Monday, January 18, 2010

Stair Chair Features You Should Not Be Without

If you are looking for for a chair lift for stairs, you will find there are a wide range of stair chair models available as well as a wide range of prices to pay. There are many different features available on most modern chair lift for stairs, but which are the most important for most users? What should you be paying for these different features and are they worth it?

These are all common questions for purchasers of stair chairs. Although it may be tempting to purchase the cheapest chair lift for stairs available, this may not be the best decision depending on the specific mobility problems of the user and the ease and comfort they want in a chair lifts for stairs. Here are some features you should certainly consider, and sometimes pay extra for, when you select your handicap stair lift.

To start, make sure it is quality constructed and design and technology. Go with a handicap stair lift model that has the best drive installed (rack and pinion is probably the best choice). You will need to also decide as to whether you need AC or DC power for your handicap stair lift. Electrical outages can strand seniors and the handicapped in their homes, and for this reason you should seriously consider purchasing a handicap stair lift with at least a backup DC rechargeable battery system. Battery systems are also usually easier and cheaper to install in most homes, since you will not need to pay an electrician to wire the AC electrical system into place (and there is no risk of electric shock either while using the stair chair either, an added safety feature).

Some features such as being able to move the arms of the chair lift for stairs up to allow easy entry into the chair will be greatly appreciated by most users. Also, having stair chairs that can fold flat against the wall when not in use, will be appreciated by those who do not need to use the chair when climbing the stairs. For safety reasons, you should also be sure that the handicap stair lift model you purchase has seat belts installed. Also, make sure the stair chair will accommodate the weight load of the person using it. This varies considerably by model, so make sure you check the manufacturers specifications before purchase. Finally, having both wired in and remote controls to operate the chair lift for stairs will eliminate many hassles and make the stair chair much easier to use.

Finding a handicap stair lift with these features that will make its use easiest for the user and they will greatly improve both the functionality and enjoyment of the handicap stair lift. By doing careful comparison shopping you should be able to find a stair chair that is both suitable and affordable.

For more useful information about selecting and installing handicap stair lift models visit the Chair Lifts for Stairs website.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Chair Lifts for Stairs: Questions to Ask

If you are looking at chair lifts for stairs, there are several questions you need to ask both yourself and manufacturers to make sure you get the right chair lift for your home stairway.

First, you need to consider the installations costs of different chair lifts for stairs model. Often these costs and actually exceed the cost of the chair lift itself, so you need to make sure the price you are being quoted gives you this estimate as well. If you have a curved staircase, this is especially important, since it will cost quite a bit more to install a stair chair on a spiral staircase versus a straight one.

Second, you need to ask yourself what kind of power supply you need. If you live in an area where there are frequent power outages, having some kind of backup power supply is crucial if you or your loved on might be stranded in a power blackout.

Third, you will need to decide what kind of drive mechanism you want in your stair lift. Pinion drives and cable drives are the most popular types available, but there are others to choose from and you should make sure that which ever drive you select can be repaired easily and, ideally, inexpensively.

Fourth, you should think about what chair lifts for stairs features you want: do you want a chair that pivots? How big should the stair chair be? Do you even want a chair lift at all, or would a wheel chair lift or other handicap stair lift device? By asking yourself hard questions about what kind of chair lift is best for you or a family member, you will end up saving yourself considerable expense and frustration.

For some excellent suggestions about chair lift models and a useful video of a chair lift in action, visit the Chair Lifts for Stairs Squidoo page for more information.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Welcome to the Chair Lifts for Stairs Blog

Welcome and thank you visiting the chair lifts for stairs blog. Here you will find a variety of articles dealing with how to properly select, price and use different chair lifts for stairs models. Purchasing a stair lift is a major investment for any family, and this blog hopes to help answer some of the most pressing questions you might have about the cost and safety of chair lifts, how to deal with chair lift manufacturers, and reviews of chair lift models.

We also welcome any comments or questions you may have. Feel free to email the webmaster at diycraftinfo at gmail dot com for any assistance you may need.