The garage entrance is one of the two entry points of your home, and therefore, it should always be in working condition. Many homeowners neglect the garage door, but if you take a little care, it can go a long way without a replacement. If you need some upgrading, consider installing a garage door opener to make it easy for you to use this entry point comfortably.

However, do you know about replacing a garage door opener if the need arises? We will discuss what this opener is and when it is a good idea to replace it.

A garage door opener is a device that automatically opens up the garage door. There are two types of openers available in the market and you can choose the one that suits the garage door in your home. The average lifespan of a garage door opener is around 10-15 years, but if you need to replace the garage door opener sooner, you should know when it is due.

How to replace garage door opener?

Several factors determine when the garage door opener has to be replaced. Some homes require a quicker replacement of this device because of the high traffic. If the garage door is opened and closed multiple times a day, it will experience more wear and tear on the opener compared to those with infrequent use.

Similarly, replacing garage door opener becomes a necessity if maintenance work is not good. Regular lubrication and minor adjustments can extend the lifespan of your opener. Moreover, higher-quality openers, made with durable materials and robust motors, tend to last longer than budget-friendly options.

The garage door opener installation require you to lubricate it on time as well to ensure good conditions for long. If your garage door opener shows signs of age, you might be asking how to replace a garage door opener. Here are some simple steps to follow for replacement:

Gather your tools and materials

You’ll need a drill and drill bits, a felt-tip pen, screwdrivers, a shifting spanner, tape measure, a 13mm socket, a piece of scrap timber, a drop sheet, your new garage door opener with a smart connectivity kit, a tie-down strap, and two ladders.

Prepare the workspace

Clear the garage of any obstacles and spread a drop sheet under the work area to catch debris.

Garage opener installation

may take longer, but replacing the device means you do not have to do the calculations, or even mark the spots for screws and bolts.

Disable the door locks

Manually check that the door opens and closes smoothly.

Steps of replacing garage door opener

1. Close the door completely: Using a drill and an 8mm nut driver, install the provided self-tapping metal screws into each end of the door drum. This prevents the door from ballooning upwards during operation. Aim for the screws to penetrate about 50mm through the drum.
2. There is a red rope provided, which you will use to tie a knot through the cable loop at the side of the drum. Pull the cord until you hear a click, ensuring the legs turn freely. If you are installing the garage door opener to the left of the door, follow the instructions to change it from the factory-set right-hand opening.
3. Open the garage door and secure a tie-down strap around the rolled drum. Place a ladder underneath with a folded drop sheet on top. Mark the positions of the nuts on the U-bolt wall bracket with a felt-tip pen. Use a 13mm socket to remove the U-bolt from the bracket. Carefully lift the axle to move the rolled drum onto the ladder and then remove the bracket.
4. Slide the new garage door opener over the fork, ensuring it straddles the spokes in the drum. Changing garage door opener means that you have to reposition the wall bracket and lift the door back into place.
5. Secure the weight bar with the supplied bolts using a screwdriver and spanner. Don’t forget to add the warning labels provided in the kit.
6. Plug in the opener and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set the door-opening limits.
7. If you’re using a smart connectivity kit, position the mounting brackets inside either side of the garage door, ensuring they’re level and no higher than 100mm from the floor. Secure them with the appropriate screws.
8. Unplug the door opener before running the sensor cables to the control panel using the supplied self-adhesive cable mounts. Remove the access panel of the opener to connect the wires according to the instructions.

When to Seek Professional Help?

While some homeowners can comfortably tackle a garage door opener, many of them do not understand how to go about it. It is good to seek professional help if you feel that you are not comfortable tackling a garage door opener replacement.

Installing a new opener often requires accessing electrical wiring. Leave such tasks to a licensed electrician to ensure safety and proper code compliance.

Conclusion

If you are wondering how to install a garage door opener or how to change garage door opener, we have shared the steps in detail. You can easily change the garage door opener using these steps.

A garage door is an integral entrance and if the door is not operational, it can be an uncomfortable situation. You can install garage door opener, or replace a faulty one by following the steps here, and enjoy a smooth operation every time you have to access the garage.

FAQs

How often should I replace my garage door opener?

Garage door openers typically last 10-15 years. However, frequent use or poor maintenance might require replacement sooner to ensure safe and smooth operation.

What tools are needed to replace a garage door opener?

You’ll need a drill, felt-tip pen, screwdrivers, a shifting spanner, tape measure, 13mm socket, scrap timber, drop sheet, tie-down strap, two ladders, and a new garage door opener with a smart connectivity kit.

Can I replace a garage door opener myself?

Yes, you can replace a garage door opener yourself by following detailed instructions. However, if you are uncomfortable with electrical wiring or installation steps, seek professional help.

Why is regular maintenance important for garage door openers?

Regular maintenance, including lubrication and minor adjustments, extends the lifespan of garage door openers by reducing wear and tear, ensuring smooth operation, and preventing unexpected breakdowns.

What should I do if my garage door opener isn’t working properly?

If your garage door opener isn’t working properly, inspect for signs of wear, and ensure regular maintenance is performed. If issues persist, consider replacing the opener or seeking professional assistance.