Have you noticed a problem with your garage door opener and are considering replacing it, but it seems too soon to do it? Or are you shopping for a garage door opener and are wondering how long do garage door openers last?
Here’s an interesting fact.
How Long Do Garage Door Openers Last?
Typically, garage door openers last 10 to 15 years with some hitting 20 years or more depending on the maintenance patterns and quality of the garage door opener. However, the lifespan of a garage door opener is dependent on several factors such as frequency of use, maintenance patterns, type, etc.
A garage door opener is among the critical components in your garage. Maximizing the lifespan of your garage door opener is the desire of every garage owner.
However, your garage door opener is a mechanical system, and just like other systems, garage door openers are subject to wear and tear. These systems do not last forever, and neither are they built to last forever.
The lifespan of your garage door opener is highly dependent on several factors. These factors include:
- The type of the garage door opener – whether the garage door opener is a chain drive opener or a belt drive opener.
- The frequency of usage – how frequently you use the garage door opener in a day.
- The frequency of maintenance of the garage door opener.
Having understood the factors that determine the longevity of your garage door, let us examine how long garage door openers last, factoring in the highlighted longevity determinants.
A Look Into The Durability of Different Garage Door Opener Systems
Let us take a look at how long different garage door openers last. We shall look at automatic garage door openers, chain drive garage door openers and belt drive garage door openers.
Automatic Garage Door Openers
Automatic garage door openers are among the top options for most garage owners. These garage door openers are highly convenient and efficient. This makes them a favorite among many garage owners.
People living in areas in cold climatic conditions prefer automatic garage door openers. No one wants to step out of their car and open a cold metallic door manually.
Automatic garage door openers have an approximated average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. The lifespan of these automatic garage door openers is measured in cycles. One cycle involves a complete opening and closing of the garage door.
The lifespan of the automatic door opener can however be increased by adopting several measures. These measures include timely repairing of parts, proper maintenance routine as well as maintaining system cleanliness.
Ensuring that your garage door is properly lubricated goes a long way towards maintaining your garage door opening system, including the garage door opener. Lubricating rollers, springs, hinges, and every other moving part streamlines the opening and closing process, removing excess load on the opener.
Cleanliness also helps to maintain your garage opening system inclusive of your automatic garage door opener. Clean tracks remove pressure on springs, reducing the system’s wear and tear. This eliminates operational pressure on the entire system including the door opener.
Timely repairs are also necessary for increasing the lifespan of the garage door openers. Repairs are essential for every mechanical system. Be on the lookout for parts that require any repairing to increase the longevity of your garage door opener.
Belt Drive Garage Door Openers
Belt drive garage door openers do last relatively longer than chain drive garage door openers. This is because belt drive garage door openers are easy to maintain. Maintenance is critical for garage door opener longevity.
Belt drive garage door openers, as the name suggests run on a belt. Garage owners, therefore, need not worry about lubricating the chain and the metal teeth that grate against each other. The lubrication process is relatively easy in belt drive garage door openers.
Another reason why belt drive garage door openers last longer than chain drive garage door openers is due to the ease of identifying faulty parts. Belt drive garage door openers are less noisy; therefore, identifying a faulty part is relatively easy compared to a chain drive garage door opener.
Belt drive garage door openers are among the favorite garage door openers. This popularity makes their parts easy to find. Repairs are therefore easy to do, consequently extending the longevity of the garage door opener.
Belt drive garage door openers typically last longer than chain drive garage door openers. On average, belt drive garage door openers last three years longer than chain drive garage door openers. The ease of maintenance is a key factor in the longevity of the garage door opener.
Chain Drive Garage Door Openers
Chain drive garage door openers have a relatively shorter life span. The presence of too many moving parts in a chain drive garage door opener makes it susceptible to a shorter life span.
There are too many moving parts to be lubricated and maintained in a chain drive garage door opener. For a longer lifespan, frequent maintenance is critical for chain drive garage door openers.
However, chain drive garage door openers are made of metal. This makes the chains last longer, work well in extreme kinds of climates and work well for heavy garage doors.
How Long Do Garage Door Opener Batteries Last?
The lifespan of a standard garage door opener battery is about two years. However, the lifespan can extend to three years depending on the frequency of usage.
The battery in a garage door opener lets you operate the garage door during a power outage. Batteries are a backup option in case of a power outage. Batteries are very convenient for any garage owner.
In terms of power, most garage door batteries normally last for 24 hours. This is equivalent to around 20 opening and closing cycles. The battery powers the whole garage door opener system including motors and sensors
Do All Garage Door Openers Have Batteries?
No. Not all garage door openers have a built-in battery. Cheaper garage door opener options lack a battery system. The presence of a battery increases the cost of the garage door opener.
However, batteries not only offer convenience to garage owners. In fact, batteries are a lifesaver. Batteries come in handy during emergencies such as wildfires, snow storms, or hurricanes that might cause a power outage.
Manufacturers have continually adopted the incorporation of batteries in garage door openers. Batteries are no longer just a fancy addition to garage door openers. They are a critical component in garage door openers.
How To Prolong the Lifespan of Your Garage Door Opener
Now that you know how long garage door openers last, how can you improve the lifespan of your garage door opener? Below are a few steps to take.
Frequent and Timely Maintenance
Garage door openers are normal mechanical systems. Just like any other system, garage door openers require frequent and timely maintenance. Maintenance of parts is paramount to the lifespan of the system.
Garage door openers have many moving parts. Moving parts need to be lubricated and oiled. Broken and faulty parts need to be replaced to prolong the longevity of the system.
In case your garage door opener is automatic, changing faulty sensors is critical. Identifying defective sensors and replacing them is important in prolonging the lifespan of your garage door opener.
Garage owners with garage door openers that contain an in-built battery also need to be on the lookout for when to replace the batteries. Batteries are an important component in a garage door opener and therefore need proper maintenance.
Applying proactive measures in the maintenance of your garage door opener goes a long way in extending the lifespan of your garage door opener. A properly maintained garage door opener can last for over 15 years.
Ensure Proper Installation
Owning a garage door opener does not stop at purchasing the system. Proper installation is very important and a key determinant of the lifespan of the garage door opener.
Proper installation ensures that every component is accurately fitted. Electric cables are properly installed therefore ensuring there is no short-circuiting. All the sensors are also properly fitted therefore making sure that the system works properly.
The best way to ensure that the garage door opener is properly installed is to use the services of professionals. Several independent service providers specialize in the installation of garage door openers and are available to help with your installation needs.
Several manufacturers also provide after-sales services that include the installation of the system. Using professionals ensures that the installation is done accurately, therefore, prolonging the life of the garage door opener.
Frequent Inspections
Most garage owners ignore this practice. Carrying out frequent inspections is paramount in extending the lifespan of your garage door opener system. Frequent inspections help garage owners to identify problems in time and prepare for repairs.
Identifying problems early is critical in maintaining the system. Therefore, to prolong the lifespan of your garage door opener, frequent inspections are a must for you.
What Are the Signs of a Failing Garage Door Opener?
Garage door openers don’t unnecessarily fail. However, most garage owners only realize the failure when the garage door opener ceases to work. Most of them realize the problem when the garage door opener fails to open or close the garage door.
However, with frequent inspections, a garage owner can spot the imminent failure of the garage door opener. There are several signs of a failing garage door opener. These signs include:
- Unusual noise during cycles
- The garage door opens intermittently
- Vibration on the door opener
- Erratic patterns in opening and closing cycles
- Slow-moving garage door
Let us now dig deeper into these signs and help you realize when your garage door opener is about to fail.
Unusual Noise During Cycles
Just like many mechanical objects, garage doors make noise while in operation. However, certain noises are indicative of a failure or imminent failure. When the noise during opening and closing cycles exceeds the normal operational noise, it is definitely a worrying sign and a call for attention.
The Garage Door Opens Intermittently
If it takes several clicks on the remote controller to open the garage door, then there is definitely a problem with the garage door opener. This problem could spring from several sources.
To address this problem, try replacing the batteries in the remote controller. If that fails to work, try checking on the sensors of your garage door opener. Also frequently lubricate the moving parts of your system.
Vibrations On the Door Opener
Though vibrations and noises are common in any mechanical system during operation, excess vibrations could be a signal of a problem. You may need to seek the services of professionals when your garage door opener frequently vibrates while opening and closing the door.
Slow Moving Garage Door
This is normally the most common sign of a failing garage door opener. When the garage door moves significantly slower than normal, there certainly is a problem with the garage door opener system.
To address this problem, check on the chains or belts that drive the system. Also, lubricate the moving parts of the system. If the slow movements continue, seek the services of a professional.
The Door Does Not Stop When Something Is in The Way
This is a common problem for failing garage door openers. Normally, garage doors are designed to stop once they sense the presence or encounter an object on their path while opening or closing.
When your door fails to detect an object on its path, it is probably time to check on the sensors and how effective they are. The first address point should be at the sensors. Check on the sensors and determine whether they need replacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is the Best Garage Door Opener?
There is no outright answer to this question. The best garage door opener for you is dependent on a few factors. The size and weight of your garage door, the garage door material, and the opening style of the door.
However, several garage door openers are generally very reliable and efficient for any type of garage door. These include The LiftMaster 8500W which is the all-time favorite and overall best garage door opener. The Chamberlain B4545T and The Genie Chain Drive 550 are also among the reliable garage door openers.
Can I Replace Parts of My Garage Door Opener?
Yes. You can replace parts of your garage door opener. You do not need to replace the whole garage door opener system in case of any malfunction. Parts such as batteries, sensors, and rollers can be replaced.
However, it is important to seek the services of a professional to assess whether to partially replace the system or change the whole system. Replacements should also be done by a professional.
Is It Better to Repair Rather Than Replace My Garage Door Opener?
Yes. Repairing parts of your garage door opener rather than making an overhaul replacement is cost-effective for you. If your faulty garage door opener can be repaired and still work effectively, then repairing is a good option for you.
However, whether to repair or replace is dependent on how effective the repaired garage door opener would be. In cases where the repaired garage door opener would be operationally inefficient, replacement is a more feasible option.
What Is the Cost of Replacing a Garage Door Opener?
The average cost of installing a garage door opener is $400 exclusive of the garage door opener itself. The whole cost of replacing a garage door opener is on average above $550.
The cost of replacing a garage door opener is the sum of the cost of the garage door opener and the cost of labor which lasts anywhere between 2 to 4 hours.
Garage door openers are convenient and an essential part of a garage. Having an operationally effective garage door opener makes the life of a garage owner easy and seamless.
So, what’s the average lifespan of a garage door opener?
If you’ve made it this far, then it’s unlikely you’ll ever wonder how long do garage door openers last.
The average lifespan of a garage door opener is 10 to 15 years. However, there are some ways to prolong your garage door opener’s life. Ensuring proper installation, frequent inspections, and timely maintenance will see you extend the lifespan of your garage door.
