Like most things in your home, your garage door opener will wear out over time.
You’re using it open your garage door day after day, and the parts will wear out. At some point, you will find that it needs to be replaced. How can you be sure it needs replacing before it breaks down completely, and how do you replace it?
In this article, we’re exploring how to replace garage door opener.
How to Replace Garage Door Opener
Is it time for you to replace your garage door opener? If yours has seen better days, then it’s best to replace it sooner rather than later. Be aware, though, that replacing the opener is a complex job. It’s not something you can do as a DIY beginner, as you’re dealing with so many complex moving parts. If you’re at all unsure as to how to do the job, it’s always best to talk to a professional about it.
When you call in a professional garage door team, they can carry out the job quickly and safely. They’ll also be able to advise you on the best garage door opener for you. If you’re ever in doubt, call in the professionals.
Here’s how to replace garage door opener.
Choose the opener for you
First, you’re going to need the right garage door opener for your needs. Chain drives are loud but cost-effective, while wall-mounted drives are quieter but will cost more.
There are lots of options out there, so decide which one you want to install in your garage.
Explore the different types of garage door openers.
Check the parts in your kit
Whichever garage door opener you go for, make sure you check the whole kit. You want to ensure all the parts are present and correct before you start installing it.
Build the opener and rail
If you have all the parts listed, then you can get started by assembling the pieces as shown in the manual. Remember that not all garage doors are made the same, so make sure you follow the instructions exactly so you can get the pieces put together correctly.
Mount the opener onto the ceiling
Now that everything has been put together, you’re ready to mount the opener to the ceiling. Open the garage door and clamp it open, as this makes it easier to align the opener with the center of the door.
Install new components
Once the opener is in place, you can start replacing all the old ones. This includes things like the photo eyes and wall buttons. These will ensure that you get the longest lifespan from your new opener, as they often won’t work if a wire is slightly damaged.
Check the opening force
This is something that may not be in the instructions but is an important safety feature. You want the door to stop moving if it encounters more than 5lbs of force. Rest your foot on the base of the door, and try opening it. Once the door meets your foot it should stop moving. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to adjust the force.
Test everything
Now that the opener is fully installed, you’ll be ready to test it. Don’t panic if everything doesn’t work as it should right away. Sometimes things need a little fine-tuning before the door opener is ready to use.
When Should You Replace Your Garage Door Opener?
Many people only find out their garage door opener needs to be replaced when they find they can’t get into the garage at the end of the day.
The last thing you want to do is deal with that at the end of a long day at work, so you’ll want to keep an eye on your garage door opener as part of your garage door maintenance.
How do know if the garage door opener needs to be replaced?
There are a few telltale signs.
It’s making too much noise: All garage door openers will make a certain amount of noise, but over time they will get noisier. That happens even with maintenance, and it will disturb your or your neighbors when you use it. The last thing you want is to make a racket when you open or close the door, so if you replace it you can replace it with a quieter model. Even modern chain drives are quieter than the one that was installed in your home ten years ago.
You want a keypad entry: If you have an older model of garage door opener, then you’ll see that they don’t come with a keypad entry. More and more homeowners are choosing keypad entry doors, as they’re convenient. You don’t need a key to get in, you just need the right code. Some models take it one step further and use fingerprint entry to let you in.
You want a smart garage door opener: Speaking of newer features, more garage door openers are offering smart capabilities. These openers can be operated by your phone, eliminating the need for extra remote control in your car. Plus, you can open the garage wherever you are, just with the touch of a button.
Improve the security of your home: Many older garage door openers are vulnerable to thieves, as they use fixed codes in order for you to enter them. They can easily sit outside with your home with the right device, and find the code that lets them. Newer garage door openers use rolling codes, that changes every time you use them so thieves can’t get in. If you’re concerned about your home security, you’ll need to change the garage door opener out.
Get a battery backup: Newer garage door openers have battery backups, which are perfect in the event of a power outage. If there’s no power, you can still get the door open without opening it manually. If this is a concern of yours, then a newer garage door opener is right for you.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to replace garage door opener, you can make a more informed decision whether it’s something you can DIY. If you’re not comfortable replacing a garage door opener, consider contacting Your Garage Door Guys for help.
Our team of experienced technicians is trained with every type of garage door opener, so you can rest assured the job will be completed fast and efficiently.