Vacuum Elevators are the only elevators in the world powered by the most abundant resource in the world, AIR! Resting on the existing ground floor, these plug and play elevators combine a beautiful external cylinder shaft with a fully welded and self-contained cabin on the interior that offers a 360° degree experience while traveling up and down. By manipulating air pressure, the principle of operation is based on the ascending push generated by the difference between the atmospheric pressure on top of and under the sealed car. The depression (vacuum) required to lift the car is achieved by turbines operating as exhaust fans which are located at the top of the elevator, or can also be remotely located. The descent is achieved by gravity, slowly allowing air back into the system at a controlled pace so the cabin can smoothly get to the lower level(s). Since 2002, Vacuum Elevators have developed a reputation for being a safe, reliable, aesthetically pleasing elevator to accommodate accessibility and architectural needs worldwide.

All elevators generate sound while the machinery is operational and PVE has machinery options that are as quiet, if not quieter than alternative products on the market. With the machinery only activated when the elevator is in use, Vacuum Elevators have a number of machinery options available for homeowners to choose from in order to fit their audio comforts and needs. View our machinery video online to learn more and to hear each machinery upgrade option available.

Fully certified home elevators are extremely safe for homeowners. PVE’s easy-to-install, self-supporting home elevators are fully certified by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in all 50 states and 90+ countries globally under the European Machinery Directive, with 18+ years of experience in the market. In the event of a power failure while in operation, gravity will slowly bring the cabin down to the ground level, at which point the passenger is able to get out. All of the PVE home elevator models are fully equipped with mechanical car locking devices on each floor and have a full set of Type A Safety Brakes, meeting the most stringent requirements in the industry. In addition, per elevator code, these fully certified home elevators come equipped with an in-cabin phone to ensure the passenger can communicate in the event of an emergency. Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators, LLC has a very unique approach in the industry in that every elevator undergoes full operational testing at the factory before shipping, ensuring the highest quality standards are met.

Custom built to the height of the home, Vacuum Elevators can travel up to 5 stops or 50 feet (15 m) in total rise.

While Pneumatic Elevators are panoramic, they are manufactured using Polycarbonate Panels and are not manufactured using glass. Polycarbonate panels are much lighter and stronger than glass panels, with an impact resistance approximately 200 times stronger than glass. Each one of the panels on the elevator can be replaced in the event that a panel is damaged, scratched, etc.

PVE’s self-supporting home elevators require the least the amount of space and construction needed to install a home elevator. The requirements vary depending on the Vacuum Elevator model chosen and the type of application. With three models to choose from, each Vacuum Elevator model has a different exterior diameter. With Vacuum Elevator installations, there are 2 types of applications: through-floor and balcony mounted applications. For Through-Floor Applications, where the elevator will be traveling through the floor, the through-floor hole needs to be 2” inches greater than the exterior diameter of the elevator. For balcony Mounted applications, there needs to be the clear space to accommodate the exterior diameter of the elevator, and often a landing needs to be constructed to ensure ease of entry on the top floor. Speak with a PVE Sales Representative to verify the space needed to accommodate your desired Vacuum Elevator.

With three Vacuum Elevator model to choose from, ranging from a single passenger to a three-passenger wheelchair accessible model, there is a Vacuum Elevator to meet all requirements. The Single passenger, PVE30 model has a total exterior diameter of 30” inches. The Two Passenger, PVE37 model has a total exterior diameter of 37” inches. The Three Passenger, PVE52 model has a total exterior diameter of 52” 11/16 inches

Given that every home elevator is custom built for each project, the total cost of the elevator can vary depending upon a number of factors. Those factors can include, but are not limited to: Elevator model chosen, Number of stops, Total-floor-to-floor height, Upgrades chosen, Shipping, Complexity of Installation and Taxes specific to your state. Given that each Vacuum Elevator is custom built to the home, a site-visit is often needed where a local Sales Representative will visit the residence to assist with finding an installation location and gathering all the information needed to provide a formal quotation.

Yes you can! Without the need for a shaft, pit or machine room, Vacuum Elevators simply rest on the existing ground floor, offering more flexibility with where they can be installed inside the home and have fewer pre-construction requirements than traditional elevators. With three sizes to choose from, these plug & play elevators are also space saving solutions for the home. Due to these innovative features, Vacuum Elevators can be installed almost anywhere inside the home as long as there is enough space to accommodate one of our three PVE models. With installations taking as little as 2 -3 days, homeowners can have a home elevator installed without all of the construction and cumbersome requirements often associated with traditional elevators. Due to its self-supporting design, Vacuum Elevators are also transportable allowing the elevator to be disassembled and reinstalled in another residence if requested.

When comparing home lift solutions, it is important for homeowners to differentiate between a lift and an elevator to see which is appropriate for their project. While both are very similar terms, certification bodies around the world differentiate “elevators” from “lifts” and thus have different requirements to be classified as either term. Fully certified “Elevators” have a single-push automatic operation, require a fully enclosed cabin for the passenger to be transported in, and a fully enclosed shaft for the cabin to travel through. With stricter safety requirements to meet code, an “elevator” manufacturer and installer must produce and deliver their product to meet these strict safety requirements worldwide which often results in a slightly higher cost. A “lift” is a constant pressure system that requires the passenger to constantly be hold a button for the elevator to operate. Not requiring an enclosed cabin or shaft, there are greater safety concerns with “lifts” as the passenger is more exposed inside the cabin while the lift is in motion. Not requiring a fully enclosed shaft, “lifts” also pose safety concerns for those outside of the elevator as a person could find themselves below or above the cabin while the elevator is in use. As a result, there are less safety requirements to be classified as a “lift” by certification bodies. Some “lifts” online falsely advertise their product as an “elevator” so it is important for homeowners to do their research to find which solution is right for their needs.

Vacuum Elevators are plug & play home elevator solutions that only require a 220 volt, single phase electrical service for operation. Not requiring any harmful oils, gases or lubricants, these eco-friendly elevators require 25 – 40 amp service depending on the model chosen. Using gravity for descent, electricity is only used to operate the elevator during ascent ensuring a nominal impact on your annual electrical bill. Estimated operating cost Based on an analysis of 15 trips per day (up and down) with an average electricity cost of 13 center per kwh, our PVE37 model produces an estimated yearly energy cost of $28.21 for a household with 217 kwh of estimated yearly electricity usage. Please Note: A homeowner’s electrical cost will depend on the utility rates and daily use of the elevator. In addition, Vacuum Elevators now offer a Solar Panel Package allowing the elevator to operate off solar energy. Operating 100% off the grid, integrating our Vacuum Elevators with solar panels ensures your eco-friendly elevator is still operational even if power goes out inside your home.

Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators global headquarters are based in Miami, Florida, USA. Utilizing materials and components of the highest quality available, PVE is proud to manufactured home elevators in the USA, meeting the strictest production and safety standards while offering fully certified and reliable home elevators for use worldwide.