Like most things mechanical, garage door openers aren’t designed to last forever. Even if they last longer than you expect, they’re not going to deliver the same performance after 10 years, even with routine maintenance. Typically, electric garage door openers have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. This is, of course, provided that there isn’t some change in the regulations or major technological upgrade that comes along. In this case, you may decide to upgrade early, and rightfully so.
Did you know that after all of the wildfires throughout California in 2017 and 2018, the governor signed a bill requiring battery backup on all new residential garage door openers? Situations like this would be a case for upgrading before your opener has lived out its full lifespan. Also, keep in mind that product quality will affect longevity. Low-end models will typically not last as long as mid-range or high-end models like the LiftMaster Elite Series, based on lifespan alone.
How you use your door is going to play a big role in how long it lasts. If you don’t use the garage often, it will typically last longer than an opener that is used on a daily basis or multiple times per day. Of course, there are a number of other things to learn about the age of your opener and exactly what that means.
When was the system installed?
Your garage door and garage door opener system are both tagged with stickers that include the install date and model information. Knowing the actual physical age of the system is a good starting point to determine whether it is worth replacing. It’s rare that you will know offhand when the door system was installed, but there are easy ways to find out.
If you don’t want to go in search of a sticker, you can get a quick ballpark estimate by checking for the sensors at the bottom of the garage door. All door openers manufactured before 1993 were required to include the photoelectric sensors to keep the door from coming down on things or people. If your door doesn’t have these, it is probably well beyond its years.
If your door opener is more than 10-15 years old, you should really at least consider an upgrade. If nothing else, a new opener system will be much more efficient. The more you use a system, the shorter its life will be. Therefore, systems with frequent use are more likely to need replacing after seven to 10 years. If you hear strange noises, don’t ignore them. Putting it off might not seem like a big deal but it doesn’t take much for a small problem to become a big one with a garage door opener system. Routine maintenance will also factor into the lifespan of your system, just as it would with any appliance.
Are you sure…?
Sure, 10 or 15 years might not sound like a long time for something like a garage door opener to last. However, you have to bear in mind that a lot of technological and mechanical advancements can be made in 10 years. Plus, the spring system on most doors needs to be replaced after just five to seven years.
If you aren’t certain of your door’s age or wear, feel free to talk to a specialist at Doorcraft Manufacturing Ltd. to get a more exact idea of how old your door might be. That way, you can decide whether you want to replace the system completely or just give it a little tune-up to improve its performance for a little while.
What if I don’t “need” a new garage door opener based on age?
Age is the primary reason that people replace their opener systems, but it certainly isn’t the only one. From function to personal preference, there are plenty of situations where you would want to replace your system before it has lived its full life.
1. The company went out of business
It’s going to be really difficult to find parts and service technicians for doors and openers that are no longer being made. In this situation, it’s best to bite the bullet and upgrade to a reputable company that isn’t going anywhere. That’s why we prefer to work with Chamberlain and LiftMaster door systems, as both have a proven track record of more than 60 years in the industry.
2. More safety features
Not all garage doors have reversal systems in place. While some people installed them on their own, doors made prior to 1982 did not have the reversing sensors that prevent the door from closing on a person or vehicle. Now, all garage doors are required to have these sensors and the reversal system in place for proper, safe operation. Doors operating without both of these systems are highly dangerous and could lead to a serious injury or accident.
3. Improved security features
The systems used in older garage doors made it easy to break codes within a matter of minutes because only seven or eight switches were used. Newer doors have higher security systems for PIN codes, locks, and other safety features. The Security and Security+ systems from LiftMaster/Chamberlain provided new coding technology, with the latest PLUS system being virtually unbreakable. This prevents robbery and keeps people from discovering your pin code.
4. You want some peace and quiet
Modern technology in garage door motors has created a variety of quiet operation motors that are designed to reduce the noise that results from regular operation. Older systems were bulky, chain-operated, and clunky. Today, systems offer a smooth track with rubber belts available and ultra-quiet motors that won’t rattle the whole house or wake up the neighbors. Wall-mounted openers are even available, such as the jackshaft model, which offers even quieter operation than a ceiling-mounted model.
5. You just want to improve your garage and your convenience
There is no shame in treating yourself to something new, and if a garage door opener is what matters to you, invest in one that will give you the simplicity and convenience that you desire. The MyQ System was introduced by LiftMaster/Chamberlain in 2013, offering smartphone access to monitor and control your garage door from anywhere in the world. All you need is a Wi-Fi connection and the free app.
Ready to Learn More About Upgrading Your Garage Door Opener?
If you live in the Fredericton area, feel free to contact us at any time. You can reach us online or by phone at 506-450-3031. We can provide you with a convenient email quotation and answer any questions that you might have.
We carry a wide range of openers and systems from LiftMaster, including a variety of styles and installation options to choose from. Many models even offer an emergency backup battery that allows the door to operate in the event that the garage loses power.
We invite you to visit our showroom or to get inspiration from our image gallery and discuss your needs for a new garage door system. If you’re thinking about the door too, visit our Design Centre to find a great door that suits your tastes and helps show off your new opening system.
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