Garage door openers are a valuable piece of equipment that many homeowners rely on to get them in and out of their garage and house. When they start showing signs of wear and tear, it can be difficult to determine whether repair or replacement is the best option.
The first thing a garage door opener repair service technician will do is perform a visual inspection to see what the issue is and how serious it is. If it’s the case that a component like a safety sensor or gear is damaged, repairs may be possible. However, if the problem is due to discombobulated opener settings or a circuit board that is model-specific and out of warranty, the technician might suggest replacing the unit.
If the garage door doesn’t open with the remote or with a wall switch, it’s likely that the transmitter batteries need to be replaced. If the remote still doesn’t work, the problem might be the opener itself or the receiver, which replaces the transmitter’s radio frequency and allows older openers to update to rolling code technology that prevents unauthorized access to home security systems. To change the receiver, simply unscrew the old one from the opener and plug in a new receiver with the two wires that are provided (don’t worry, these are low voltage and won’t shock you).
Garage doors can also stop moving smoothly if the track is bent or misaligned. To fix this, raise the door to about halfway and disconnect it from the opener. Then find the adjustment bolts for the chain or belt and tighten them, working in small increments to prevent damage to the track or opener. Alternatively, a lubricating spray may be used to help the track move more easily.
Another common problem with garage doors is when they reverse too soon or fall downward once they’re retracted. This can usually be fixed by raising the door to about midway and disconnecting it from the opener. Then disconnect the springs and manually lower the door to the floor (be careful, as these are under high tension). To adjust the up-limit switch, locate it on the track and use a wrench to turn the screw clockwise to raise the limit or counterclockwise to decrease the limit.
It’s important to have a professional perform regular maintenance on your garage door and its opener to prolong the life of both. A professional can identify and repair problems before they become more severe, and most will charge a reasonable flat fee for their services. If you plan to sell your home in the near future, it’s a good idea to have your opener repaired as early as possible to make it more appealing to potential buyers. However, if you’re planning to stay in your home for several years or more, it might be better to wait and simply replace the opener with a newer, more efficient model. This will ensure that you get the most bang for your buck and save you the expense of an unexpected replacement later on down the road.