Garage Door Opener: Should You Repair or Replace?
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On average, garage door openers last for 15 to 20 years, or a little longer, if you keep up with the maintenance. If your garage door opener is aging and nearly failing, it’s wise to replace it. However, sometimes it’s practical and economically viable to repair your opener instead of replacing it.
If you are unsure whether to repair or replace your garage door opener, you’re at the right place. Continue reading to learn about when to repair or replace the openers to make a wise decision.
When It’s Better to Repair Your Opener?
The Door Opener is Malfunctioning
When your garage door opener is relatively new but malfunctioning, it’s best to get it repaired. Consult a professional to fix your door opener. It takes far less time and money to repair than to replace, and are often easier solutions. For instance, tightening the chain or belt may be all that is necessary to make your garage door opener function quietly.
You Can Claim a Warranty
A warranty helps cover your purchase if something goes wrong with it within a specific period. But be aware that warranties cover issues with the opener’s components while functioning normally. Warranties do not cover user error and tampering. After that, call the company that has installed the garage opener and discuss whether they offer a warranty for your issue.
Its Repairing Cost You Less than $300
You need to ensure that you don’t have to spend money on repairing more than the actual cost of the garage opener. Also, repairing should save you money in the long run. You need to ensure that fixing issues are a cost-effective option for you.
If your hired expert has given you a quote of $150 to $300, it’s worth doing. Anything above these charges isn’t a wise choice, and you must get your garage door opener replaced. Another to remember is the longevity of the repair. If you fix the opener, but it starts to malfunction after a few months again, you will need to spend money on repairing it. Spending money on repairing every few months is not a great idea and will cost you more than replacing the opener in the long run.
It is Used Rarely
If you don’t use your garage door frequently, then wasting your money replacing it is not a great idea. Just fix the issue to avoid accidents and security issues.
When Should You Replace Your Opener?
It’s a Very Old Garage Door Opener
If your opener is more than 12 years old and you use your door frequently, it’s probably time to replace it. Many homeowners use the garage door as the primary access to the house. You might leave home to walk with your dog through the garage.
When you use your garage door more than the main gate of the property, it has a higher risk of failure. In this case, your garage door opener needs extra attention and you must get it replaced if you have been using it for a long, i.e., more than 12 years.
It Was Not Properly Installed
If your hired experts did not install the opener accurately, it could be hazardous for you and your family. Roughly operating and imbalanced garage doors, sloppy wiring, crooked rails, and uneven anchor points are all signs that your hired company hasn’t installed the opener professionally. Usually, these openers are not designed for your type of garage door. So, of course, you need to replace them and get a new one that suits your garage doors.
It Has Old Features
If you are looking for an efficient garage door opener with several modern features, you might need to install an upgraded version of the garage door opener. The new openers come with top-of-the-line technology and unique features that make your life safer and easier.
Liftmaster has models available with Wi-Fi and cell phone connectivity, enabling you to lock or unlock your garage from a distance or receive notifications when it is open, regardless of where you are. A smartphone, computer, or tablet with the appropriate app can monitor and manage the garage door.
These digital controls and readouts on garage door openers frequently provide time and temperature displays, motion-sensor light control, and preprogrammed lock-down times for the garage door. If you are looking for an upgraded garage door opener, you need to replace it.
Security Risks
Modern garage doors have updated security options. Previously garage doors only had fixed-code systems that were easier to hack and break into. They weren’t fully secure. Modern garage door openers have a rolling code system that creates a new code on every use, making them a top choice for homeowners to keep their properties secure.
Also, these newer products have security features that notify homeowners if someone tries to break into the house. Therefore, replacing your outdated garage door opener with a new one that has the newest features will provide you peace of mind if security is your top priority.
Noisy Garage Door Opener
Is your garage door opener noisy? Does it cause disturbance in your home or wake people up from their sweat sleep when you open or close your garage door? If that’s the case, you need to replace the opener. A new opener will probably be quieter.
Bottom Line
Replace or repair your garage door opener? Whatever you decide, it’s vital to consider all the factors. Think whether your garage door opener can do well with just repairing. Do you have a budget to get a new opener? You must also consider how a new garage door opener can benefit you. Can you get new features that offer more security and efficiency to the garage doors?
Remember that garage door openers are a costly part of your garage door. You can’t spend money on it every after few months. So, make the right decision and contact an expert who can guide you about whether your garage door opener needs repair or replacement. Heritage Door offers many options to choose from.
