Perhaps the most obvious sign of all that it is time to get a new garage door opener is when your garage door fails to open or close your door. Make sure there isn't anything blocking the track or causing your door to stick. Replace the batteries in your remote as well.
Many have an LED display indicating the battery charge, and some make a sound when the battery is running low. (The remote may also start beeping or flashing a light when the battery is getting low.) You can check if the back-up battery is working by unplugging the opener and checking whether the remote opens the door.
The signs start when your garage door opener begins operating erratically. It'll get slow and protest with creaks and groans. The noise gets louder as it gets older. Understanding these warning signs will pay off.
The average lifespan of a garage door opener is 10 to 15 years, and like your garage door, many factors contribute to its durability. You can keep your garage door opener functioning for a long time with proper care and attention, just like you should give to your garage door.
If a garage door won't open, often a wireless remote control or mounted keypad has stopped operating the opener. If the door opens with the hardwired wall switch, it's likely that the battery needs replacing in the remote control or keypad.
Some of the problems with the opener may include the following: Burnt out motor. Since a lot of these machines require a motor to run, they can burn out over time. If the portal is used often and people are always coming and going and using the opener, it may burn out faster than if it's used every once in a while.
Regardless of any issues you're having with your garage door opener, you should replace it if it's at least a decade old.
Batteries in your remote control should be replaced every 3 to 5 years. Old batteries will definitely decrease the strength of your signal and can corrode the metal circuits inside your remote control. Even if you have recently purchased a new remote or replaced batteries you should still trying testing them.
With these considerations, most doors will last 15 to 30 years. Garage door openers should reliably perform for 10 to 15 years. Another component that affects the longevity of a garage door is the torsion and extension springs — largely responsible for the smooth opening and closing of your garage door.
After replacing the batteries, you may need to reprogram your remote with your garage door opener. With newer LiftMaster garage door models, you can do this with the “learn” button. To find the exact process and specifics, consult your manual for instructions and further information.
Common signs of a dead battery
The door gets stuck – If the door fails to open or close after you press the button on the remote, take note. If other opening mechanisms work, this could indicate that the remote's batteries are dead.
Dedicating time to checking all these buttons to ensure they're working properly is a great place to start. You can also replace the batteries in your remote transmitter, as worn-out batteries have been known to send random signals, opening and closing your garage door without warning.
REASONS YOUR GARAGE DOOR OPENER MIGHT NEED REPLACING
There are several reasons you could find yourself needing overhead garage door opener replacement. Opener remotes typically last 10 to 15 years, so you should replace yours if it's getting old or worn out.
Make sure the opener is plugged in and the garage circuit breaker is in the correct place. Make sure your door has not been manually locked by mistake. Replace the batteries of the keypad or remote control. Confirm that you're within the recommended range and position when using garage door remotes.
If you replace the batteries and your garage door won't respond to the remote signal, the remote and door sensor signal might be interrupted by an obstruction. Other causes of a disrupted signal might be clicking the remote while out of range or having a broken antenna.
A chain drive garage door opener uses a chain to move the door open and closed. It's suitable for most garage doors. Chain drive has been around for many years and will last a long time with routine maintenance.
If your garage is in direct sunlight, consider keeping the door closed as much as possible. On the other hand, if it is in the shade – let the fresh air in and the heat out! If you are opening the garage door, make sure you are home and not leaving it unattended.
A garage door opener installation costs between $220 and $550 for professional installation. The opener will typically run between $150 and $500 with another $65 to $85 an hour for labor, which can run between two to six hours.
Can I reuse the old rails and parts when installing a new garage door opener? Although your new garage door opener may appear similar in design to your old opener, our recommendation is that you replace the entire opener. This includes mounting hardware, rails, wired door controls and wireless remote devices.
The Lifespan of Garage Door Openers
We see LiftMasters last between 15 – 20 years. However, that's in excellent conditions. Anything less than excellent conditions can reduce the lifespan to 8 – 12 years. However, beyond just brand, you also have to consider which type of opener will give you the best life expectancy.
Your garage door system is a machine. Like any other machine, it has moving parts. Temperature changes are notorious for the impact they have on interconnected components. Cold weather, especially, can have a significant effect on your garage door opener.
Make sure none of the remote buttons are jammed or stuck. The remote control battery terminals may be dirty. Remove the batteries and clean the remote control terminals with a small solution of alcohol, using a cotton bud or soft cloth, then place the batteries back into the remote control.
This problem is more than likely due to a problem with a torsion spring. For most doors, torsion springs can be replaced at an affordable cost. Otherwise, you could be looking at a problem with the motor and/or garage door. As garage doors age, they require maintenance to keep them evenly balanced.