> Short answer: The energy consumption of a lift is around 1,500–5,000 kWh per year, which in 2026 will represent between €300 and €1,000 in energy bills for the building's residents. What almost no one knows: in buildings with low usage, standby consumption can account for 70–80% of the total. Modernizing the lift to a gearless machine, installing LED lighting, and adding energy recovery can reduce this cost to as little as 50%.
How much does the lift contribute to your building's electricity bill? More than you might think. A lift's energy consumption is equivalent to that of an entire home, and in a building with five or more floors, it can represent between 10% and 15% of the total electricity costs. With electricity prices as they are in 2026, it's an expense worth taking a closer look at.
The good news is that most of that energy consumption is avoidable. Here we explain, in no-nonsense, how much a lift really uses, why standby time eats up almost the entire bill, and which technologies measurably lower your bill. If your equipment is more than fifteen years old, there's plenty of room for improvement. We are Eleva Balear, you Lift repair service in Mallorca, and this is the calculation we do with each community before proposing anything.
How much does a lift consume per year in kWh and in euros?
A conventional lift consumes between 1,500 and 5,000 kWh per year, a wide range because it depends on usage, age, and technology. At the average electricity price in 2026, that translates to approximately €300 to €1,000 per year paid by the building's residents. An electric lift uses 1.5–2.5 kWh per trip, while a hydraulic lift uses considerably more.
That number is less alarming when you divide it among neighbors, but it's misleading. The raw figure doesn't tell you where the energy goes, and that's the key: a large part isn't wasted going up and down, but rather when the lift is stopped. The truth is that two identical buildings can have very different bills depending on how the lift machine and cabin lighting are configured.
An old hydraulic heater, typical of many buildings in Palma from the 80s and 90s, is one of the most expensive to keep running. A modern gearless electric heater, on the other hand, starts smoothly, without spikes, and makes better use of every kilowatt.
Why is standby power consumption 70-80% of a lift's energy expenditure?
Because a lift spends most of the day stationary, but not switched off. The cabin lights, control panel, display, emergency communication system, and electronics continue to consume energy even when no one is using it. In buildings with low traffic, this standby consumption can account for 70–80% of the lift's total energy expenditure.
Think of it this way: in a small community like Inca or Sóller, the lift might make forty trips a day. The rest of the time, it sits idle. All that energy on standby is money evaporating without serving anyone.
What few people know is that there's a huge and inexpensive way to save money here. You don't need to replace the entire lift: simply adjust the lighting and the standby mode. According to the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE), improving standby time is one of the measures with the best return on investment in low-usage installations. The very Ministry of Industry and Tourism it points to the efficiency of the equipment as one of the key factors when renovating old facilities.
How is the energy efficiency of a lift classified? (ISO 25745 and VDI 4707)
The energy efficiency of a lift is measured using the international standard. ISO 25745, which assigns a class from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), just like a household appliance. The German reference VDI 4707 It works similarly and was a pioneer in the sector. Both separately assess power consumption while driving and power consumption while on standby.
These regulations changed the conversation. Before, the focus was solely on total kWh; now, a distinction is made between the energy consumed while moving (running) and the energy consumed while stationary (standby), because these are two different scenarios. A lift can be Class A while moving and Class D while stationary, or vice versa. Similarly, the Technical Building Code it pushes towards more efficient buildings, and the lift is just one more piece of that common consumption.
When in Eleva Balear we assess older equipment, measuring both aspects. An office building with heavy use is not the same as a residential building where standby power is the norm. The energy rating guides which technology should be prioritized in each case.
What technologies reduce the energy consumption of a lift?
The four features that deliver the best results are the gearless machine, LED lighting with automatic shut-off, energy recovery systems, and a well-configured standby mode. Combined, these allow for a reduction in a lift's energy consumption of up to 50% compared to an older unit, according to efficiency data collected in the IDAE energy saving guides.
These are the interventions ordered by cost-savings ratio:
- LED lighting with automatic shut-off: LED lights use up to 80% less than fluorescent lights and, if they are switched off when the cabin is empty, the savings in standby mode are immediate.
- Configure standby mode: Putting the control panel and electronics into deep rest when the lift is not in use directly impacts the 70–80% cost.
- Frequency converter: It regulates engine speed and eliminates starting spikes, smoothing acceleration and braking.
- Gearless machine (without reducer): The permanent magnet synchronous motor has less friction, does not need oil, and can double the efficiency of a geared motor.
- Energy recovery systems: When the cabin descends loaded or the engine brakes, electricity is generated and fed back into the building's grid instead of being dissipated as heat.
Table: Energy saving technology and indicative energy class
| Technology | Approximate savings | Effect on energy class |
|---|---|---|
| LED lighting + automatic shut-off | up to 80% in lighting | Improved standby class |
| Optimized standby mode | 20–40% of total consumption | Increase the rest class (A–B) |
| Frequency converter | 15–30% in progress | Performance class improvement |
| Gearless machine (without reducer) | up to 40% front motor with gearbox | Increase the walking class (A) |
| Energy recovery (regeneration) | 20–35% of the consumption while running | Overall improvement A–B |
| Complete package (modernization) | up to 50% of total consumption | Jump of several classes |
How to lower your lift bill by modernizing old equipment?
Modernizing in stages or all at once, depending on the community's budget. A lift that's over fifteen or twenty years old is usually energy-efficient and has a very high standby power consumption. Replacing the machine with a gearless one, changing the lighting to LEDs, and adding energy recovery transforms an expensive piece of equipment into an efficient one, cutting the bill by almost half.
It's important to distinguish between two concepts that people often confuse. Maintenance—checking that the lift is operating safely—is one thing, and the other is lift modernization, which updates components to improve efficiency and safety. Energy savings come with the second version.
However, it's important to do the math carefully. Before deciding, many communities compare their energy expenditure with that of upgrade to a modern electric lift and they review the characteristics of electric lifts to understand what they are buying. It also helps to know how much it costs lift maintenance contract, because efficient and well-maintained equipment leads to fewer surprises and less unexpected expense.
In Mallorca, with its many buildings featuring narrow entrances and small openings, every project is different. That's why we measure before recommending: no one-size-fits-all solutions that won't fit your actual space.
When is it NOT worth investing solely for energy savings?
Energy savings are a powerful argument, but they aren't always the only or the main one. There are situations where it's worth looking beyond the electricity bill before signing up for an upgrade.
- Lift less than ten years old and class A/B: It is already efficient; the savings margin does not compensate for the short-term investment.
- Building with very intensive use (hotel, offices): Here, consumption while running is key, not standby, so the approach changes.
- When the priority is safety or regulations: If the lift does not comply with ITC AEM 1, that is resolved first; the savings come later.
- Communities without a funding agreement: Without a quorum or an approved budget, any return calculation is worthless.
Frequently asked questions about the energy consumption of a lift
How much does a lift consume per month in a residential building?
A building lift consumes between 125 and 415 kWh per month, which in 2026 will cost between €25 and €85 per month depending on usage, age, and technology. In buildings with low traffic, most of this consumption occurs while the lift is out of service. Reducing standby power consumption is the quickest way to lower the building's electricity bill.
How much can be saved on the energy consumption of a lift after modernizing it?
Modernizing an older lift with a gearless machine, LED lighting, and energy recovery can save up to 501% of the lift's energy consumption. The older the lift, the greater the savings: a hydraulic lift from the 1990s has a significant margin of improvement. The return on investment is typically achieved within a few years thanks to reduced electricity and maintenance costs.
What is the difference between the power consumption of a lift while it is running and the power consumption while it is on standby?
Operating energy consumption is the energy the lift uses while moving; standby energy consumption is the energy it uses while stationary, with lights, control panel, and electronics on. ISO 25745 and VDI 4707 standards measure these separately. In buildings with low usage, standby energy consumption is dominant, reaching 70–80% of the total, which is why optimizing it is the most cost-effective measure.
Does a gearless lift consume less energy than one with a gearbox?
Yes. The gearless lift uses a permanent magnet synchronous motor with significantly less friction, requires no oil, and can be up to twice as efficient as a geared motor. In terms of energy consumption, a gearless lift reduces energy use by up to 401 TP3T compared to older technology, and is also quieter and requires less maintenance throughout its lifespan.
Is the ISO 25745 energy rating mandatory for lifts?
ISO 25745 is not a legal requirement like periodic inspections, but it is the recognized technical standard for measuring and comparing the energy efficiency of lifts. Many manufacturers already label their equipment with a class from A to G. Requesting this standard when considering an upgrade allows you to compare technologies based on objective data, not just marketing promises.
We put numbers on your lift before proposing anything
If your community in Mallorca wants to lower its electricity bill, let's start by measuring. We analyze your lift's energy consumption—both while in operation and on standby—calculate the actual savings from each improvement, and present you with a clear plan, without fixed packages. With over 100 lifts installed and a 99.1% customer satisfaction rating, at Eleva Balear we tell you the truth: sometimes LED lighting and standby mode are enough, and sometimes it's best to modernize the machine.
Call us at +34 971 17 81 51 or write to us at quierosercliente@elevabalear.com and we'll calculate your savings for you, no strings attached. Experience the peace of mind of being in good hands.
