It’s going to be a difficult winter for many as already high energy prices are set to go through the roof.
With the prospect of spiralling prices, many people will be looking at how they can cut energy use to keep their bills as low as possible. And they will want to know the running costs of each individual appliance and piece of equipment.
The good news for stairlift users is that the average annual consumption costs of their equipment is actually very low.
What is the annual running cost?
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 does it 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.
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.
Help with buying a stairlift.
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 instalments. 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.