The garage door opener makes your garage door system function at the touch of a button. If your opener isn’t working as expected, it may be time for a replacement. When you know the signs of a malfunctioning garage door opener, you can set up an appointment with a service professional right away to replace your unit before it breaks down.
The Importance of a Functioning Garage Door Opener
A functional garage door is a necessity for many homeowners, so it’s greatly missed when the opener stops working correctly. Installing a new garage door opener can offer many benefits, including:
- A convenient way to get in and out of your garage with minimal effort.
- Safe operation to prevent personal injury or property damage when using the garage door.
- Security for keeping your home and belongings safe from an intruder.
How to Tell You Need a Garage Door Opener Replacement
Your garage door may display the following symptoms if it needs to be replaced:
Garage Door Won’t Open or Close
If you press the button to open or close the door and it doesn’t move, your garage door opener is malfunctioning. In some cases, this problem may be fixed by replacing the batteries in your remotes, reconnecting the door to the garage door opener or removing blockages from the track.
Garage Door Opener Works Sporadically
A malfunctioning garage door opener works only when it wants to, which can be an annoying problem to deal with when you want to leave or enter your garage. The batteries or wiring could be the source of the problem, or it could mean your garage door opener needs to be replaced.
Garage Door Moves on Its Own
Does your garage door seem to have a mind of its own? A garage door that activates randomly is both a nuisance and a security issue. Circuit board damage or stuck buttons on the wall remote or panel can cause this issue.
Garage Door Reverses Direction
If your garage door opens or closes part or all of the way and then reverses itself, it could mean your photo safety eyes are misaligned, dirty or obstructed. It could also indicate faulty components or wiring. If your garage door is still acting up after you clean and realign the sensors, it could mean your garage door opener is irreparably damaged.
Garage Door Opener Moves Slowly
Garage door opener problems can cause the door to open slower than it should. Worn-out components and poor lubrication of the hinges, rollers and track could make an opener ineffective. This problem also surfaces when a garage door opener is near the end of its life span and needs replacement.
Garage Door Gets Stuck
Faulty garage door systems may get stuck and freeze before closing all the way. This garage door opener problem is concerning because it’s a safety hazard. Besides garage door opener malfunction, broken or bent rollers or tracks or fastener problems could cause a stuck garage door.
Garage Door Opener Makes Unusual Sounds
Is your garage door opener making sounds it’s never made before, like scraping or screeching? The strange sounds could mean the opener needs repair or replacement. If your opener is loud all the time, however, it could simply be due to its age — older garage door openers are more subject to motor strain, making it more difficult to open the door.
Garage Door Opener Is Old
The average life span of a garage door opener is 10 to 15 years. During this time, you’ve likely used the opener several times a day, resulting in thousands of cycles. This level of use and age can cause your opener to stop working. A repair may not be possible if the opener is obsolete.
Old garage door openers are likely to have outdated technology as well, which is easier for would-be criminals to compromise or gain access to your home. Newer openers will have safety features like photo safety eyes to prevent injuries and property damage.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Your Garage Door Opener?
The cost of a garage door opener replacement from a professional can range from $218 to $525. This cost includes the price of the new opener, replacement parts, labor and removal of your old opener. Some factors that influence the price of a garage door opener installation are the:
- Brand and model of the new opener.
- Type of opener — screw, chain, belt, direct-drive or jackshaft.
- Horsepower rating of the opener, with a higher rating costing more.
- Type and number of remotes and keypads included.
- Cost of labor per hour, which can vary by region.
- Price of installing extra features like sensors, electrical wiring or a backup battery.
Who to Call When You Need to Replace Your Garage Door Opener
When you need your garage door opener replaced, it’s important to call a garage door service professional like Cornwell Door Service to do the job. Many homeowners are unaware of how hard it is to replace a garage door opener on their own. A DIY replacement can be dangerous, especially if you’re unsure how to complete it. A professional installation ensures the opener works properly and maximizes the life span of your new installation.
Contact Cornwell Door Service for Garage Door Opener Replacements in Central Pennsylvania
Cornwell Door Service is a professional garage door opener repair company offering essential services like opener replacements. We work with residential and commercial customers in Camp Hill, Lebanon and Harrisburg. Call 800-820-9841 or contact us online to schedule service today!