You may think that your garage door opener has served you for a long time, and it could be time to replace it. Or you are afraid it may fail you any time, so you are looking for telltale signs. The garage door opener is replaceable, and you should not neglect it, especially if you use it more than once daily.

Most garage door openers typically last between 10 to 15 years. However, the specific lifespan depends on regular maintenance and frequency of use, and you may overlook it until you notice malfunctions. Sometimes, your garage door opener may require upgrading or replacing before it reaches the expected lifespan. 

Reasons you need to upgrade or replace your garage door opener

• If it is too noisy: Too much noise signifies a problem with its motor. If the door opener is noisy naturally, consider replacing the chain drive with a belt drive opener for quieter functioning.
• Its durability: The door opener has a motor responsible for opening and closing your garage door. The motor does not last forever and has different expiry dates for various manufacturers. However, most door openers come with a 3 to 5 years warranty. Wear and tear from continued use causes a decline in its performance.
• Production date: check the label on your door opener for its installation date. If 10-15 years have passed since then, consider replacing your door opener. Replacing it is a precautionary measure to prevent potential injuries and damage.
• Safety features: You can upgrade your door opener to enjoy the great convenience and safety features new door openers provide. For instance, your door opener could be key-operated. Upgrade it for a door opener operated with a keypad. Or, if it works with a fixed code that criminals can easily hack, you may want to upgrade to a door opener with the new rolling system that changes codes whenever you use it. Also, by upgrading, you can get a door opener that you can control on your phone. You can also upgrade it to enjoy other features like sensors and photo-eyes.
• Potential inconveniences: when you experience an electricity outage, your old model will not work since it depends on this power supply. However, current models come with a backup battery that allows your opener to continue working even with an electricity outage.
• Also, if your door opener’s manufacturer closes its shop, the warranty becomes invalid even if it has not yet expired. Getting parts for your door opener repair can also be challenging. Therefore, it is advisable to replace your old model with a new model from a reliable manufacturer.

Signs of a malfunctioning door opener

Most times, the garage door opener will give a few warning signs before it stops operating. However, disconnecting the door and switching to manual control immediately when you notice something unusual with the door is advisable.

Proper maintenance and cleaning can eradicate some of the most trivial signs though.

Unusual noise

The engine loses power as the years go by, making it unable to lift the door. So if you hear a creaking, clanging, or squeaking while opening your garage door, you should call someone to check it out.

Vibrations

The engine in your door opener vibrates as it stops working correctly. At first, the vibrations are almost unnoticeable, and so the engine loosens gradually. Also, the opener has armatures that need replacing.

The vibrations may cause the opener to free itself from its wall mount and end up on your car’s roof.  It would be best to replace the opener with a new one before that happens to avoid any injury or damage.

Your door’s slow movements

After using your garage door for a long time, you may notice when opening and closing the door takes longer than expected.

If you have to wait for some minutes before the door opens or closes upon pressing the remote button, you will know that the opener doesn’t work correctly.

The door doesn’t open

The door may fail to open for various reasons. However, if you notice a humming sound and the engine tries to open the door but fails, your opener has a problem. It is a sign that it does not have sufficient power to lift the door, and you should consider replacing it.

Unpredictability

If it takes a while for your door to open or close, your opener may be overheating. In such a case, you find that the opener works properly occasionally. It is better to replace it to avoid such inconveniences.

Also, if the door is not optimally balanced and is difficult to open, its springs and tracks may be the problem and not the opener.

Things users do that make the door opener age faster

Failing to maintain and care for your door opener properly.

Without proper care, the opener will age more quickly. It needs lubrication for its moving parts. If you want your opener to last longer, it is essential to create a regular maintenance routine.

Failing to do checks on the opener.

It would be best if you let a professional inspect your door at least once per year to check its condition.

Tips to extend the lifespan of garage door openers.

• One major factor that contributes to its life expectancy is the type of door opener you have. A belt drive door opener is far more durable than a screw or chain drive. It lasts up to 3 years longer than other types of door openers. When choosing a door opener, choose a belt chain for its extended life expectancy.
• Another key factor is regular and proper maintenance. Consider setting a weekly door opener maintenance routine to extend its life by a few years.

Maintenance tips

Proper and regular maintenance will save you repair costs and will increase your door opener’s lifespan.

Prepare your door for winter and summer.

Lubricate the springs, door tracks, and rollers every six months. Use a lubricant specifically designed for moving parts. You can find it in local hardware or home improvement stores. Ensure all parts are adequately lubricated by spraying them lightly.

Seek the help of a professional

Allow a professional to inspect your garage door annually. If necessary, you can call a professional to lubricate moving parts, adjust your opener’s spring system, check optimal door balance, and perform a reversal test.

Check this too: Why is My Garage Remote Not Working After New Battery

Cleaning and maintenance

Cleaning and caring for the door is vital and depends on its material. Paint or sealed wood doors regularly to avoid damage from weather-related issues. For aluminum or painted steel, use a brush to remove debris, scrub with warm soapy water, and a non-abrasive sponge.

Conclusion

Your garage door should be properly functioning, as it is an integral part of your home. Ensure you pay attention to your door opener to notice malfunctions. Proper maintenance and care not only extend your door opener’s lifespan but also save you money for repairs or replacement.