In general, an electric garage door opener should last for 10 to 15 years. However, there are things that could warrant changing it sooner, like advances in technology or changes in government regulations. For instance, due to California’s recent devastating wildfires, the governor has signed a bill that now requires garage door openers to have battery backup.
Some openers have longer lifespans, such as LiftMaster’s Elite Series. Those openers that are found at the lowest price points likely will not last quite as long. Unfortunately, a garage door opener just won’t last forever, and even before it quits completely, it will probably start to give you a little bit of trouble.
Even though the garage door becomes such a focal point of the house, it is often overlooked and forgotten about. In homes with attached garages, the garage door may be the main access point into the home used by the family. This is more reason for the garage door opener to be given appropriate consideration.
How Old Is Your Opener?
If you have been in your current house for quite a while, and the garage door opener was there when you moved in, then you’re probably not exactly sure how old it is. Right? Here is a way that you can attempt to find out:
- Does your electric garage door have an automatic photoelectric reverse system? This is a system that consists of two sensors installed on each side of the garage door opening, which are about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) from the ground. If it doesn’t, then the garage door opener was manufactured before 1993.
- Another way to date your opener is to climb a ladder and take a look at the metal housing of the motor. You should find the year it was manufactured written here next to the serial number and the model number.
If your garage door opener is more than 15 years old, then you should most definitely consider upgrading it to a newer model. Even if your door is only around 10 years old, you may still want to consider an upgrade because the more you use it, the quicker it will wear out.
Other things you should consider are the condition the opener is in. If it is making noise or you aren’t sure how often the previous owners had maintenance done, you can’t be sure of the existing lifespan. Just like your other home appliances, it needs to be well cared for.
Do you feel like 10 to 15 years isn’t very long? As a point of comparison, be aware that your spring system, whether torsion or extension, that acts as a counterweight for the total weight of your garage door, lasts on average 5 to 7 years.
If you aren’t sure how well your garage door opener is holding up, you can call a GARAGA specialist and have them take a look. He or she can give you a better understanding of how old the opener is, how well-maintained it is, and they can even give it a proper tune-up to make it more efficient.
Other Reasons Why You Should Replace Your Garage Door Opener
Age isn’t the only reason you may find yourself replacing your garage door opener. There are quite a few things that could trigger it, like:
- The door opener manufacturer is no longer in business
If your door opener brand goes out of business, you will no longer be able to replace parts. That is one of the reasons we recommend LiftMaster/Chamberlain garage door openers to our clients. The company was founded in 1954, and they aren’t showing any signs of letting up!
- You want to keep you and your family as safe as possible
Older garage door openers are not outfitted with all of the current safety measures. For instance, openers made before 1982 were not required to have reversal systems which are instrumental in stopping garage doors from lowering when they come into contact with an object or a person. Plus, garage door openers that were made before 1993 were not required to have the photoelectric reversal systems. Having a newer garage door opener ensures that your home is up to date with current safety regulations.
- Avoiding a robbery is important
Before 1993, door openers were programmed using 7 or 8 dip switches that were set to -, + or 0. These systems are very easy to hack by a would-be thief. However, between 1993 and 1995, LiftMaster / Chamberlain introduced a coding system that did away with the previous coding system and allowed for millions of possibilities. Then, in 1996, LiftMaster / Chamberlain increased security again and began offering their Security+ system that allowed for billions of possible codes thus making it virtually impossible to break the coding system and enter the garage.
- Your current system is too noisy
Modern openers use metal-reinforced rubber belts. In addition to the belts, there are also wall-mounted openers that can be placed next to the door, called Jackshaft door openers, for residential properties. Both of these improvements mean quieter garage door openers, and homeowners can avoid noise being transferred through the joists of the garage ceiling.
- You want to simplify your life!
In 2013, LiftMaster/Chamberlain introduced a revolutionary technology for garage door openers called the MyQ system. This smart home technology allows you to operate your garage door opener from anywhere. Using your smartphone and the MyQ app, you can have full control of your garage door while you are standing in the driveway or on vacation halfway across the world. All you need is a Wi-Fi connection! The app can also notify you every time someone opens or closes the door, and it can also be put on a timer to close or open the door on your preferred schedule.
Ready to Learn More?
If you live in or near Leamington, ON, then you can easily contact us at 519-326-5888. We carry the full line of LiftMaster door openers, including those with belt drives or chain drives, and they can be installed centrally or beside the door. These door openers are not only quiet, they are also super reliable. Some models even come with an emergency battery so that you can open and close your garage door in the event of a power outage.
If you prefer, we can send you a quotation via email. We would also love for you to visit us at our showroom! If you interested in changing your garage door, try out our Design Centre to select the style of door that suits you best. Peruse our image gallery for numerous beautiful examples and garage door inspiration.
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