A garage door opener is the brain of your garage door system that lets you open and close your garage door with just a press of a button. This feature of garage doors has been a necessity for most homeowners because of the convenience and security it offers.
A malfunctioning garage door can be a huge hassle especially when you’re in a hurry. So, maintaining your garage door opener and knowing when to replace it is a must. To help you understand your garage door system, we’re breaking down the signs of a malfunctioning garage door opener you should look out for and when it needs to be replaced.
Signs You Need a New Garage Door Opener
Your garage door opener is prone to wear and tear given the frequency of being used daily. What more is it in a year or a decade? On average, your garage door is used in approximately 15,000 cycles in a year – this includes the opening and closing of the door counted as a cycle.
Because of this frequent usage, your garage door opener will eventually live out its lifespan and will need to be replaced. Though it would take years, it’s best to know when your opener is nearing the end of its lifecycle to ensure your garage door operation works fine without disruptions.
So, when is it time to replace a garage door opener?
If you’re still wondering about this, here are the signs you should watch out for:
Opener Works Sporadically
This sign can be very annoying especially if you’re in a hurry. Pressing a button on your remote doesn’t always work when your door opener is malfunctioning – it works sporadically, just when it wants to.
Garage Door Won’t Open or Close
If your garage door won’t budge even after pressing the open or close button, it could mean your garage door opener is malfunctioning. The first thing to do is to check your remote because it just might be the batteries needing replacement, Otherwise, it’s clear – you do have an opener problem.
Garage Door Reverses Direction
When your garage door acts up and opens or closes partly and then reverses itself back, it can mean your garage door opener sensors are not working properly. Check and clean the sensors for any possible obstructions like dirt. If your door still acts up after cleaning and realigning the sensors, the problem might be in the opener’s components or wiring.
Garage Door Moves on Its Own
This can be a security hazard especially when your garage door suddenly opens or closes on its own. If it activates randomly, you’ll have to check the circuit board for damages. Alternatively, look at possible stuck buttons on the keypad as well.
Operation is Slower Than Usual
Any garage door opener problem can lead to a slower operation than normal. This issue also starts to surface when your garage door is nearing the end of its lifespan. When you experience this issue, it’s best to check the hinges, rollers, and tracks as well since poor lubrication and worn-out parts can also lead to a slow cycle.
Garage Door Gets Stuck
A faulty garage door system can cause your garage door to get stuck – the problem becomes a safety hazard especially when it’s halfway open. Since this can be concerning, you might want to seek the help of experienced garage door technicians for an emergency garage door opener repair.
Opener Makes Unusual Sounds
Garage door openers are designed to have a quiet operation and if your opener makes noises, it can be because it’s already worn out. Any unusual squeaking, scraping, or screeching sounds your opener suddenly makes is an obvious indication that there’s something wrong with it.
Opener is Old
If your garage door opener is 10 years old or older, we suggest you start replacing it. On average, the working lifespan of an opener is from 10 to 15 years – by this time, your opener had thousands and thousands of cycles done already. Obsolete units need to be replaced as they might not be fixable anymore.
Your Opener Needs a Reset
A quick troubleshooting tip if you’re getting a malfunctioning door opener is to reset it. Here’s what you need to know on how to reset your garage door opener.
If you need any garage door repair in Los Angeles, and you need help immediately, don’t hesitate to call our 24/7 hotline. We prioritize your safety – so if anything happens, call us and our technicians will be there right away!
Benefits of Upgrading Openers
Think of getting an opener as an investment because it certainly is. There are many benefits to getting a new garage door opener and most of them are invaluable to homeowners like you.
Here are some of them:
Added Security
New openers have more advanced features like rolling codes each time the remote is pressed. This means, only you can get access to your garage. Another feature is the vacation mode which allows you to disable the remote controls so the garage door can only be opened from the inside of your home.
Convenience
Just one click of a button for easy entry and exit to your home means you don’t have to worry about getting outside your car every time you need to get in or out of the carport.
Safety
With advanced technology, you don’t have to worry about your garage door crashing down on someone or something in the way.
Automatic Closing
We can sometimes forget to press the close button right after we get our car out of the port, making it a hazard to our small children who can get out. New openers available have automatic door-closing features.
Technology
Indeed, there have been a lot of advancements in tech that let us reap the benefits of new devices. Today, your garage doors can be connected to your mobile phones for added security and surveillance.
Maintenance
New openers don’t need much maintenance. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and you’ll be good to go.
Cost
New openers indeed cost more than the old ones but given all the new features and benefits they offer, the price is very much relevant to their use.
Lighting
New garage door openers come with built-in lights to illuminate your garage and pathway.
Low Energy Use
New garage door openers don’t need a lot of power to operate despite the features they have making them cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Peace of Mind
Some may think a new opener is a kind of luxury, but knowing your family and property are safe is invaluable.
How to Choose the Right Door Opener for Your Home
Deciding on getting a new garage door opener should be based on your needs and lifestyle. This investment will directly impact the functionality of your garage door and the features you need for it.
Here are some considerations you should look at:
- Type: Choose an opener depending on your available garage space and the noise level you’re comfortable with. Chain-driven, belt-driven, and jackshaft are 3 types of door openers. For the best option, contact us so we can give you professional advice on which will fit your home and needs.
- Features: Smart features, camera, and battery backups are just a few of the new highlights of an opener. Choose something that will add value to your home and your convenience.
- Brand and Price Point: Your budget is a major factor in choosing on an opener. Go for reliable brands that have a proven track record to get your money’s worth.
- Performance: Pick a durable, vibration-free model that supports efficient operation – this way, your new opener can accommodate and streamline your daily routines.
You might also want to consider how much you should spend on a garage door – this post serves as a guide to help you set a budget for your garage.
Why Choose Rock Garage Door Repair Company to Replace Your Garage Door Opener
If you’re interested in upgrading your garage door opener, turn to the expert technicians here at Rock Garage Door Repair Company. Our specialists will help you decide on which model or brand of garage door opener will suit your needs best.
For long-term support and maintenance help, look for a reliable garage door company to partner with. All our technicians are licensed, insured, and experienced in repairing all garage door problems you have.
With exceptional customer service and warranty for all repairs we do, our technicians will happily answer all the questions you may have. Contact us today!
