- Imagine this: you're heading to the grocery store, but when you enter your garage code, nothing happens. You try a few more times before realizing that your garage door opener is the issue. It had been making strange noises for a while, but now it's completely unresponsive. Should you call for a repair, or is it time for a new opener altogether?
- When to Repair Your Opener
- When to Replace Your Opener
Imagine this: you’re heading to the grocery store, but when you enter your garage code, nothing happens. You try a few more times before realizing that your garage door opener is the issue. It had been making strange noises for a while, but now it’s completely unresponsive. Should you call for a repair, or is it time for a new opener altogether? #
Garage door openers tend to become unreliable between 10-15 years of age. While repairing might be less expensive initially, knowing when to replace your opener could save you money in the long run. After all, you wouldn’t put a new engine in a car with over 200,000 miles, would you?
When to Repair Your Opener #
If it’s relatively new but malfunctioning: A newer garage door opener that isn’t working properly might only need a simple fix. Loose parts or disconnected wires can often be addressed by a professional inspection. For instance, if your garage door opener is louder than usual, tightening the opener’s belt or chain might solve the problem.
If it’s still under warranty: Warranties cover malfunctions under normal operation but typically exclude user errors or tampering. Check if your garage door opener is still under warranty, and contact the company that installed it. Some warranties are only valid if the original installer performs the repairs.
If the repair costs less than $300: Repairs that cost between $150-$300 can be worth it, but anything more expensive might justify replacing the opener. Typical repairs in this price range include keypad, remote, or wall control panel replacements, repairing safety sensors, or replacing a malfunctioning logic board.
When to Replace Your Opener #
If it’s over 12 years old and frequently used: For homes where the garage is a primary access point, an aging opener can become unreliable. Frequent use wears down the opener faster, so replacing it provides peace of mind and avoids inconvenient breakdowns.
If the repair costs more than $300: Spending over $300 on repairs for an old opener is often not cost-effective. In such cases, replacing the opener makes more sense financially, ensuring reliable operation and potentially saving money in the long run.
If it wasn’t properly installed: An improperly installed garage door opener can be hazardous. Signs of poor installation include an imbalanced door, sloppy wiring, reuse of old parts, uneven anchor points, and crooked rails. If these issues are present, replacing the opener with a professionally installed unit is crucial.
If you’re looking for upgraded features: Modern garage door openers offer advanced features that enhance convenience and safety. Reasons to upgrade include:
- Quiet operation: Ideal for homes with living spaces adjacent to the garage.
- Smart connectivity: myQ technology allows you to control your garage door via smartphone.
- Improved safety: Modern openers have safety sensors that prevent the door from closing if someone crosses the threshold.
- Enhanced security: Security+ 2.0 provides millions of codes, ensuring the remote never uses the same code twice. Built-in cameras let you see and hear what’s happening in your garage from your phone.
- Battery backup: Allows operation during power outages, ensuring you’re never stuck without access.
In summary, whether to repair or replace your garage door opener depends on its age, warranty status, repair costs, installation quality, and desired features. Carefully consider these factors to make the best decision for your situation.
