Do You Need a New Garage Door Opener?
Most Americans put their garage doors through the wringer every day without even realizing it. If you're a typical homeowner with a garage, you open and close it three to five times a day – about 1,500 times each year – putting stress not only on the door itself, but the gears and mechanisms which make the open-close cycle a no-brain endeavor. For most people, that involves simply pushing a button on a remote, wall pad, or smartphone app. Voila! And the garage door magically opens and closes on command.
Reputable garage door installers will tell you the door, gears, springs, other components, and garage door opener itself can wear down over time and need maintenance or replacement. In some cases, it’s a matter of answering a simple question: Do you need a garage door opener or not?
If you have a one-car garage that’s rarely used and has a side entrance, you may not need a mechanized opener at all. Most small garages feature a single overhead door that normally weighs less than 80 pounds and opens very easily by grabbing the handle and giving it a lift. So opening the door occasionally isn’t a problem.
But if you have a two-car or larger garage which gets frequent use, you absolutely need a garage door opener to make your life easier and utilize garage space as intended. Of course, there are many other reasons or signs that you need a new model which a garage door installation company can tell you about.
Do You Need a New Garage Door Opener or Not?
Deciding whether it’s time to upgrade your garage door opener can feel like a big step. While many doors can still be operated manually, there are several factors that make an automatic opener the smarter, safer, and more convenient choice. If you’re unsure, consulting with a garage door professional is always the best way to confirm what’s right for your home.
Safety and Physical Limitations
One-car garage doors are fairly lightweight and manageable, but double-car doors are typically 16 feet wide and can weigh hundreds of pounds. Manually operating such a heavy door day after day is not only inconvenient but can also be painful or even unsafe if you have a medical condition that limits physical activity. A garage door opener takes the strain off you and reduces the risk of injury.
Security and Home Value
Need a New Garage Door Opener?
Visit the page below to learn more about the state-of-the-art Liftmaster opener models we offer – or call our service team for a free estimate!An automatic opener enhances your home’s security by ensuring your garage door closes and locks completely every time. Manually operated doors can be easier for thieves to exploit, so why take the risk? On top of that, if you’re planning to sell or rent your home, a modern opener is a must-have feature. Having one already installed can boost your home’s appeal and value.
In the end, a new garage door opener isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, security, and long-term value. If your current door is difficult to open, excessively noisy, or leaving your garage vulnerable, it may be time to consider an upgrade.
Convenience and Comfort
Using a garage door opener is far more convenient than manually operating your door—especially since most homeowners open and close their garage door around 1,500 times a year. Picture pulling up in the middle of a heavy rainstorm and having to get out of your car to lift the door. An opener eliminates that hassle and makes everyday use smoother and easier.
Noise Reduction and Maintenance
Modern garage door openers are designed to operate quietly, reducing the loud clatter that comes from worn-out parts or manual operation. In many cases, installing a new opener also means replacing outdated components like springs and hinges, which further cuts down on noise and keeps your system running more smoothly.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Garage Door Opener
- Unexpected vibrations could be a sign that armatures or shafts are worn out or bent in their housings. Garage door openers that work properly shouldn’t noticeably vibrate and may be a sign to call a maintenance professional.
- Your garage door opens and then reverses, there could be an issue with the motion sensors on either side of the garage door frame.
- Your garage door opener is old, and chain driven. These types of openers are noisier than belt-drive models and can wear down faster as they age.
- Your garage door opener doesn't work reliably. Some stuck garage doors can be chalked up to a faulty motion sensor, an electrical problem, a bad keypad, or any other reason indicating it may be time to get a new unit installed.
"Over time, your garage door opener will likely experience some issues as it wears out. As you notice it start to decline, try replacing the batteries in your opener or lubricating the tracks of the machine to see if that helps. There may also be issues with the tension in your springs or the operating settings on your machine that are causing the opener to malfunction."
–Angi Solution Center
What Garage Door Installers Will Tell You
You may also want to consider a new garage door opener because they feature what's known as a rolling code. This is a communication protocol that transmits a unique code, via radio signal, from the remote control to the garage door opener every time the remote is activated – making it harder for the code to be intercepted. Older door openers use the same code, increasing the chances that a thief could break into your garage. Battery backups, outside keypads, and "smart" garage door openers are other features to look for in a garage door opener.
Call a Trusted Professional
Buying a garage door opener is often a matter of personal preference and necessity. Today’s newer garage door models are more secure, reliable, and smarter than a unit installed 20 years ago. They’re easier and more convenient to operate and simpler to maintain. If you have questions about the best garage door opener to install, or desirable features, call the experts at A Better Garage Door. Contact us today at 303-920-2267 for more information or to schedule a consultation.