How Long Do Garage Door Openers Last?
Your garage door opener is one of the most critical components of your garage door entry system. You use it when you pull your car out to go to work and when your kids want to get their bikes and toys out for some fun in the sun. If your garage door opener is working efficiently, you probably don’t think about it at all — until something goes wrong.
That’s why it’s important to know how long your garage door opener will last and how you can take better care of it.
Your garage door opener is the mechanical system that lifts and lowers your garage door and connects to other important components like springs, tracks, and rollers. For most homeowners, the average life expectancy of a garage door opener will typically range from 10 to 15 years, given the proper care and maintenance, your garage door opener can last a long time before needing to be replaced. With that in mind, there are a few factors that can either increase or decrease the lifespan of your operator.
Factors that impact the lifespan of your operator:
These are just some factors that can impact the life expectancy of your opener. Different lifestyles and activity levels mean that your garage door may be used more or less than other garage doors. Ask yourself the following questions.
The Frequency of Use Your Opener Gets will Impact its Lifespan
How often you use the opener will have a significant impact on its lifespan. If you use your opener twice a day — when you pull your car out in the morning and pull it in the garage at night — your opener will most likely last you 10 to 15 years. However, if you’re opening the garage door several times a day for your car, the kids’ bikes, yard equipment and more, it will probably wear out a bit faster.
What Kind of Opener Do You Have?
Your garage most likely has one of three types of garage door openers. Each system has its own maintenance needs based on the number of parts it has, the way it functions and its strength.
The three systems are chain-driven, belt-driven and screw-driven. The screw drive openers are the noisiest type of opener, but it’s the easiest to maintain due to its small amount of parts. The belt drive is the smoothest and quietest of the three. The chain-drive is the least expensive and requires a decent amount of maintenance. With each of these differences, the life expectancy can vary between the style of operator you have installed. For example, belt-driven operators can last as long as 15-20 years compared to the average 10-15 years for a chain-drive operator model.
By performing the right kind of maintenance for your garage door opener, you can prolong its life expectancy. If you’re looking for an operator that will go the distance without sacrificing any popular features, a belt-driven operator such as the Elite Series 870504-267 is a great option. This operator not only performs well, but also comes with 1080p video capabilities, wi-fi connectivity, and even a battery backup for power outages.
Other garage door opener styles can still go the distance such as the available chain-driven model, the Elise Series 8587W. While this operator doesn’t have all the video capabilities of the 870504-267, this residential operator comes packed with Security+ 2.0® features to keep your home secure for the long haul.
Are You Performing Regular Garage Door Opener Maintenance?
Maintaining your garage door is crucial, especially if you use it often. Lubricating the springs, hinges and rollers help keep parts from grinding, rubbing and wearing down. It’s best to do this in the winter and summer. If you have a chain-drive or belt-drive, you should check that the belt or chain is tight. You should also check nuts and bolts and tighten them if necessary. These kinds of services can keep the essential parts of your opener working efficiently for many years.
Contact the Professionals for Garage Door Opener Maintenance
Your garage door opener is an investment you want to last as long as possible. If it’s making unusual sounds or it’s not working correctly, you might need repairs or a replacement. When that time comes, feel free to contact A Better Door Co., Inc. Our family-run business has served the Long Island area for over 30 years. You can count on our team to make sure your garage door and its components are in good shape.
Contact us to learn more or request an estimate for garage door opener maintenance.