Why Preventive Elevator Maintenance Saves You Thousands

The True Cost of Skipping Elevator Maintenance

If you own or manage a building in South Florida, your elevator is one of the most critical—and expensive—pieces of equipment on the property. Yet many building owners treat maintenance as an afterthought, waiting until something breaks to call a technician. That reactive approach almost always costs more in the long run.

At BROUSS Elevators, we've seen firsthand how preventive maintenance programs save our clients thousands of dollars every year. Here's why proactive care is the smarter investment.

What Is Preventive Elevator Maintenance?

Preventive maintenance involves regularly scheduled inspections, cleaning, lubrication, adjustments, and part replacements before problems occur. A qualified technician visits your building on a set schedule—typically monthly or quarterly—to keep your elevator running at peak performance.

During each visit, your technician will:

• Inspect door operators, tracks, and rollers
• Check and adjust safety devices
• Lubricate rails, bearings, and moving parts
• Test emergency systems and communication equipment
• Examine electrical connections and control systems
• Identify worn components before they fail

Reactive Repairs vs. Preventive Maintenance: The Numbers

Consider this: an emergency elevator repair in South Florida can easily cost $3,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the issue. Add in the cost of building disruptions, unhappy tenants, and potential liability—and that number climbs even higher.

A comprehensive preventive maintenance contract, by contrast, typically costs a fraction of a single major repair. Over a year, most building owners save 30% to 50% on total elevator costs by staying proactive.

5 Ways Preventive Maintenance Saves You Money

1. Fewer Emergency Breakdowns

When components are inspected regularly, potential problems are caught early. A worn sheave bearing that would have caused a catastrophic failure next month gets replaced during a routine visit for a fraction of the emergency repair cost.

2. Extended Equipment Life

Elevators are built to last 20 to 30 years—but only with proper care. Neglected systems can require full modernization in as few as 15 years. Regular maintenance helps your elevator reach (and exceed) its expected lifespan, delaying a six-figure modernization project.

3. Lower Energy Bills

A well-maintained elevator runs more efficiently. Properly aligned doors, lubricated components, and calibrated controls reduce energy consumption. In South Florida's heat, every bit of energy savings matters.

4. Fewer Code Violations

Florida requires regular elevator inspections. Buildings that fail inspections face fines and mandatory repairs on a tight deadline—often at premium pricing. Preventive maintenance keeps your elevator in compliance year-round.

5. Higher Tenant Satisfaction

Elevator breakdowns frustrate tenants and visitors. In competitive South Florida real estate markets, a reliable elevator protects your building's reputation and occupancy rates.

What to Look for in a Maintenance Contract

Not all maintenance agreements are created equal. When evaluating service providers, ask about:

• Response time: How quickly will they respond to emergencies? At BROUSS, we guarantee response in under 2 hours.
• Parts coverage: Are replacement parts included, or billed separately?
• Visit frequency: Monthly visits are the industry standard for commercial buildings.
• 24/7 availability: Elevators don't break down on a 9-to-5 schedule.
• Detailed reports: You should receive documentation after every visit.

Don't Wait for the Breakdown

The most expensive elevator repair is the one you didn't see coming. Preventive maintenance is the most cost-effective strategy for keeping your building's elevators safe, reliable, and code-compliant.

Ready to protect your investment? Call BROUSS Elevators at 786.308.9128 or email info@brousselevators.com to schedule a free maintenance evaluation. We respond in under 2 hours.