You love your garage door opener. It opens and closes your garage door on demand. It’s convenient, increases your household security, and has become one of the most important investments in your home. But lately, it hasn’t been doing the job. It’s old, struggling, noisy, and it seems like all you do is call for service. A new, state-of-the-art, quieter, more durable garage door motor is something to consider. Like most homeowners, you use your garage door as the main point of entry and exit from your home. You need it to be reliable! Here, we’ll talk about making the jump from (another) garage door opener repair to garage door motor replacement.
Do I Need a Garage Door Opener Replacement?
Constantly repairing your old garage door opener can often exceed the cost to replace it. Today’s openers operate through a Wi-Fi connection so you can open and close your door from anywhere, at any time. It not only keeps your home safe and your valuables secure, but it’s also energy efficient and lowers monthly utility bills to save you money. Newer motors are quieter, faster and can include wall to wall lighting, cameras and battery backup. When replacement is no longer an option but a reality, see what’s new in garage door openers.
Specifically, here’s what to look out for to justify garage door opener replacement.
Delays or Slow Operation
Garage door openers can often work on some days and not on others. If the motor is slowing down or operating inconsistently, the motor may be nearing the end. Does it struggle to lift the door or stop midway? More reasons to replace it.
Abnormal Sounds
When your garage door motor starts making unusual sounds or becomes excessively noisy, it needs attention up to and including replacement. Is it ridiculously loud, scraping, squeaking, or grinding? Sounds like the motor is damaged or just worn out.
Flashing Lights
Seeing flashing lights is never a good thing. Many openers have safety sensors that are attached to the rails. If they blink, the laser is not reaching from the sender to the receiver. In other words, the sensors may be obstructed, not in alignment or dirty. The opener unit on the ceiling may also flash up to ten times telling you there’s a problem.
Intermittent or Inconsistent Movements
Does your garage door opener have a mind of its own and doesn’t always open or close on demand? Often it will open slower than usual indicating that it needs service due to worn out rollers, tracks, hinges and more. If your tracks are filthy or the door becomes unbalanced, it becomes strained and often fails. If this is a continual problem, replacement is the answer.
Overheating
Over using your opener might make it overheat. Does it feel hot to the touch? It’s probably damaged and will eventually stop working. If you see smoke, the motor could quickly catch on fire.
Vibrations
A vibrating operator is a sure sign that you’ve got a problem. When hardware loosens or falls off, the core components may shift causing it to vibrate and make noise. When parts aren’t properly lubricated, they won’t move the door smoothly. Bent shafts, damaged drive belts, worn out chains, rollers and pulleys can also cause vibrations.
A Need for Frequent Adjustments
If you regularly schedule garage door maintenance, your entire system is inspected and adjusted accordingly. Can’t remember when you last had it serviced? You may notice the door is not completely closing, your sensors aren’t working properly, or your limit switches may need adjustment. This all leads to constant repair and eventual replacement.
Failure to Respond
If the opener is not working, make sure it’s plugged in, and the circuit breaker is on. Replace the remote batteries, reprogram it and make sure it’s not out of range. If it’s completely dead, and if you continue to service it, replace it.
Diagnostic Lights and Error Codes
In general, any time you see a flashing light or error code you know there’s a problem. While different systems have specific methods of problem indicators, many share similar traits. These include misaligned sensors, disconnected or cut wires, RPM issues, and more.
Increased Energy Costs
Old garage door openers using AC motors take more electricity to operate than newer, smart garage door openers using DC motors. As a bonus, they also provide smoother and quieter operation.
Age
Based on average usage, you can expect 10-15 years of solid performance from your garage door opener, depending on how often you operate the door, how often you maintain it and tune it up. The quality of the opener can also indicate its lifespan, giving you more bang for your buck.
Can I Perform a DIY Garage Door Opener Replacement?
Replacing your old garage door opener can be time-consuming, challenging, and difficult, especially if you’ve never done it before. Sure, you can save money buying one from a big box store, but the results can be risky if not installed properly. Instead, choose a professional company with years of experience to get the job done right the first time.
Selecting the Right Opener
Here are a few questions to ask before determining which opener is for you.
- Is your garage attached or detached? (is noise a factor?)
- Do you want a basic, durable, wallet friendly opener? (select a chain drive model)
- If you have a bedroom or family room above the garage, choose a belt drive. (the quietest motor on the market)
- Do you want a camera to record what goes on inside your garage when you’re not home? (see the UPS man arrive)
- Is a keypad important? How many garage door opener remotes do you need? (do you have kids? A big family?)
- Would you like to be able to operate your door any time from any place? (new openers are now connected via Wi-Fi)
Inspecting the Door’s Parts and Checking its Balance
Inspect your garage door and opener for overall wear and tear. Check safety features such as sensors and auto reversal.
Positioning and Mounting the Opener Securely
Securely mount and position the opener by attaching the mounting plate with support brackets and installing the rail and safety sensors.
Replacing All Components
Replace old components with new mounting hardware, rails, the inside wall unit, remote controls and keypad if purchased.
Checking and Adjusting the Door’s Opening and Closing Force
Measure the door-opening and closing force by using a door force gauge, also called a door pressure gauge.
Professional Garage Door Opener Repair and Replacement
Aladdin Doors® is the leader in professional garage door opener service, repair, maintenance, and replacement. We use top-of-the-line garage door operators from the professional series from LiftMaster™, the leader in the industry. Our technicians are experienced, quick to respond, and provide fast, friendly service. Best of all, we treat our customers like family and would like the opportunity to earn your business today. Choose Aladdin Doors® for any of your garage door needs, whether it’s garage door openers or garage door replacement. We look forward to meeting you and your garage door very soon.
Restore Your Garage Door With Quality Openers and Repair Services From Aladdin Doors
Thanks for taking the time to learn how and when to replace your garage door opener. We know that choosing the right service company for quality repairs and replacement is important. With years of experience and thousands of five-star reviews, Aladdin Doors® is that neighborhood company you can count on. Let’s sit down together and come up with an affordable estimate based on your needs and wants. Whether it’s repairs or replacement, service or maintenance, we’ve got you covered for anything related to your garage door. Please contact our office today or send us an internet request so we can get started.