Signs It’s Time to Replace a Garage Door Opener

When your old garage door opener begins to fail, it’s only noble to send it off peacefully and prepare for a replacement. Your garage door secures your valuables while granting easy and convenient access to your home. The last thing you want on a busy day is to have trouble accessing your garage. 

We use garage doors year-in-year-out. Sometimes, we forget they require maintenance or replacement. The good news is that there are clear signs that your garage door opener needs to be replaced.

What Are the Types of Garage Door Openers? 

There’re several garage door openers with distinct operational differences. The most common are:

  • Screw drive garage door openers: This opener is easy to maintain and is fit for light doors. The trolley rides on a threaded metal rod, allowing the doors to open and close. 
  • Belt drive garage door openers: For this opener, the chain is replaced with a rubber belt to move the door. This feature makes it quiet to operate. They’re suitable for light doors, such as residential garages.
  • Jackshaft garage door openers: The jackshaft is a reliable and unique option for large doors. Operationally, they have motors that drive the pulleys and cables turning the torsion. This mechanism opens the door.
  • Chain-drive garage door openers: This type of opener is the most popular and works on many different garage doors. They have chains connecting the trolley to the motor. 
  • Torsion spring automatic garage door openers: This opener comes in many stylish models found in major brands. The opener has a torsion spring, making it faster and quieter to operate.

How Long Does a Garage Door Opener Last? 

Many factors contribute to the life span of a garage door opener. Usually, it depends on the spring resource. Many springs can withstand up to 10,000 cycles. The more durable openers could have up to 25,000 opening and closing cycles. You can expect to replace your garage door opener every 10 to 15 years. 

You can increase your garage door opener’s life span with proper maintenance. The logic is that well-planned and regular preventive maintenance could make your garage door opener healthier. Quality maintenance includes:

  • Checking the automatic shutdown
  • Lubricating the parts
  • Testing the springs
  • Clearing the weatherstripping
  • Cleaning the garage door

Besides good maintenance, you could expect quality garage door openers to last longer. Also, ensure you correctly install the openers and conduct regular inspections.

What Are the Signs Your Garage Door Opener Needs Replacement?

Many people ask if they need to replace their garage door opener. Your garage door opener will likely warn you when its end is near. Paying attention to these signs will allow you to prepare adequately for a replacement. In such an occurrence, it’s advisable to switch to manual control. Some common signs that your garage door opener needs replacement include: 

1. Unusual Noises

Garage doors are not completely silent — they generate a sound when used. However, as the years go by and the engine loses its power, the door becomes more challenging to open, and it starts producing unusual sounds. If your garage door opener springs or other parts are noisy, you should replace your door opener with a newer model. 

2. Garage Door Will Not Open and Close Effectively

The primary aim of the opener is to assist you in quickly opening and closing the garage door. The defect may indicate that the opener’s battery needs replacement or is not connected correctly. Nonetheless, when you properly connect the garage door opener and confirm it has enough power, yet it does not open, you should consider a replacement.

3. Moves Slowly

The garage door makes access to your garage convenient. Sometimes the garage door will open and close, but the speed slows down. An unusually slow movement indicates that the garage door opener may need replacement.

4. Constant and Unusual Vibration

The opener’s engine will lose power with time. One of the signs of losing power is that the opener begins to vibrate. In the beginning, you may not notice the vibration, but with time, it will become more intense. Be sure to replace the garage door opener, as this vibration can eventually cause it to detach. 

5. Unpredictability

Another sign that your garage door opener needs replacement is that it works intermittently. The door might respond slowly when you open and close it, or it may open halfway, then halt or open in reverse. Other times, the door does not respond altogether. Once the door becomes unpredictable, check the opener to ascertain if it’s faulty and consider an upgrade if necessary. 

Why Should You Replace Your Garage Door Opener? 

The garage door makes your life easy — at least, that’s one of its primary purposes. The opener’s life span depends on several factors such as its usage, maintenance and overall durability. There are several reasons why replacing your old or damaged door is essential. These include:

  • Time is up: Garage door openers have a production date and an average timeline. The installation date is vital, too. If you have used your garage door opener for more than 15 years, replace it before it fails. 
  • Safety features: Newer models of garage door openers offer beneficial safety features. These include photo-eyes, also called electric eye safety systems, and sensors to enhance security, such as pin codes and smartphone control. Replacing your garage door openers keeps your household safer.
  • Burglary: Generally, older garage door openers are easier to breach. Older openers have fewer safety precautions and breach mechanisms than technologically advanced models. For instance, the newer models may send you notifications when they need repairs. 
  • Noise: As the engine loses its power and efficiency, the opener may start producing unusual sounds. New garage door openers are devoid of creaks and clangs, offering a more peaceful experience. 

How Do You Replace a Garage Door Opener? 

Installing a garage door opener correctly facilitates efficient and safe usage for many years. It’s helpful to employ the services of professionals to install the opener. There are many reasons to contact a professional when your garage door opener shows signs of failure, including:

  • Safety: You and your family’s safety is a top priority. Installing a garage door opener might require tasks that are unsafe for someone who isn’t experienced. To prevent injuries, call a professional to inspect and replace your garage door opener.
  • Tools: Working with garages requires special equipment and tools most people don’t have on hand, which is why it’s often easier to rely on a professional.
  • Cost: With parts, tools and the time it takes to complete the job, your do-it-yourself garage door opener installation may cost the same or more as a professional job.

Replace Your Garage Door Opener Today!

Garage door openers often show signs that warn you before they fail. Usually, they vibrate or produce unusual noise, or become unpredictable and slow. The door opener may also fail to respond altogether. 

Olympic Garage Door offers high-quality garage doors and openers from Genie and Clopay. Contact us to take advantage of our affordable, personalized solutions.


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