Entrepreneurship before joining Murphy Elevator as an accounts receivable associate. Since then, Travis has worked as an Estimator and Marketing Director before ascending to the role of VP of Administration in 2006. He also serves as our Safety Director, and leads IT and accounts receivable.