How many years is a garage door opener good for?

Author: Jermaine Okuneva  |  Last update: Saturday, December 6, 2025

Similar to the garage door itself, the garage door opener plays a crucial role in the entire system. On average, it has a lifespan of approximately 10 to 15 years; however, like other components of your garage door system, its longevity is influenced by factors such as usage frequency and maintenance.

What is the life expectancy of a garage door opener?

Normal lifespan

Most garage doors openers have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, but this isn't a hard and fast rule. In fact, many factors can influence how long your opener will last. Among other things, the age and state of the other parts of the door will play a role.

How often should you replace a garage door opener?

On average, a garage door opener should last about 10 – 15 years. Some last longer and some last a shorter amount of time, but keeping up with maintenance can help increase the lifespan. If moving parts aren't lubricated, the door isn't balanced correctly, etc., the opener tends to wear out more quickly.

How do I know if my garage door opener needs to be replaced?

Signs Your Garage Door Opener Is Failing
  1. Unusual Sounds. If your garage door is too loud or produces unusual sounds, there's a mechanical issue. ...
  2. Difficulty With Opening. A garage door weighs over 200 pounds. ...
  3. Unreliable Function. ...
  4. Outdated Technology. ...
  5. No More Remotes. ...
  6. Reinforced Security. ...
  7. Additional Safety. ...
  8. Noise Reduction.

Is my garage door opener too old?

A new opener system will be more efficient and offer new technology for an even longer lifespan. If your door is more than 10-15 years old, it can't hurt to consider an upgrade. There are some exceptions: If you use the system excessively, it will probably have a lifespan closer to 7-10 years.

Picking the Best Garage Door Opener and What to Look For!

How much does it cost to replace an old garage door opener?

Expect a range between $218 and $539 with the main influencing factors being the type of door, door features and accessories, and labor fees. While the opener itself can be anywhere from $200 to $900 or more, labor quickly catches up—two to six hours are often required at a rate between $60 and $80 per hour.

What wears out a garage door opener?

Worn-out components and poor lubrication of the hinges, rollers and track could make an opener ineffective.

Is it better to fix the garage door opener or replace it?

If the garage door opener is relatively new, it may be worth repairing it, as it may have many more years of useful life left. If the unit is very old and has required frequent repairs, it may be more cost-effective to replace it with a newer, more reliable model.

How long does it take a professional to replace a garage door opener?

It takes 4 to 6 hours to install a garage door opener.

Can a garage door opener just stop working?

If you have problems operating the door from both the remote device and the wall-mounted panel, the issue may be with the receiver board. Damaged electrical wiring. The wiring connecting the safety sensor and wall panel to the garage door opener's motor can come disconnected or sustain damage.

What type of garage door opener lasts the longest?

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.

How often do you need to lubricate a garage door opener?

Lubricating the chain is something that you should do at least twice a year. If you notice your garage door opener is sluggish or the door doesn't open and close smoothly, it is often a sign that the chain needs to be lubricated. All garage doors should be inspected and serviced twice a year by a professional.

When to get a new garage door opener?

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.

How can you tell if your garage door opener motor is bad?

If your garage door frequently gets stuck in the open position or stalls when opening or closing, the garage door opener motor is likely faulty or worn out. A malfunctioning garage opener motor can lead to frustrating and potentially unsafe situations. The door works intermittently.

How many years does a liftmaster garage door opener last?

The Lifespan of Garage Door Openers

So, the question was this: How long do garage door openers last? 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.

Can a garage door opener last 30 years?

However, no matter how effectively you take care of a garage door opener, you will eventually need to replace it. The lifespan of most garage door openers is about 10 to 15 years.

Can one person replace a garage door opener?

Yes, it's possible to install a garage door opener yourself, particularly if you're handy and comfortable with DIY tasks.

Do garage door openers get weaker over time?

Automatic garage door openers typically last on residential overhead garage doors for 10 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. Several factors can influence the lifespan, including: Frequency of Use: More frequent use puts more wear and tear on the opener's motor and components.

Do you need to replace the rail with 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.

How long do Genie garage door openers last?

However, most garage door openers can be expected to last about 10-15 years, and potentially much longer. All Genie garage door openers come with a limited manufacturer's warranty, so you're protected after your purchase. If you need a Genie door repair and it is covered under a warranty, we'll let you know.

How do I know if my garage door opener is dying?

If you notice the opener is making more noise than usual, including creaking, squeaking or clanking, it's time to talk to a professional. Sluggish movement: Many different garage door components can be the culprit of slow movement.

Why do people leave their garage doors open a few inches?

That's to prevent fires. So leaving your door up a few inches helps keep the garage a bit ventilated.

Is it bad to leave garage door opener in car?

Potential damage.

Garage door remotes are typically very small, delicate pieces of machinery that can be broken or damaged easily. Storing your remote in your car increases the likelihood of it being crushed by other objects or accidentally stepped on when entering or exiting the car.

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