Garage door opener maintenance can be as simple as changing the battery to checking the chain tension. Learn how to keep your opener in great condition.
There are only a few things in your home that get used daily Your garage door opener is probably one of those things.
With all that use, it is common that small repairs or adjustments will be needed from time to time. Some maintenance requires a professional technician, but there are others you can handle yourself.
Here are some regular garage door opener maintenance tips.
Garage Door Opener Maintenance Involves a Service Schedule
As with any system with mechanical and moving parts, it is wise to have it inspected and serviced on a regular schedule.
While this does not guarantee your garage door opener will not stop working, it will alert you to a potential problem and possibly even remedy it before you are either locked in or out of your garage.
Check the Power Source
There are many working parts to a garage door opener, but the main one is power going into the unit.
If the door does not work at all, there may be no current running to it. The unit itself, the sensors, and the wall panel should have working lights. If there are no lights, the problem may be at the circuit breaker.
Unplug the unit and check to see if a fuse has blown or if you have a tripped breaker. If either is true, fix this issue, plug back in the unit, and all should be well with the garage opener.
What About the Remote Batteries?
The TV remote is not the only thing that needs replacement batteries.
A garage door opener repair could be as simple as putting new batteries into the remote.
You may also need to help the garage door unit ‘find’ the remote. There is a button on the unit that will search for a new remote signal. While you are pressing the button on the remote it will locate it and reset with a new code.
If you have more than one remote, you will need to reset all of them.
LED Radio Frequency Interruption
LED lights are very common in many systems, including garden lighting and security setups.
However, in a little-known fact, these can sometimes cause radio interference with the remote. This will keep the garage door opener remote from working as long as these lights are on.
If this turns out to be the problem, you can purchase a booster antenna for the remote signal or replace the LED lights with other options.
A Sensor Issue
If you are looking for how to fix a garage door opener, the next tip is to check on the sensors.
This safety feature keeps the door from closing if something is in the entryway. This could be anything from an animal, person, or your car.
Properly aligned sensors detect an object in the way. If your garage door is not closing, but there is nothing in the way, it could be that the sensor has gotten out of alignment.
Another problem could be something is blocking the signal. This could be trash or debris in the way. It could also be as simple as dust on the sensor.
Before becoming frustrated, check to make sure the sensors are all cleaned and lined up correctly.
The Squeaky Wheel
Does your garage door opener emit a piercing sound whenever it is engaged?
Chances are the wheels need to be greased. Don’t use just any oil laying around as this could harm the track. Use a lubricant uniquely designed for garage door rollers.
Way off Track
With continuous wear and tear the rollers on the garage door track will sometimes get out of whack. This can also be caused by something hitting them.
A roller track that is blocked or uneven may need an adjustment to get things moving smoothly again.
This is usually a job that is best left to an experienced technician.
Is It Time for an Upgrade?
If you are tired of asking why doesn’t my garage door opener work right, it might just be time for an upgrade.
Even with proper maintenance, systems eventually falter with time. Today’s garage door openers offer more safety and convenience than ever. Here are the top reasons to go for new:
A Quieter Operation
One tell-tale sign of an aging garage door system is the level of noise it makes when engaged. A quiet entry or exit cannot keep from disturbing others in the home or even the neighbors.
Newer systems run much smoother and quieter. Those with belt drives instead of chains are especially sound resistant.
Backup Battery
A power outage with an older system could mean a major headache.
Modern units come with a battery backup capability. So even when you have no electricity, you can still come and go from your garage without interruption.
Wireless Functions
It seems the whole world is going wireless, and your new garage door opener is no exception. This function allows you to connect it to a smartphone, tablet, or computer. From there, you set up several controls.
You can close or open your garage door from your phone. You can also program it to close at a certain time. An alarm can be set to alert you when the door is open regardless of where you are.
Added Security
In addition to the safety features that a wireless control offers, there are additional security measures.
Some options will change the code every time it is used. This greatly reduces the chance of intruders breaking into your garage and then your home.
You can even have a keypad installed. These can be programmed to use a code or even a fingerprint. You can’t get much more individualized than that!
Never Get Locked Out (or in) Again
Your garage door opener is probably used daily. It gets a constant workout and needs routine repairs to work properly. Use this helpful guide to stay on top of your garage door opener maintenance.
For professional help on any issues you can’t fix, or to discuss your options for a new system, we have 15+ years of experience to offer. Reach out today to find out how we can help.
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