Argon Elevator Consulting, LLC

07/31/2025

Building owners & managers
Still signing the boiler-plate elevator contract your service company slides across the table? You could be:

• Locked into perpetual auto-renew cycles
• On the hook for code violations and state fines
• Paying “extra” for work that should be standard maintenance

Discover how Argon’s performance-based VTPMA flips the risk back where it belongs—onto the contractor—while keeping you 100 % compliant with Colorado’s tightening elevator regulations.

Read the full breakdown ↘️
👉 https://argonconsulting.com/elevator-maintenance-contract-risks/

Typical elevator‐company contracts expose Colorado building owners to fines, downtime, and hidden costs. Learn how Argon’s performance-based Vertical Transportation Preventive Maintenance Agreement (VTPMA) eliminates those risks and keeps you compliant.

07/16/2025

Denver building owners & managers!
Is your elevator helping—or hurting—your Energize Denver score? Our latest blog post breaks down how an Elevator Energy Analysis + Mainline Power Analysis can slash site-EUI, unlock city & utility rebates, and keep you clear of 2026/2030 penalties. 🏆🔋

Read the full guide here 👉 https://argonconsulting.com/elevator-energy-analysis-denver/

Find out how elevator energy analysis Denver can help you meet Energize Denver targets and reduce electricity costs.

07/13/2025

🚨 Denver Building Owners: Is Your Elevator Costing You Energy Compliance Points?

The Energize Denver Building Performance Policy impacts more than HVAC and lighting—it affects your elevators too. 🚪⚡️

At Argon Elevator Consulting, we help property managers and owners modernize elevators, conduct energy audits, and align with Energize Denver compliance—potentially unlocking incentives and financing.

🔍 Learn how your elevators fit into the energy equation:
👉 Read the full blog post: https://argonconsulting.com/energize-denver-elevator-modernization/

Discover how Energize Denver impacts elevator modernization. Argon Elevator Consulting provides energy audits, compliance guidance, and financing support.

06/11/2025

🚨 Is your elevator invoice hiding “mystery” charges? 🚨
Property owners lose thousands every year to hidden fees and padded labor. Argon Consulting discovers elevator over billing, or fraudulent billing, in 61% our client's elevator service portfolios. Our new blog breaks down the red flags—and shows how to stop over-billing before it drains your budget.

👉 Read the full guide here: https://argonconsulting.com/fraudulent-elevator-billing-how-property-owners-can-detect-defeat-over-charges/

Introduction When an elevator invoice shows mysterious “adjustments,” overtime that never happened, or parts you never approved, you’re not alone. While outright criminal fraud is rare, systematic over-billing and hidden fees are common across the elevator industry. Owners can lose thousands e...

06/11/2025

💡 Wondering what an elevator modernization will really cost—and how to avoid budget surprises? Check out our quick guide for U.S. building owners, packed with real-world price ranges, ROI tips, and pitfalls to dodge. 🚀

👉 Read the full breakdown here: https://argonconsulting.com/elevator-cost-guide-for-u-s-building-owners/

How Much Does an Elevator Cost? 1 | Why Costs VaryElevator budgets range widely because every building—and every owner’s priorities—differs. Key variables include:• Building function – Office peaks, residential privacy, hospital stretcher service, guest-centric hotels, or freight-heavy mix...

06/09/2025

Elevator owners—here’s your secret weapon in court!
A detailed Elevator Maintenance Control Program (MCP) isn’t just a code requirement—it documents every inspection, test, and callback, proving you exercised due diligence if a passenger injury claim arises. Boost safety, satisfy ASME A17.1, and shield yourself from costly lawsuits.

👉 Get the full breakdown in our latest blog post and see how Argon Elevator Consulting can help you build an airtight MCP.

When an elevator incident leads to a passenger injury, documentation—not recollection—decides who prevails in court. A well-designed Elevator Maintenance Control Program (MCP) is more than a code mandate under ASME A17.1/CSA B44 § 8.6; it can become the foundation of a successful legal defense ...

06/09/2025

Elevator Modernization Cost & ROI: What Property Owners Can Expect

Is your elevator stuck in the past? An Elevator Modernization can cut energy use up to 40 %, slash maintenance calls, and boost tenant satisfaction—often paying for itself in 5-10 years. See typical Elevator Modernization Cost ranges and ROI tips on our blog, then talk to Argon Elevator Consulting about the smartest Elevator Upgrade for your building.

1. Why Modernize at All? Aging elevator systems aren’t just a nuisance—frequent shutdowns, slow ride times, and non-compliance with newer codes can all erode tenant satisfaction and property value. A well-planned Elevator Modernization sharpens safety, slashes downtime, trims energy bills, and k...

05/14/2025

Elevator tip for building owners: Your elevator’s variable-frequency drive can inject 5th, 7th, and other “harmonic” currents into the mains. Those unseen waves overheat cables, trip breakers, scramble LED lighting, and can put you out of IEEE 519 compliance—costing you in downtime and utility penalties.

What to do:
• Log mainline power for a week to see the real distortion.
• If THD is high, add a 5 % line reactor, a tuned filter, or—best of all—spec a low-harmonic (AFE) drive.
• Re-test, document, relax.

Smooth rides, cooler gear, lower bills. ✅

Need help measuring or fixing harmonics? Argon Elevator Consulting has the meters, the expertise, and the retrofit solutions.

Why You Should Analyze Elevator Mainline Power—and Act on Harmonics I have been consulting in the elevator industry since 2007. In the past 7 years, I decided to begin tracking the number of elevator issues I have worked on that were found to have “dirty power” as the root-cause of the issues....

05/07/2025

KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A17.1-2019 AND A17.1-2022?

As we move into a new A17.1 Elevator Code Version, I have been asked several times; What are the key differences between A17.1-2019 and A17.1-2022? How will these code changes impact on my project costs?
The Headline takeaways for Building Owners and Managers are:
1. A17.1-2019 was about communication & door safety; A17.1-2022 shifts to connectivity and hazard resilience.
2. Cybersecurity, RIO and ERRC are the three changes most likely to surprise projects that began design under A17.1-2019 language but are not permitted until the A17.1-2022 is adopted in your jurisdiction.
3. For your project, you must ensure that the performance specification, calls out future-proof data pathways (CAT6/SM fiber, cellular gateway) and controller firmware upgradability so the elevator can accept RIO and security patches without hardware swap-outs. Missing this one topic could result in tens of thousands of additional costs in the future.

Cautionary Guidance: If you have a New Installation or Major Alteration (Modernization) project that was planned, bid, or contracted under the A17.1-2019 baseline but not PERMITTED until the A17.1-2022 code goes into effect in your jurisdiction, you MUST have a thorough gap analysis conducted to mitigate against costly change orders and/or project completion delays.

04/25/2025

🚧 Planning an Elevator Modernization?
Here’s why you shouldn’t start with the contractor.

At Argon Elevator Consulting, we help building owners and facility managers avoid costly mistakes by starting modernization projects with objective analysis and a performance-based specification.

🔍 Why retain an independent consultant?

✅ We work only for you—no affiliations, no upselling.
✅ We define clear performance standards: ride quality, energy efficiency, code compliance.
✅ We ensure competitive, apples-to-apples bidding—not vague scopes that favor one vendor.
✅ We advocate for non-proprietary systems to protect your long-term service flexibility.
✅ We verify that the installed system actually performs as promised.

When contractors define the scope, decisions may be driven by convenience or inventory—not performance. That’s where we come in. From analysis to final inspection, we ensure your modernization delivers real value—not just new parts.

💡 Ready to modernize with confidence?
Let’s talk about how we can help you write a smarter spec.

04/18/2025

QEI vs. Elevator Consultant: Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities
When navigating elevator modernization, inspections, or maintenance issues, building owners often ask:
Should I hire a QEI or an elevator consultant?
The answer depends on the role you need filled—because while both are experts in elevator systems, their responsibilities, certifications, and allegiances are quite different.
What is a QEI?
A QEI (Qualified Elevator Inspector) is a certified professional authorized to perform formal safety inspections on elevators, escalators, and other vertical transportation systems.
They inspect equipment on behalf of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)—which could be your city, county, or state’s code enforcement office.
A QEI’s Responsibilities Include:
• Performing periodic and acceptance inspections
• Ensuring compliance with safety codes such as ASME A17.1 / CSA B44
• Filing official reports with the AHJ
• Identifying and documenting code violations or unsafe conditions
Importantly, a QEI must remain neutral, independent, and free of conflicts of interest.
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What is an Elevator Consultant?
An elevator consultant, on the other hand, works for the building owner.
They act as an advisor, project manager, and technical expert throughout the life of the elevator system—whether it's planning a modernization, evaluating maintenance contracts, or representing the owner in discussions with vendors and inspectors.
An Elevator Consultant’s Services May Include:
• Modernization planning and vendor selection
• Maintenance audits and service contract review
• Design assistance for new installations
• Safety audits and compliance preparation
• Managing third-party inspections (including QEI coordination)
• Owner representation during code discussions or disputes
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Why a QEI Cannot Represent the Building Owner
While both QEIs and consultants are experts in vertical transportation systems, their loyalties and legal responsibilities are entirely different.
A QEI’s duty is to public safety and code enforcement.
They report to the AHJ, not the building owner. If a QEI were to act on the owner’s behalf, it would create a conflict of interest and potentially violate the ethical standards of their certification.
Many jurisdictions explicitly forbid a QEI from inspecting equipment if they have any vested interest in the owner’s operations or outcomes.
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Final Thought
If you're a building owner, think of the QEI as the referee and the elevator consultant as your coach.
One enforces the rules. The other helps you win the game—safely, efficiently, and strategically.
Want help navigating inspections or planning your next elevator project?
At Argon Elevator Consulting, we specialize in representing owners and have no industry conflicts of interest preventing us from representing YOU in an unbiased manner delivering code-compliant, high-performance solutions tailored to your facility’s needs and mitigating your risk associated with operating vertical transportation equipment.

04/16/2025

From Freight to Flexible: How Argon Elevator Consulting Helps You Upgrade for Passenger Use

Freight elevators are workhorses—built tough for industrial loads, not human riders. But what if your building’s layout or operational needs have changed, and you now need that same elevator to carry people safely and legally? That’s where Argon Elevator Consulting comes in.

At Argon, we specialize in navigating complex elevator projects, including writing detailed specifications for converting freight elevators to dual- or passenger-use systems. This isn’t a cosmetic upgrade—it’s a safety-driven, code-heavy transformation. Our team ensures your project is efficient, compliant, and aligned with long-term operational goals.
What We Do:

1. Assess the Existing System We begin with a thorough site evaluation. Is the current hoistway large enough? Are door systems and controls adequate? Our engineers examine structural elements, electrical systems, and safety features to understand the scope of necessary upgrades.

2. Align with Code and Safety Requirements We translate the latest ASME A17.1/CSA B44 codes and ADA accessibility requirements into actionable plans. From emergency communication systems to fire service modes and door interlocks, we identify exactly what needs to change—and what can stay.

3. Develop a Clear, Competitive Specification This is where we shine. We write detailed technical specifications that:

Spell out the compliance upgrades

Include acceptable equipment and materials

Outline contractor qualifications

Provide lifecycle and maintenance considerations

With our spec in hand, you’re ready to go to bid with confidence.

4. Support the Bidding & Review Process We can assist with contractor interviews, technical bid reviews, and equipment selection—helping you choose a vendor who won’t cut corners.

5. Oversee the Modernization We don’t disappear after the paperwork. Argon provides construction oversight, milestone inspections, and final acceptance testing support to make sure the project delivers as promised.

Why Choose Argon?

Because elevator upgrades aren’t just about mechanics—they’re about trust, precision, and protecting lives. Whether you're adapting to new building use or future-proofing an older asset, Argon Elevator Consulting ensures your freight-to-passenger conversion is smooth, safe, and fully code-compliant.

Have a freight elevator that needs to do more? Let’s talk. We’ll help you make the upgrade with confidence.