There’s nothing worse than being in a hurry to head out the door and realizing your garage door opener is broken. Not only is it frustrating, but it can also be quite costly to fix.
So, how long should your garage door opener last? And more importantly, what can you do to make sure it lasts as long as possible?
Keep reading for answers to these questions and more!
How Long Should a Garage Door Opener Last?
A garage door opener should last 10 to 15 years, depending on how often it is used and how well it is maintained. If you use your garage door opener daily, you may need to replace it sooner than if you only use it occasionally.
Proper maintenance can extend the life of your garage door opener, so be sure to regularly lubricate the moving parts and clean any dust or debris from the unit.
If your garage door opener starts making strange noises or stops working altogether, it’s time to replace it.
7 Tips To Make Your Old Garage Door Opener Last Longer
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your garage door opener running smoothly and lasting longer. Here are some tips:
- Keep the chain and drive sprocket lubricated. A little WD-40 or bike chain lube goes a long way here.
- Make sure the photoelectric eyes are clean and free of obstruction.
- Ensure that the bottom of the garage door is clear of any obstructions, such as leaves, snow, or ice.
- If the opener seems to be working harder than usual, check for broken springs or cables.
- Check the tracks for any dents or debris and clear them out if necessary.
- If your opener has a circuit board, make sure it is free of dust and dirt.
- Have Your Garage Door Opener Serviced Regularly. It’s a good idea to have your garage door opener serviced by a professional at least once a year.
If you adhere to these simple tips, your garage door opener should last for many years!
Common Garage Door Opener Problems and How to Fix Them
Even with regular maintenance, garage door openers can still experience some common problems. Here are a few and how to fix them:
The door reverses when trying to close
Check the photo eyes to make sure they are clean and aligned properly. If they are, then the problem may be with the garage door itself and you will need to call a professional.
The door opens on its own
This is usually caused by a faulty circuit board. Try cleaning it first to see if that solves the problem. If not, you will need to replace the circuit board.
The door opener remote doesn’t work
Check the batteries first. If they are good, then the problem may be with the antenna. Try moving it around to see if that helps. If not, you will need to replace the remote.
While garage door openers are built to last, they can still experience some problems from time to time. However, with proper maintenance and some troubleshooting, you can usually fix the problem yourself.
When Should I Replace My Garage Door Opener? (7 Reasons)
If your garage door opener is more than 10 years old, it may be time to replace it. Here are some other signs that it’s time for a new one:
- Your garage door opener is making strange noises and you can’t identify the source
- The door keeps automatically reversing even after cleaning the photoelectric eyes and removing blockages
- You’ve recently had a power surge and the opener died and won’t work even after replacing fuses and flipping the breakers
- The error light on your garage door opener is blinking and nothing you’ve tried from the manual will make it stop
- You want to upgrade to a newer model with more features
- You’ve installed a heavier and more secure door for burglary protection and need a new garage door opener with a different horsepower rating
- You’ve replaced or repaired the circuit board and the door still keeps opening randomly.
If you find yourself experiencing any of these problems, it may be time to replace your garage door opener. A new garage door opener will not only be more reliable, but it will also have the latest safety features.
How Much Does a New Garage Door Opener Cost?
The cost of a new garage door opener will vary depending on the model, features, and installation. However, you can expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $500 for a new garage door opener.
You can get a deal by asking for discounts (e.g. seniors, military personnel, or AAA members), checking for rebates, or simply just comparing deals both online and offline.
How Much Does It Cost to Have Someone Setup Your New Garage Door Opener?
If you don’t feel comfortable installing your new garage door opener, you can always hire a professional. The cost of installation will depend on the company you choose and the complexity of the job. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $600 for professional installation.
Home Depot’s starting price to install is $127 and Lowe’s currently is about $199 but you’ll have to call both to get exact quotes.
Where Can I Buy Garage Door Openers?
You can buy garage door openers at most home improvement stores, such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Menards. You can also find them online on websites like Amazon and eBay.
When shopping for a new garage door opener, be sure to compare prices and features to find the best one for your needs.
Conclusion
A garage door opener should last you for many years as long as you maintain it properly. However, there may come a time when you need to replace it. If your opener is more than 10 years old or if you’re experiencing any of the problems listed above, it’s time to get a new one.