Like any garage door component, your garage door opener isn’t invincible to wear and tear. At some point, it will reach the end of its service life and will require a replacement. So, how long do garage door openers last and how will I know if I need to have it replaced?
In this post, our garage door experts will answer all these questions together with maintenance for garage door openers’ longevity and who you should call when it’s time for a new unit. Keep reading to see how you can maximize your opener’s lifespan!
How long do garage door openers last?
The average lifespan of garage door openers is about 10 to 15 years. However, this largely depends on the level of use and other factors, which may decrease or increase its service life.
Whether you have Chamberlain, Genie, LiftMaster, or any garage door opener brand, its lifespan largely depends on two things: usage and maintenance.
This is why some households can keep using their openers for up to 20 years while others will need a replacement at around 6 or 8 years.
To understand this part better, we’ve discussed factors affecting garage door opener longevity below. See why some openers last longer than others.
Factors affecting your garage door opener lifespan
The lifespan of a garage door opener is on a sliding scale, which is mainly controlled by the following aspects:
1. Drive system
In general, belt drive garage door openers last longer than other types, thanks to its quiet operation. Overall, its quiet operation means there’s less friction and reduced wear and tear on the unit over time.
Aside from that, belt drives have softer stops and starts, which further reduces wear and tear. Also, belt drive openers don’t need frequent lubrication as you would with a chain drive or a jackshaft opener. Still, belt drives may need belt replacements after 8 to 10 years, which is almost the lifespan of the entire opener itself.
2. Garage door opener quality
The durability of garage door openers are largely impacted by its quality. Off-brand pr cheap openers may save you money upfront, but it will usually cost more in repairs and premature replacements in the long run.
Instead, you should invest in quality openers next time you’ll need a replacement. While the cost of a new garage door installation might be higher, it will also save you from recurring expenses and even let you use the unit for a much longer period than low-quality ones.
3. Frequency of use
The more you use your garage door opener, the shorter its lifespan will be. At some point, its motor will eventually fail, its circuit board will fry up, and its gears will be worn out due to friction.
The good news is that some of these problems can be fixed with professional garage door opener repair. However, if the issue is recurring, it might be wiser to get a new unit already.
4. Level of maintenance
The frequency of replacing garage door openers also depend on how well you take good care of your unit. It’s important to have a maintenance checklist that includes lubricating all the moving parts, inspecting all wiring and cables, testing the safety features, and so on.
All these will help prevent premature damage not only on your opener but also your entire garage door.
Failure to maintain your garage door opener will speed up its wear and tear, which means you’ll have to shell out for a new opener much earlier than expected.
5. Manner of installation
We always recommend professional garage door opener installation for a good reason. It ensures that your unit is installed properly, programmed correctly, and matched to your garage door accurately.
Poor or improper installation may cause unnecessary wear and tear on your garage door opener. For example, if the opener isn’t secured properly, it will experience excessive vibration, which will affect its lifespan.
While professional garage door opener installation costs a fee, it’s a wise investment if you want your unit to last long. Aside from that, having experts installing your unit will save you from a lot of guesswork.
6. Garage door weight
Heavy garage doors need more power to operate, which will strain the garage door opener even more. This can also become a problem if the door’s weight has increased but you did not upgrade your opener to match. When this happens, your garage door opener will have to ‘labor’ intensively to lift and close your door, and it will only be a matter of time before it breaks down.
This why we always ensure that the opener and the door are compatible when we’re doing a new garage door installation or opener replacement. It’s because garage door openers aren’t made equal and they don’t fit universally to all doors.
7. Environmental factors
Humidity, extreme temperatures, dirt, and sunlight exposure will affect the longevity of your garage door opener. All these environmental elements increase the risk of corrosion and damage to the opener’s circuit board, which will weaken its components over time.
Aside from that, pest infestation can also be a culprit for your opener’s short lifespan. Unkempt garages often harbor rodents and insects that can eat away the electrical components of your garage door opener.
And before you know it, you’re experiencing all sorts of garage door problems and you’re in need of a new door opener.
Signs a garage door opener needs replacement
Knowing how often to replace garage door openers isn’t a black-and-white process. Still, if you’re experiencing any of these situations repeatedly, it might be time to consult a garage door technician for a possible replacement:
1. Intermittent operation
Inconsistent and erratic operation could mean that your garage door opener has reached the end of its service life. It’s possible that its circuit board is already failing or the components are too worn-out to be repaired.
If the intermittent operation is occurring on an old opener, it would be wise to get a newer model instead of paying for recurring repairs. In the end, you’re going to thank yourself for investing in reliability and convenience.
2. Door not opening or closing entirely
If your garage door limit settings are correct but it’s still not opening or closing all the way, you probably need a new garage door opener already.
This could indicate a malfunctioning motor, worn-out components, or electrical issues. While we can still address some of these with expert garage door repair, there’s an instance where we will recommend a replacement instead, especially if the same problem is recurring.
3. Outdated technology
Older garage door opener models often lack smart features, which means you can’t integrate it with your mobile devices. Also, these old models have outdated security features and often rely on manual controls that can be easily picked by burglars.
You can easily keep up with the latest garage door trends by simply upgrading to a modern garage door opener. Newer models have a range of smart features, including a smartphone app connectivity where you can set temporary passwords, check access history, and so on.
And if you’re planning to sell your home soon, a brand new garage door opener will be a good selling point. It can also potentially increase your home’s market value!
4. Substantial increase in door weight
If you’re adding insulation or switching to a much heavier door, it might be necessary to upgrade your garage door opener as well. This is the case if your current opener is no longer compatible with the heavier weight of your door.
Aside from your opener, you’ll also need a garage door spring replacement to provide enough counterweight to your upgraded door.
5. Loud noises that don’t go away
Strange noises are common garage door problems, which can be fixed, depending on the actual cause. Sometimes, all you need to do is lubricate the tracks, rollers, and springs, and all the noises will go away.
However, if the loud noises are coming from your garage door opener, you should consider calling a technician to consult whether it’s already due for a replacement. You should do the same if you’ve tried all possible maintenance steps and the noise is still occurring.
6. Very slow operation
If your torsion springs are in good shape but the door is still opening slowly, you need to get your opener checked. It’s possible that your garage door opener is already breaking down or too outdated to keep up with your needs.
7. Excessive vibration and overheating
Does your garage door opener vibrate and shake violently whenever you’re operating your door? It could be a simple case of loose brackets, but it can also point to a busted motor that may require you to replace the unit altogether.
The same goes if your opener gets too hot quickly even if you’re not overusing it. This could be due to electrical issues or simply the old age of your unit that’s long due for a replacement.
8. Frequent and costly breakdowns
Lastly, if the cost of your garage door opener repairs is already adding up to the price of a brand-new unit, it should go without saying that it’s time to get a replacement.
Recurring repairs are a sign that your garage door opener has already reached the end of its lifespan. At this point, repairs are only band-aid solutions that will cost more in the long run.
How to make your garage door opener last longer
While your garage door opener has a limited lifespan, there are many ways to stretch it for a few more years. Here are some that we often tell our customers:
1. Invest in quality garage door openers
The most effective advice we can give you is to invest in the best long-lasting garage door openers. While its upfront cost is much higher, it will pay for itself over the years of frequent yet reliable use.
If you’re looking for the best garage door opener brands and models, contact us, and our technician will discuss the best options that suit your budget.
2. Repair problems as they happen
Are there unusual noises coming from your opener? Or do your limit settings won’t seem to stick? Troubleshooting garage door opener problems right away will prevent them from causing further damage to your unit. It’s also best to call us for a professional inspection to diagnose and repair the root cause of the problem.
Overall, being proactive with repairs not only saves you from expensive repairs later on, but it also ensures your daily convenience.
3. Be diligent with maintenance
Always keep your garage door opener clean and well-lubricated, so it won’t suffer from unnecessary wear and tear.
At the same time, you should also maintain your door’s rollers, tracks, and photo-eye sensors. Also, make sure you tighten all loose bolts and nuts. Having these parts working smoothly will reduce excessive strain on your garage door opener.
4. Opt for regular inspections
Don’t wait for problems to occur before calling a professional to check your garage door opener. If your garage door plays a huge role in your daily routines, it’s wise to have it inspected at least once a year.
You can call us for a scheduled inspection and our technicians will closely check every component of your door for potential problems. We can also provide on-the-spot repairs.
5. Protect against power surges
A power surge can fry your garage door opener’s circuit board if you don’t have a surge protector. If your area is prone to lightning strikes and sudden power outages, or if you have large appliances at home, you should invest in a new surge protector to avoid damage.
Need garage door opener repairs or replacement? Contact us today!
If you need any help on your garage door opener, feel free to contact us at California Garage Door Repair! We are available 24/7 for all your garage door repair and replacement needs anywhere in Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
All our technicians are licensed and insured for your peace of mind. Also, we’ve been the trusted garage door expert in LA for 18+ years and counting, so rest assured that your opener will be in good hands.
Contact us for same-day garage door opener repair or replacement! We’re also on-call on weekends, holidays, and even in the middle of the night for all your garage door needs!
