It’s safe to say that when the frost rolls in and the deep freeze hits, Alberta winters are no joke – and when you rely on an outdoor lift, colder temperatures, snow, and ice can quickly turn into serious safety concerns if your equipment isn’t properly cared for and maintained.
Whether you use your porch lift daily or only when needed, taking a few proactive steps can help you maintain your porch lift in the winter, protect your investment, and ensure safe, reliable access to your home all season long!
Porch lifts are engineered to withstand the harsh Canadian winter; however, like many mechanical systems, regular care and attention are essential. Here are five practical, professional tips to help you stay mobile and confident through winter and beyond.
1. Keep the Lift Area Free of Snow and Ice
Snow and ice buildup are among the most common winter challenges for any Residential Lift.
Even models designed for extreme climates, like the Bruno VPL, require routine clearing to operate safely.
Be sure to remove snow and ice from:
- The lift platform and ramp surface
- Underneath the lift itself
- The surrounding area where the lift travels
Use a soft broom or shovel – this works best, and make sure to avoid salt or chemical ice melt on the platform, as these products can damage components and create slippery residue, which is not what we want.
Simple, regular clearing goes a long way in effective porch lift maintenance.
2. Test the Lift During and After Cold Snaps
When the temperature makes its infamous, dramatic drop below -25°C, it’s definitely a good idea to perform a quick test run before stepping onto the lift. This helps confirm that all is operating smoothly after extreme cold or heavy snowfall.
If you do notice slower movement, unusual noises, or mechanical hesitation, stop using the lift and contact a professional technician like Uppercut Elevators. While modern porch lifts are highly reliable and rarely fail due to cold alone, testing is still a smart habit to get into when you maintain your porch lift in the winter.
3. Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance
Regular professional servicing is one of the most important steps in long-term porch lift maintenance. Regular preventive maintenance helps catch small issues early – before they turn into costly repairs or unexpected downtime.
During a maintenance visit, a trained technician will:
- Lubricate the key components to ensure smooth operation in freezing temperatures.
- Inspect all mechanical and electrical systems.
- Test the emergency battery backup system for power outages that could be caused by winter storms.
This reliable routine care ensures your Residential Lift performs safely and consistently all year, and more importantly, all winter long.
4. Protect Electrical Components from Moisture
The increase in moisture during the winter can be just as problematic as cold temperatures.
Melting snow and ice, and freezing rain can affect electrical components if they’re not properly protected.
To reduce moisture-related issues:
- Keep the area around the lift clear, well-drained, and as dry as possible.
- Ensure all seals and weatherproof covers remain intact all season long.
- Connect with expert technicians, like Uppercut Elevators, if you see any corrosion, inconsistent controls, or delayed responses from your lift to ensure it gets looked at ASAP.
These small checks support reliable operation and help you maintain your porch lift in the winter without unnecessary stress.
5. Use the Cold-Weather Features Built Into Your Lift
Many modern porch lifts are designed specifically for climates like Alberta’s.
For example, the Bruno VPL lift includes:
- Weather-resistant controls
- Specialized protective coatings
- A cold-weather package standard on all Uppercut installations
- Low power draw – just 8 amps under the full load
These high-end features are designed to keep your Residential Lift operating at top efficiency levels, even during extreme and challenging winter conditions Alberta has to offer.
Your Takeaways | At a Glance
- Clear snow and ice before operating your lift
- Avoid salt or chemical de-icers
- Test the lift after extreme cold
- Schedule regular professional servicing from Uppercut Elevators
- Trust trained technicians for safe, reliable porch lift maintenance
Professional Service You Can Trust
At Uppercut Elevators and Lifts, we provide all the sales, service, and porch lift maintenance throughout Calgary, Edmonton, and all of Alberta that you’ll ever need.
With over 125 years of combined experience, our dedicated team understands how important your Residential Lift is to your safety, comfort, and overall independence. Whether you need any seasonal maintenance, an emergency service done, or simply some expert advice, we’re always here to help – even on weekends and after hours if needed!
Ready to keep your porch lift winter-ready?
Contact Uppercut Elevators and Lifts today to schedule professional proch lift service so you can get back to enjoying safe, stress-free access to your home – no matter how cold it gets!
Stay mobile, stay safe, and stay confident – all winter long!