How Many Years Does a Garage Door Opener Last

Your garage door opener is an essential part of your garage door system. The opener is what makes it possible for your door to open and close. The team at Starlite Garage Doors has some helpful answers to any questions about your opener.
What A Garage Door Opener Does
If you own a residential door, your opener is probably attached near the ceiling. An opener is a unit that uses electricity to operate your door. It connects to the track and slides back and forth to open and close the door.
The opener connects to a remote that is mounted to a wall in your garage. When you push the remote button, it signals the door to either open or close. An opener will last anywhere from 10-20 years depending on several factors.
Different Types of Openers
Manufacturers make different openers that work well with specific types of doors. A commercial door will have a different opener than a residential door. There are three common types of openers.
Chain Drive
This is a common type of opener in commercial and residential doors. A chain connects to the trolly to open and close the door. These are typically inexpensive but they are very noisy.
Belt Drive
Belt drive openers operate your door with a belt system. This system is more expensive but very quiet. The belt makes fewer vibrations and has less moving parts.
Screw Drive
A screw drive opener attaches to a steel rod that moves the trolley back and forth. This movement makes the door open and close. Like belt drives, they are quiet and easy to take care of.
Replacing Your Opener
Regardless of the type of opener, you’ll need to replace it at some point. Sometimes your opener just stops working because it’s worn out from overuse. Some other reasons to replace your opener include:
● Outdated model – If your opener is older than 15 years, consider upgrading to a new model. Today’s technology offers better safety features and extra accessories.
● Excessive Noise level – If your opener makes more noise than usual, it’s time to get it checked out or replaced. Older openers wear out and the parts don’t work as well.
● Newer accessories – Today’s garage door systems have accessories that make your life easier. Some of these include WiFi capabilities or battery backup.
It’s important to perform regular checks on your opener so you know when something is wrong. Your local garage door professional will replace your opener for you.
Maintenance Checks Are Important
One of the best things you can do for your opener is to perform regular checks on your system. All the parts of your system work together to make your door work. If one of them isn’t working properly, it hurts the rest of the system.
Schedule monthly checks that you can do on your own. Stand inside your door and do a visual check of the opener, springs, and door balance. Make sure you have a professional come out at least once a year to do a full inspection.