Garage door openers are a great asset to your household. Whenever you get back from a long day at work, you can conveniently press a button to open your garage door. Since most garage door openers last, upwards of 20 years, they’re a long-term investment that saves you time and money overall. What happens if they no longer do their job properly, though?
If your garage door opener is not functioning correctly, such as not opening when it should, there are several potential causes. In any case, you might need to consider the possibility of replacing your opener with a new one. Here are some garage door problems, which might result in you needing to get a replacement.
Does Your Garage Door Make Too Much Noise?
Do you hear squeaking noises whenever your garage door operates? It can serve as an annoying distraction to you and everyone around you. If your garage door opener is not regularly maintained or it’s getting older, it can result in a high-pitched grinding sound. It usually happens with certain types of openers.
Since most garage door openers use chain drives, they might be the leading cause of the increased noise levels. While chain drives are powerful, the metal tends to rust over time. When it erodes, the metal makes loud sounds during operation. As a result, you might need to replace chain drives with belt or screwdriver models instead.
Do You Want to Improve Overall Security?
Even if you set up burglar alarms for your home, they can still infiltrate if you use an old garage door opener. With specialized tools, intruders can bypass static codes used by early model openers. As a result, owning an old garage door opener puts you at risk due to security flaws.
Newer models for garage door openers use an updated system with dynamic code. This means that burglars won’t infiltrate as easily as they could with older model openers. Updating your garage door with a newer opener is not only a safer option, but it also gives you peace of mind. Prevent unauthorized entry with a better garage door opener.
Does Your Garage Door Support Keyless Entry?
Modern garage door openers use keypad entry systems. Typically installed outside the garage, all you have to do is type in the password code. Once you enter the correct one, you can enter your garage with no problems. It’s a convenient alternative to keys, which can be easily lost or stolen. However, older versions of garage door openers might not support this feature since it only works with newer electric models.
If you want to use a keyless entry system for your garage, you need to replace your current opener with a newer one. The security advantages of keyless entries are considerable since it eliminates the need for entry keys. You can also opt for fingertip recognition instead of password codes for extra layers of protection.
Was it Made Before 1993?
By now, you should be aware old garage door openers need to be replaced. In addition to age, there is another specific reason – they lack safety reversal features. Without them, you are liable for potential dangers, which include injury and even death.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission, otherwise known as the CPSC, made a groundbreaking decision in 1992. The law now stated garage door openers manufactured by 1993 needed to have protection devices. These include infrared sensors on the garage door’s sides, which can detect whether humans are nearby. Thanks to these failsafe, you can rest assured you won’t be accidentally crushed by your garage door when it closes.
If you own a garage door opener made before 1993, you need to replace it as soon as possible. Even if you have, make sure your sensors are functioning properly. It’s important to have working sensors so you can abide by current safety guidelines. Protect yourself and your loved ones with an updated garage door opener.
Find Yourself a New Garage Door Opener
Whether your garage door opener is getting old or you want to improve your home security, now is a good time as any to get a new one. A functional garage door opener should be convenient to use and work the way it’s intended. There are several ways you can identify problems with your opener. It includes, but not limited to, wearing down over time, making too much noise, and the door getting stuck in place.
Garage door openers need an update after every 20 years or so, especially since technology changes. If your opener is over two decades old, it’s time to update with a newer model. Take advantage of modern technology with state-of-the-art protection and functional movement. Prioritize the safety and security of your household with a new garage door opener.
