If your garage door opener is more than ten years old, it’s probably time to start thinking about a new one. That’s the average lifespan of these devices, according to experts.
If you’re not sure whether or not it’s time for a replacement, here are some signs that you need a new garage door opener.
How Do You Know When You Need a New Garage Door Opener?
When garage door openers are about to give out they offer some telltale signs. If you notice any of the following, it’s probably time for a new opener:
Door Opens Then Quickly Reverses
If your garage door opener starts to open the door and then quickly reverses, it could be a sign that the opener’s safety sensors are malfunctioning. These sensors are meant to detect when something is in the path of the door and stop the door from closing if there is something in the way.
If the safety sensors are not working properly, the door will close even if there is something in the way, which could cause serious injury or damage.
Unexpected reversing can also be caused by the opener’s force setting malfunctioning or not being set properly.
Door Stops Partway Up or Down
If your garage door opener starts to open or close the door, but then stops before it’s fully open or closed, this is another sign that the opener is going bad.
This can be caused by several things, including stripped gears, a broken chain, or a problem with the motor.
Door Opens Intermittently
If your garage door opener starts to act up, it may be time for a new one. One of the most common signs that your opener needs to be replaced is if it starts to open and close intermittently. This usually happens when the opener’s sensors are dirty or misaligned.
Garage Door No Longer Opens or Closes
If your garage door opener completely stops working, it’s time for a new one. This can be caused by several things, including a blown fuse, a tripped circuit breaker, or a problem with the motor.
Strange Noises Coming From The Opener
If you start to hear strange noises coming from your garage door opener, this is another sign that it’s time for a replacement. These noises can be anything from a grinding sound to a loud banging.
They are usually caused by stripped gears or a problem with the motor.
Slower than Usual Operation
Another indication that your garage door opener is on its last legs is if it takes longer than usual to open or close the door. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a motor or chain problem.
Excessive Vibrations
If your garage door opener starts to vibrate excessively, this is another sign that it needs to be replaced. This can be caused by several things, including a loose connection, worn-out parts, or a problem with the motor.
Opener Is Older than 15 Years
Even if your opener is still working, if it’s more than 15 years old, it’s probably time to start thinking about replacing it. This is because garage door openers have come a long way in the last 15 years, and the newer models are much more reliable, efficient, and with better security features.
Remote Light and Batteries Are Fine but Door Won’t Open or Close
If you’ve checked the batteries in your garage door opener remote and they’re fine but the door still won’t open or close, it could be a sign that the opener’s motor has burned out and needs to be replaced.
Got a New, Heavier Door
If you recently got a new, heavier garage door, your old opener may not be powerful enough to lift it. Most manufacturers have weight limits for their doors and openers, so be sure to check what the limit is for your specific model before buying a new door.
You Want Better Security Features
If you’re looking for a garage door opener with better security features, it’s probably time to replace your old one. Newer models come with features like rolling code technology that helps prevent someone from “hacking” into your opener and opening your door. They also have other safety features like auto-reverse and timer-to-close that can help prevent accidents.
Benefits of A New Garage Door Opener
There are several benefits to replacing your old garage door opener with a new one. Here are seven to consider:
- Newer models are much more reliable than older models.
- They offer a variety of safety features that can help prevent accidents.
- They’re usually more energy-efficient than older models.
- They often come with better security features to help prevent break-ins.
- They’re usually quieter than older models.
- They offer a variety of convenience features that can make your life easier.
- They often come with a warranty for added peace of mind.
Should You Install It Yourself or Hire a Professional?
If you’re handy and have some experience with home improvement projects, you may be able to install your new garage door opener yourself. However, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself or don’t have the time, it’s probably best to hire a professional.
Expect it to take a few hours to install a new garage door opener. It’s a relatively easy project, but there are a lot of steps involved.
Hiring a professional has a few advantages: they have the experience and knowledge to do the job quickly and correctly, they have the right tools, and they’ll be able to take care of any problems that come up along the way.
It costs about $200 to hire a professional to install a new garage door opener.
Conclusion
So, how do you know when you need a new garage door opener? If your opener is more than 15 years old, if it’s making strange noises, or if it’s starting to operate slower than usual, it’s probably time for a replacement.
Newer models are much more reliable, offer a variety of safety and security features, and can even make your life easier with convenience features.
If you’re not comfortable installing it yourself, expect to pay about $200 to hire a professional.