How To Install A Garage Door Opener (12 Steps)

A garage door opener is something that once you install it, you won’t know how you lived without it. They’re helpful, easy to use, and will save you so much time.

Here’s how to install a garage door opener and make the most of it once you have it.

Overview

In this article, we’re going to share some tips to keep in mind before you start your project, including everything from how to install a garage door opener and programming to troubleshoot common problems and deciding if you need to contact a professional for help.

Let’s get started.

How To Install A Garage Door Opener

Installing your own garage door opener shouldn’t be too difficult, and should take you around 4-6 hours to do. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to get it installed.

1. Checking compatibility

Most modern garage doors will easily be used with a garage door opener, thanks to the multiple horizontal sections it has. If you have an older door that’s in one solid piece, then you’ll need to replace your door first.

Garage door replacement costs will vary based on the type of door and materials. However, a recent study revealed homeowners recouped 123.8% of the cost. If you’d like to learn more, check out out these new garage doors.

2. Select a garage door opener

You’ll see that there’s lots of choice on the market when it comes to your garage door opener.

The choice boils down to two different types of models, including chain-driven or belt-driven. The main difference is that the belt opener is somewhat quieter in operation, so keep that in mind when you’re considering one.

3. Ensure there’s an electrical outlet

You’ll need to power your opener, and so there needs to be an outlet in the immediate area for it to be plugged into. Usually, this will be on the ceiling. You may already have one, but if you don’t, you’ll need to have one installed.

4. Put together the main assembly

Your garage door opener should come with instructions on how to put it together. Put together your main assembly now, ready to be installed on the ceiling.

5. Install blocking

If there’s no blocking on the ceiling already, you’ll need to install it now, ready for the main assembly. Your instructions will tell you exactly how they should be installed. Remember, drill them into the joists in your ceiling, not just the sheetrock, or it won’t have enough support.

6. Attach the bracket to the garage door

This is what will connect the garage door to the opener itself. Check your instructions to see exactly where this needed to go on your door.

7. Put everything into place

Now, you’ll need to insert the end of the assembly into the bracket on the door, then mount the opener onto the mounts in the ceiling. Again, refer to your instruction manual as every garage door opener is slightly different.

8. Attach the safety rope

This needs to go on the emergency release on the carriage. Adjust the rope so any adult can reach it, but keep it out of the reach of children for their safety.

9. Insert the light bulb

Many openers have a light bulb compartment, so you’ll have light when you open your garage door. Use a light bulb that’s designed for ‘rough’ use, as it will need to stand up to the vibrations of the garage door.

10. Install the electric eye equipment

This safety equipment should go either side of the garage door, to sense if anything is obstructing the path of the door. Refer to your instructions for how to install yours.

11. Adjust your safety autoreverse and electric eye systems

This is a vital step to ensure you’re safe when using your garage door. Again, check your instructions as they’ll tell you how to do this.

12. Test the door opener

Now, check to see that your garage door opener is functioning correctly. Hit the remote button or use the keypad to see if it’s all opening correctly.

Programming

After installing your garage door opener, it’s time to program it so it opens and closes properly.

We recommend following the instructions included with your garage door opener in order to avoid overlooking critical steps. If you don’t have the instructions, you can find helpful information from the company that made the opener.

If you run into a problem while programming, consider taking a look at the troubleshooting section of How to Program a Garage Door Opener.

Troubleshooting Problems

Most installations should go smoothly, but sometimes you’ll run into problems installing the garage door opener. If that happens, don’t panic. When you’re stuck, get in touch with a garage door repair company. They’ve installed many openers over the years, so they know just what they’re doing. It’s much better to call on them and have them complete the installation for you, rather than trying to finish it yourself.

It’s easier than you’d think to install a garage door opener if you follow these instructions. It’s all about picking the opener that’s right for you and following the instructions that come from the manufacturer. You’ll soon be able to enjoy all the benefits of a garage door opener in your home.

Why Install A Garage Door Opener?

There are so many reasons why you would want to install a new garage door opener in your garage. Firstly, they offer a huge amount of convenience. When you pull up to your garage door, you don’t have to get out of your car in order to get in. You’ll either push the button on your remote or punch in a number on a keypad, and the door will open for you. All you have to do is drive-in. No more getting out of your car in bad weather to open the door, or trying to wrangle the kids or pets that are in your car when you’re trying to open the door at the same time.

When you drive in, the door will close and lock automatically behind you. Ever worried about whether you remembered to lock the door? You won’t have to do that anymore. as it’s automatic, you can leave it as you know it’ll be locked until you come to open it again.

Also, having a garage door opener on your door gives you extra security for your home. No one can enter your garage unless they have a remote or the code for the keypad, and they won’t have that unless you give it to them. Modern remotes use ‘rolling codes’, where the opener changes the ‘code’ it’s looking for from the remote every time it opens. This keeps you safe as even if someone has a remote for your model of garage door opener, they won’t be able to get in.

Get an Estimate

If installing a garage door opener seems beyond your personal experience, you may find it helpful to contact a professional for help. A professional will be able to provide an estimate so you know how long it will take and how much it will cost.

Here at Your Garage Door Guys, we’re proud to help neighbors throughout our service areas with a variety of garage door services, including garage door opener installation.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to install a garage door opener, you can decide whether or not you have the experience to get the job done. If you need help installing a garage door opener, consider contacting Your Garage Door Guys to speak with a friendly member of our team and request an estimate.

Thanks for reading.