No longer having the ability to move around your home with confidence and independence can provide much frustration. Here at Halton Stairlifts, we understand the difficulties you regularly face when navigating your staircase which is why we provide a wide range of stairlift products.
Stairlifts are highly beneficial for improving mobility, however many people are discouraged by the costs of a stairlift. Making a long term investment in a stairlift can take some consideration and one of the key factors often considered for many individuals is the cost.
In this blog, we will identify the current cost of having a stairlift installed into your home and explore the various financial support to consider.
What is the Running Cost of a Stairlift?
Installing a permanent device onto your staircase can often be a lot to consider for many individuals financially, however they only cost a small amount to run.
Figures based on energy prices for July 2022 show that a stairlift will only cost an average of 40 pence a week – or just over £20 a year – to run. This does seem an incredibly small amount to pay to use equipment which can make such a big difference to someone’s life – allowing them to move freely around their home and to keep their independence for as long as possible.
Why do Stairlifts Cost so Little?
The surprisingly cheap cost of running stairlifts is down to the fact that the technology they use makes them very energy efficient. They are powered by rechargeable batteries that are minimally affected by daily use.
The way stairlifts are designed means they should be left switched on so that the batteries are always charged. This means you can rely on your stairlift to always be ready for use. It won’t suddenly run out of power even in a power cut.
Can I Get Funding For My Stairlift?
The cost of running a stairlift can often have an impact on individuals with mobility issues financially. Cost implications such as regular stairlift maintenance and repairs often make it more expensive to run a stairlift in your home. If you are working on a budget this can often be frustrating, however there are different funding options available to you in the UK.
There are various funding options available that can help with the cost of stairlifts. Here are some of the main funding options:
- Disabled Facilities Grant
- Local Authority Funding
- Non-Profit Organisations
- Insurance
Each funding option has their own specific requirements and processes, providing different ways for individuals with mobility issues to receive financial support with their stairlifts.
How Much Energy Does a Stairlift Use?
Stairlifts are designed to be highly energy efficient and also relatively low cost to run. Typically straight stairlifts use up less energy than curved stairlifts, consuming between 0.024 and 0.33 kWh compared to 0.03 and 0.5 kWh.
Compared to most house devices and accessories these numbers are considered low, making stairlifts energy efficient and beneficial if you are looking to keep your costs relatively low.
How do Stairlifts Compare to Other Appliances?
Stairlifts compare extremely well to many normal household appliances and are surprisingly cheap to run. Put into context against the cost of other household equipment, stairlifts are among the most energy-efficient appliances we have.
Tests carried out by Which? after the April energy price cap increase compared the annual running costs of a number of appliances.
They showed that the average annual running cost of a fridge-freezer was £92.42. A dishwasher was £78.98. A tumble dryer was £73.08 and a washing machine was £63.33.
According to Citizens Advice – https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ – the annual cost of using an electric shower for five minutes a day is £54.91. Using a kettle for ten minutes a day costs £36.61, and using an immersion heater for one hour a day costs £219.66.
It’s easy to see from the figures that even in a time of unprecedented rising energy prices stairlifts are still very cost-effective. When you also take into account the massive difference they can make to the lives of people with mobility issues it’s clear that the small running cost is definitely a price worth paying.
Can I Save Energy with a Stairlift?
Stairlifts are devices that are powered by electricity and are constantly switched on. The reason why they are always on is because they are powered by a rechargeable battery. When a stairlift is in use and is left at either the top or bottom of the rail it usually recharging at its located charging point. This can often lead to an increase in your energy usage and overall bills.
As stairlifts use large amounts of energy, finding ways to save energy can be sometimes difficult. A great way to save money on your energy bills is to regularly switch off your stairlift when not in use and fully charged. Doing this is highly recommended and will help you no longer experience high energy costs.
Help with Stairlift Costs
If the initial cost of buying a stairlift is problematic there is help at hand. Anyone who needs help to spread the cost can look at the option of paying in installments.
Here at Halton, we have teamed up with credit broker Deko to make the process as simple as possible, allowing you to apply for and complete a loan application quickly and easily. We also offer reconditioned stairlifts – which are cheaper to buy than a brand-new model but without any compromise on quality.
If you need an affordable stairlift call Halton Stairlifts on 0800 644 7766 to speak to an experienced member of the team. Our trained professionals can offer clear and honest advice about any model from our range to help you decide which is the best option for you and your home.
Neil is the founder of Halton Stairlifts. He has years of experience installing stairlifts across the UK. With an eagerness to help those with mobility issues get up the stairs, Neil understands how important it is for a seamless and straightforward approach to installing stairlifts to help those in need quickly.