Your garage door opener is an essential part of your garage. Unfortunately, garage door openers won’t last forever. Garage Door Medics is here for you when you need garage doors and services in Carlsbad. Our experts have experience working with various types of garage doors and openers.
Knowing when to upgrade a garage door opener is not always obvious. Below are some common signs that it’s time to replace your opener with a newer model.
1. The Garage Door Won’t Open or Close
One of the most common indications that your garage opener is wearing down is when you can’t open the door. When you press the wall button or use a remote controller, and the door doesn’t move, it could be a few different problems.
- The remote controller needs new batteries. If you press the button and your door doesn’t open, it could be the batteries. Be sure to have a battery backup to replace dead remote controller batteries.
- There is no connection between the door and the opener. When the remote controller isn’t the problem, check the door and opener connection. To do this, manually close the door, then press ‘close’ on the remote controller. If the door does not connect automatically, pull the emergency release cord.
2. The Garage Door Opens Intermittently
It may be time to upgrade your garage door opener if your garage door opens and closes without you pressing the button. When your garage door works intermittently even with fresh remote-control batteries, you could have a wiring issue.
A sporadic garage door presents a nuisance plus a security and safety issue. If your garage door randomly opens and closes without your manual command, call the professionals immediately. Fixing a wiring issue in the door opener requires a garage door expert’s trained eye and expertise.
3. The Garage Door Opener Is Detaching or Slow
Some signs that you need a new opener are less obvious than others. For example, you may need to buy a new garage door opener if your door opens slower than usual. Although this seems like merely a minor inconvenience, it indicates that your opener is wearing down.
In some cases, the garage door can detach and fall out of position. This fallen door can damage property and pose extreme danger to those around it. If you notice that your garage door is opening slower than usual, call Garage Door Medics so we can quickly restore your opener motor and prevent further issues.
4. The Garage Door Reverses after It Opens
One of the most common problems homeowners face with their garage door openers is having their door reverse after opening. Thankfully, this is not always a complicated fix. If your garage door is reversing, try these troubleshooting steps.
Check the Safety Sensors
Your garage door has safety sensors on either side that tell the door if something is in the way. They prevent the garage door from closing if they detect something under the door’s closing path.
If the door is reversing when you try to close it, there could be something in front of the sensors. Check for any obstructions, such as sticks, toys, or other objects. Then, clean the safety lenses with a paper towel to clear away any dust or debris.
Once you clear the door’s path and clean the sensors, make sure they are not misaligned. It can be easy to accidentally knock a sensor out of place, so make sure they are where they should be.
5. You Hear Strange Noises Coming from the Opener Motor
Although opening and closing your garage is not a completely silent endeavor, you can typically tell if the opener motor is making strange noises. If the opener is louder than usual, it is likely an older model. However, if you hear unusual noises like squeaking or whining, you probably need an opener upgrade.
The best way to eliminate the strange noises is to let a professional inspect it. Strange or loud noises indicate that your garage door opener is old and wearing down. The best way to prevent further issues and restore efficiency is to replace your opener with a newer model.
6. The Garage Door Opener Is Vibrating
A garage opener and chain drive will often vibrate as it ages. The vibrating can cause the opener to shift out of place and potentially damage the contents of your garage.
In some cases, you can manually secure the drive or opener yourself. To safely secure or repair your garage door opener, call Garage Door Medics for quick, effective service.
Benefits of Installing Updated Garage Door Openers
Aside from avoiding unwanted problems and repairs, there are several benefits of upgrading your garage door opener.
1. Smart Technology
Thousands of homeowners across the U.S. are integrating smart technology into their everyday routine. These days, you can open your garage door with more than a wall button.
Instead of relying on radio frequency to open your garage door, you can use WIFI to operate it from your smartphone, even while you’re away. If your guests need temporary access to your garage, you can send them a unique code to open the door or do so with a mobile application.
2. New Safety Features
One of the best benefits of replacing your garage door with a newer model is improved safety features.
Newer garage door openers use light- and laser-activated sensors to detect obstructions and prevent the door from closing. Additionally, homeowners can receive notifications anytime something crosses the sensors.
Garage Door Medics can help you upgrade your garage door opener with the latest smart technology and safety features. We’ll also help you learn why your garage opener light is blinking and the best maintenance steps to protect your motor.
Garage Door Medics has the experience and tools homeowners need to restore and replace their garage door openers. Call us today at (888) 997-2423 to schedule an inspection in Carlsbad.
