What is the Lifespan of My Garage Door Opener? – An FAQ
“How long do garage door openers last?” – This is a frequently asked question by home and business owners. Like other mechanical items, makers do not design garage door openers to last forever. Generally, the lifespan of a garage door opener is 10 to 15 years, depending on the usage and regularity of maintenance.
The most reasonable thing you can do to lengthen the lifespan of your garage door opener is sustaining professional maintenance, such as:
- Visual inspection of the springs, rollers, track, pulleys, and cables
- Lubrication of moving parts to ensure your garage door opener works properly
- Making sure that the garage door is adequately balanced
- Performing a reversal test
- Garage interior maintenance – must be cool, dry, and free of objects that may impair the door opener
Reasons to Consider When Deciding to Replace Your Garage Door Opener
1. Age of your garage door opener
Age is the main factor that owners change their door opener systems, even though they are still operating fine. Indeed, taking note of when the opener system was installed is a must. The actual age of the door opener is an excellent basis for deciding whether you need to replace it.
Many owners prefer newer models with improved safety, security, and convenience features. Consult a certified overhead door specialist if you are uncertain of your door opener’s age or wear.
2. Safety reversing feature
Modern types of garage door openers have a safety reversing feature. This mechanism has two sensors on both sides of the overhead door, about six inches above the ground. When any objects obstruct the sensors while the garage door is closing, the door instantly halts and reverses direction.
If your door opener system does not have a safety reversing mechanism, it is best to replace it as a precautionary measure.
3. You want a more peaceful and quiet door opener operation
The first style of garage door opener usually opens and closes with a chain drive. Every time it moves up and down, it creates unwanted noises. Consider replacing it with a belt-drive or screw-drive opener.
Although the latest version of the chain drive unit is quieter than the old model, screw drives are much softer, and belt drives are the most noiseless.
4. More improved security feature
Burglars know that older garage door openers are more unprotected because their remote controls perform with a specified code. These people are clever enough to use a particular gadget to break the code, letting them open the garage door.
The latest models of door openers consist of a ‘rolling code’ mechanism that alters the code every time the owner uses the unit. It means robbers cannot get and copy the code to break into your garage.
5. Door openers with battery backup system
It is very inconvenient to see your overhead door suddenly stops working due to a power outage because your door opener does not have a battery backup.
New versions of door openers already have battery backup features that will start operating automatically when your area unexpectedly loses electricity.
6. Homelink feature
If your car has the Homelink feature and a newer garage door opener, you can link the two together. From there, you can program and manipulate your garage door using the car’s controls without needing a remote control device.
7. Door openers with wireless or smart-home characteristics
The newer door openers provide WiFi and mobile-phone connectivity through a designated app that lets you monitor and control your garage door’s movement from a distant place. This feature also notifies you when your overhead door is open, no matter where you are.
Signs of a Faulty Garage Door Opener
Owners should pay attention to the following signs of a faulty door opener:
- You notice a lagging or disengaged opener.
- When your garage door operates, you can hear strange noises from the door opener.
- The unit shows an unstable opening or a change in movements.
- Your door opener strongly vibrates.
Consult with Inland Overhead Door Company for Door Services
Even if you are proactive in doing door opener routine maintenance, there will still be a time that you need to replace it. If your existing overhead door opener system needs a tune-up or total upgrade, do not hesitate to consult a certified garage door company.
Our garage door specialists are consistently reachable to assist you in identifying the appropriate choice that works with your door unit. You can count on us 24/7. Contact us today!