Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators

How Does a Pneumatic Elevator Work?

Pneumatic vacuum elevators have an airtight seal built into the top of the cab. The shaft of a pneumatic tube elevator is a cylinder that features hidden turbines situated at the top of the hoistway, and the powerful electric turbines have the important job of removing air from the hoistway to move the cab upward. Removing the air creates a vacuum, and the suction is strong enough to lift the cab up. When it’s time to move the cab back down again, special electronic valves slowly return air to the hoistway in a controlled process, allowing the cab to move downward. These valves have the precision necessary to stop the cab at the exact location desired.

The controls will allow the cab to stop at a middle landing or continue to the top. When the cab arrives at a landing, it travels a few inches above the landing and sets mechanical brakes. The cab then lowers onto the brakes. When the cab is stationary at a landing, it is mechanically set and not relying on air pressure.

While the pneumatic elevator cab is moving up or down, the occupant of the cab enjoys a full 360-degree view of the surroundings outside of the elevator.

Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator Price Concerns: How Much Does it Cost to Put a Small Elevator in Your House?

Typically, your vacuum elevator cost will be somewhere between $30,000 and $50,000. Air elevator prices can vary greatly based on factors including the specific model of lift you choose and the physical constraints of your space. Most houses can accommodate most models of circular lift systems, but of course, if you choose a larger pneumatic residential elevator, the cost will be higher.

Keep in mind that when you’re buying a pneumatic home elevator, price shouldn’t dissuade you, as this can often be the most economical lift option. The best small residential elevators are well worth the price, and we can even help you to find financing if needed. At Nationwide Lifts, we pride ourselves on making each pneumatic elevator cost as little as possible without sacrificing quality. Get a free quote to see for yourself how affordable your pneumatic elevator price can be!

Why Choose a Pneumatic Elevator?

Pneumatic elevators can be a functional and affordable accessibility solution for residences, and the attractive look of these lifts also draws some people to buy a PVE. Elevator buyers with mobility issues that make climbing stairs difficult often fall in love with these small elevators for homes, and price doesn’t need to be a stumbling block to owning one: When you get a free quote, you’ll often find that the vacuum elevator cost is less than you think!

Pneumatic Home Elevator Dimensions

If the idea of installing a large, bulky elevator in a home or office sounds like a bad plan, a pneumatic residential elevator might be the right choice for you. Pneumatic elevators provide state-of-the-art technology with a sleek design, enabling you to fit them into virtually any type of space. Imagine a personal elevator made of glass that is small enough to fit anywhere! The smallest glass elevator has an interior cab diameter of about 20 inches. If your space allows, you can also get this elevator in sizes up to 43 inches in diameter. Larger vacuum home elevators can accommodate two people or even a wheelchair.

Potential Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator Problems

While these lifts are a popular option, there are a few drawbacks to choosing pneumatic elevators for the home that may make you want to opt for a different style instead. The first is that they are very visible, offering limited privacy: A vacuum elevator is not hidden in a wall like a traditional elevator. While we can customize your elevator to match your house, you may not like this highly visible style. The other potential drawback to a PVE is their capacity: They can’t carry as many passengers as some other models can. If you think you’ll need to move multiple people or large objects routinely, this may not be the right type of elevator for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Residential Vacuum Elevators Accommodate a Wheelchair?

Not all of our vacuum elevators can accommodate a wheelchair, but the Vision 550 model can. If you need to transport a wheelchair with your personal elevator, choose the Vision 550: It has the largest weight capacity of our residential glass elevators and is a versatile fit with many types of stairs and landings.

What Colors Are the Elevators Available In?

We’re able to customize our elevators to meet your needs practically and aesthetically, so the color options are nearly endless! You can choose from many looks, materials, and colors, and we’ll find a way to make your dream elevator a reality.

What Maintenance Is Needed?

Much like a car, an elevator needs regular maintenance, and your pneumatic elevator is no different. You should schedule professional maintenance on your elevator at least once a year. Our professional elevator technicians are experts who will use their vast knowledge base to make sure your machine is running safely.

How Loud Is a Vacuum Elevator?

Most vacuum elevators are around 85 decibels, so they’re not particularly noisy: They’re about as loud as a vacuum cleaner. Pneumatic vacuum elevator noise is minimal and not disruptive to day-to-day life.

What Is the Smallest Residential Elevator?

Pneumatic elevators are among the smallest types of personal home elevators on the market. Their efficient designs help save space. For pneumatic elevators, home use is the most typical application because of their small size, but outdoor pneumatic elevators are also a possibility.

Are Pneumatic Elevators Safe?

Yes: If pneumatic elevators receive proper maintenance and are used as directed, they are absolutely safe. Our elevator maintenance service can help ensure that your elevator is in good condition and up to code.

We’re Here to Help

Nationwide Lifts is a leader in the elevator industry with a wide range of innovative products that solve specific needs. To learn more about our models, request our free catalog, which includes all of the specifications and details you might need. Once you narrow down your choices and decide on a tube elevator, a cost estimate is just a call or click away: Contact us by phone or fill out our online request form to get a free quote on a pneumatic elevator. Cost will no longer be a concern once you learn about our reasonable prices!

And not only are our products easy to afford, but they’re easy to purchase, too: We’ll help you through the entire process of selecting the best solution for your space, whether you need information on installation of a dumbwaiter or a pneumatic elevator, price quotes for a wheelchair lift or to have your unit serviced, or advice on which type of elevator would fit well in your home. After you have the elevator installed in your home or business, we are also able to assist with ongoing maintenance to keep your unit running safely and efficiently. Call us today for answers to all of your questions!