How Long Do Garage Door Openers Last?

Homeowners face an unexpected repair bill with broken garage door openers. You do not have to buy the first opener that you find. Finding a long-lasting one from Chicago Garage Door will ensure your garage door’s smooth opening and closing for many years.

Openers with strong springs and well-oiled ball bearings can last 10 to 15 years. Read to learn the lifespan of garage door openers.

What Determines a Garage Door Opener Lifespan?

Garage door openers are essential to your home’s security and safety. When they stop working, it can be a severe issue. Several factors determine garage door opener lifespan: 

• Frequency of Use: The more frequently a garage door opener is used, the more wear-and-tear it will experience. It can shorten its lifespan significantly.
• Type of Material: Garage door openers are made from different materials, each with pros and cons. For example, metal garage door openers are more durable than their wooden counterparts but aren’t as energy efficient. There are many materials that you can choose from when buying a garage door opener.
• Maintenance. The cleaner it’s kept, the longer it will last. If you don’t clean your garage door, dust, and dirt can build up on the tracks and gears, which will cause them to wear out faster. It’s smart to clean your garage door at least once every season to keep dust from building up.
• Climate. If the area is freezing, the garage door will struggle to open, leading to high energy bills and breakage.
• The garage door opener you select affects its lifespan. Some brands are better at making high-quality products that last longer than others.

How to Extend the Lifespan of the Garage Door Opener

The lifespan is determined by how maintenance is done, how it’s installed, and whether you have periodic inspections.

Timely Maintenance

You should perform maintenance on your garage door opener at least once a year. It includes inspecting the unit for damage that may have occurred due to normal wear and tear. If there is any damage, have the unit repaired or replaced so it doesn’t cause more damage. 

Your garage door opener has many moving parts—some of which are exposed to the elements when the door is open—so it’s essential to keep them clean and lubricated at all times. To do this, you should clean all parts with a mild soap solution and use a garden hose to remove any dirt or debris that accumulates over time.

Change faulty sensors. If a sensor is broken or malfunctioning, it can cause your garage door not to open or close properly. It will shorten the life of your garage door opener and can even lead to injuries if you try to open or close it.

Replace faulty batteries. A dead battery in your garage door opener will cause it not to work at all, so ensure that the batteries are replaced regularly. Ensure you purchase the correct battery type and size when replacing them!

Proper Installation

Make sure that a professional technician correctly installs your garage door opener. A poorly installed garage door opener can cause severe damage to the unit, but it can also strain the system’s components. The result is that these components will wear out faster than normal and need replacement sooner than expected.

Periodic Inspection

You’ll also want to schedule monthly inspections with a professional to ensure everything continues functioning correctly long into the future! These inspections will allow you to identify any issues before they become serious.

What Shows a Garage Door Opener Is Worn Out?

You can look for several signs to determine whether your garage door opener is worn out.

• It doesn’t open or closes smoothly. It is a telltale sign of a worn-out garage door opener and one that requires oiling.
• You hear grinding noises while the garage door is moving up and down. If you hear these noises, it could be that the gears inside your garage door opener are worn out and require replacing.
• When you open or close the garage door, it moves slowly; you need to lubricate the moving parts
• There is a vibration in the garage door opener. You can call an expert for that. 
• The door moves regardless if there is an object in the way. It means the sensors are at fault, so check them.

What’s the Cost of Replacing a Garage Door Opener?

You can expect to pay between $400 and $500 for a replacement garage door opener. The price will vary depending on your specific model and whether you have existing issues with your existing opener (such as old batteries). 

Your garage door opener should have a long life with proper care. While you should keep your eyes on the unit for any telltale signs of wear and tear, remember that it is a machine, and with proper care, it will function just as well ten years from now as it does today.

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