Last Updated on February 20, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
Garage door openers are a staple in many homes. They provide convenience and security for homeowners. But how long do they last? And when should you replace them? In this blog post, we will answer those questions and more!
We will also discuss the different types of garage door openers available on the market and which one might be best for you. So, if you’re curious about garage door openers, read on!
How long does an average garage door opener last?
This can vary greatly depending on the brand, model and quality of the opener. Most openers today come with a lifetime warranty on the motor, so you can rest assured that it will be replaced if it fails.
The average lifespan of a garage door opener is between 15 and 25 years, depending on the type and brand. The most common type of opener used today are chain drive systems, which typically have an expected life span of around 20 years with proper care and maintenance. However, this number can vary greatly depending on how often it is used and the type of use it sees.
Signs your garage door opener is failing
There are several signs that your garage door opener might be failing.
1. Strange noises
If you notice your garage door opener making strange noises like grinding or clanking, this could be a sign that it’s time to replace them.
If your garage door opener is making a lot of noise, then it may be due to broken springs or gears. Check for any signs of wear on these parts and replace them if necessary. A noisy chain drive can also mean that there is a problem with the chain itself, so check for any signs of wear on this part and replace it if necessary.
2. Slowing down
Another sign is when things start slowing down. If you find that the speed of opening and closing has slowed over time, it may be due to wear on the gears or motor. It is recommended to replace them if this happens since it could lead to a major breakdown of the opener in the future!
3. Vibration
If you notice that your garage door opener is vibrating, this could be a sign of wear and tear on the springs or other parts. It’s important to replace them as soon as possible because these vibrations can damage nearby walls and even cause cracks in drywall if left unchecked!
4. Can’t open or close the door
If your garage door opener is no longer able to open or close the door, it’s definitely time for a replacement. This could be due to a broken motor, gearbox, or circuit board and will require professional repair.
Reasons to Replace Your Garage Door Opener
There are several reasons you might want to replace your garage door opener.
1. Age
The average lifespan of a garage door opener is around eight years, but this can vary depending on the brand and model. If yours is aging or starting to show signs of wear and tear, it may be time for a replacement.
2. Replacing Parts
If you have replaced parts on your garage door opener, such as the motor or gearbox, but still notice that it’s not working properly, then a new one might be needed.
3. Noisy Door Opener
There are many reasons why your garage door opener could be noisy and if this is something you want to avoid then it’s best to replace it.
4. Safety Issues
If your garage door opener is old, it may not meet the safety standards that are in place today. This could lead to a dangerous situation where the door might not open or close properly in an emergency.
4. Newer Models
Garage door openers have come a long way over the years and there are now many newer models that offer features like MyQ technology, which allows you to open and close your garage door with your smartphone.
5. Battery backup
If the power goes out, a garage door opener with a battery backup will allow you to open and close your garage door manually.
6. Keypad Entry
A keypad entry allows you to open your garage door without a remote control. This is a convenient feature if you lose your remote or it gets damaged.
7. Safety Sensors
A safety sensor will prevent accidents by stopping the door from closing if there is anything in its path. These are typically located on either side of the opening and look like small black dots facing each other about six inches apart!
8. Safety Reversal Systems
All garage door openers today come with a safety reversal system that will stop the door from closing if something is in its path. This can be a life saving feature for children and pets. The first garage door openers had to be manually reversed if objects were in the path of the closing door. With today’s technology, there are two types of safety reversal systems used:
A photo eye is mounted on each side of the garage opening about six inches off the ground. These eyes send an infrared beam across the opening to each other. The door will not close as long as this beam remains unbroken, which means something is in its path.
A pressure sensor is mounted near the bottom of the garage door track on both sides of the opening. If a child or pet crosses over it while under the closing door, the sensor will activate and stop the door from closing.
9. Homelink feature
Many garage door openers also come with a Homelink feature. This allows you to control your garage door opener with the touch of a button from inside your car. You can either use the visor clip-on or keychain transmitter to activate it.
10. Battery Backup
Most garage door openers also come with a battery backup. This is a great feature in case of a power outage. The backup battery will keep the opener running long enough to allow you to close the door manually.
11. Wireless Keypad
A wireless key pad is a great feature to have. This allows you to open the door without using your remote control. You simply enter the code and off it goes. It also disables anyone from opening your garage door with a remote they may have picked up at a yard sale, or found laying on the ground somewhere. A wireless key pad is a great way to keep your garage secure.
12. Remote Control
The most popular feature of a garage door opener is the remote control. This allows you to open and close the door with the touch of a button, from anywhere in your yard or driveway. Most remotes have a range of about 100 feet.
Related: How To Program Garage Door Opener In Car Without Remote
How long do chamberlain garage door openers last?
Chamberlain garage door openers are made with the highest quality materials and can last for decades. The average lifespan of a Chamberlain garage door opener is 15 to 20 years. The lifespan of a Chamberlain garage door opener depends on how well it is taken care of, as well as its frequency in use.
If your new chamberlain opener starts to make loud noises or not work properly, this may be a sign that you need to replace it. Chamberlain offers a wide variety of opener models to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your home.
How long do liftmaster garage door openers last?
LiftMaster garage door openers are also made with high-quality materials and have a long lifespan. The company’s products typically last around 20 years when properly taken care of.
The difference between LiftMaster and Chamberlain is that LiftMaster offers more commercial grade options for those who need them. Like Chamberlain, the lifespan of a LiftMaster opener depends on how well it is taken care of and how often it is used. If your new LiftMaster opener starts to make loud noises or not work properly, this may be a sign that you need to replace it.
Related: How To Program A Liftmaster Garage Door Opener
How long do Genie garage door openers last?
Genie is another brand that has been around for decades and can last as long as its products are well maintained. Its most popular model is the Genie Intellicode, which can last up to 20 years.
Related: How To Program A Genie Garage Door Opener
How long do Craftsman garage door openers last?
Craftsman is another trusted brand that is known for its quality and durability. The company’s products typically last around 15 years with proper care.
Related: How To Program Old Craftsman Garage Door Opener
How long do chamberlain garage door openers last?
Chamberlain is one of the most popular brands on the market, and its products are known to be reliable. The average lifespan of a Chamberlain garage door opener is 15 to 20 years.
How long do Linear garage door openers last?
Linear is another big-name brand that offers powerful and reliable products. Its most popular model, the Linear LDCO800, lasts up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
How long do Stanley garage door openers last?
Stanley is a trusted brand in the industry that has been around for decades. The company’s products typically last around 20 years with proper care.
How long do sears garage door openers last?
Sears is another popular brand in the industry. These products typically last longer than most other brands, ranging from 20 to 25 years depending on how well they are maintained and used.
How long do overhead garage door openers last?
Overhead garage door openers are some of the most popular on the market. They are known for their durability and long lifespan, with many models lasting up to 25 years.
Each brand mentioned above typically has a variety of different garage door opener models available, so it is important to do your research before making a purchase in order to find the one that best suits your needs.
How long do belt drive garage door openers last?
The average lifespan of a belt drive garage door opener is about ten years. However, that number can vary depending on the amount of use it gets and the type of climate it’s exposed to. If you live in a hot climate, for example, your garage door opener might not last as long as someone who lives in a cooler climate.
How long does a screw drive garage door opener last?
The average lifespan of a screw drive garage door opener is about seven years.
These openers are durable and still function well even after seven years, but they will start to accumulate some wear and tear.
If your garage door opener is nearing eight or nine years old, then you should consider replacing it.
How long does a chain drive garage door opener last?
The average lifespan of a chain drive garage door opener is about ten years.
These openers are a little bit less durable than screw drive garage door openers, but they still last for a long time.
If your chain drive garage door opener is nearing eleven or twelve years old, then you should consider replacing it.
How to make your garage door opener last longer?
There are a few things that you can do to make your garage door opener last longer.
First, make sure that you keep the blades clean and free of debris.
Second, check the springs regularly and make sure that they are in good condition.
Third, lubricate all of the moving parts regularly.
Fourth, make sure that you test the safety features regularly.
If your garage door opener is showing signs of wear and tear, then you should consider replacing it before it breaks down completely.
Related: How to Reset a Garage Door Opener?
Garage Door Opener won’t work at all
If your garage door opener is not working at all, then you may have a problem with the circuit board or motor. First, make sure that there are no loose wires and check for any signs of damage to these components. If there is none, then it could be an electrical issue causing your garage door opener to malfunction. You should contact an electrician to diagnose and fix the problem.
Conclusion
Garage door openers are a crucial part of any home, and it is important to choose the right one for your needs. Each brand mentioned above offers a variety of different products, so it is important to do your research before making a purchase.
The lifespan of a garage door opener depends on how well it is taken care of and how often it is used. If your garage door opener is starting to show signs of wear and tear, then you should consider replacing it before it breaks down completely. Always consult with a professional if you are having any problems with your garage door opener. Thanks for reading!