The average American family opens and closes their garage door about 1,500 times per year. Over time, garage door components like the automatic opener may fail, requiring either garage door opener repair or replacement. Before deciding to green-light garage door opener repair, there are several things you should first consider such as the age of the opener, the cost of a new opener, and the reasonable expectation that the opener won’t fail again in a matter of days or weeks.
The Age of the Opener
The first thing you should consider is age. The automatic opener has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years; assuming you’ve followed the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. If it is older than this – or you don’t know its history – then you may want to consider replacing the garage door opener. It should especially be replaced if it is a pre-1993 version! Newer openers are built more durable and with more safety features than their predecessors. Contact a local garage door professional if you’re on the fence about whether to replace your existing opener.
Personal Budget
The cost of the repair versus the cost of a replacement should also factor into your decision. You may find that the garage door opener may be malfunctioning due to a minor issue that won’t put too big a dent in your wallet. In this situation, garage door opener repair would make sense. However, if the opener continually breaks down or it’s nearing the end of its life expectancy, replacement might be the best option – even if a replacement opener costs more than the repairs.
Noise Factor
Factors that can cause noise include chain-drive garage door openers, worn out or metal rollers, and inadequate lubrication of vital components. You can lubricate the hardware using a petroleum-based product (not WD-40!), replace the rollers with 13-ball bearing steel covered in white nylon, or install a system of vibration isolates that are placed between the opener and the slotted angles attached to the ceiling. You’ll also find that a DC, belt-driven opener is much quieter than one with a chain-drive.
New Tech
Thanks to the power of modern technology, many garage door opener models have evolved from opening and closing with the use of a remote control or optional keyless entry system, to allowing remote operation via a smartphone or tablet – anytime, anywhere. Each smart opener works with a different app that is free to download and features personalized settings. You can choose to receive instant notifications whenever the door is operated (or accidentally left open!). Some models are also compatible with other smart devices for complete home automation.
