How Much Does it Cost to Repair Garage Door Opener in 2023?
Each time you drive in or out of the garage it's an opener activates the door to lift or lower the door. According to the statistics, a usual garage door in the United States moves ups and down 1,500 times a year. That's obvious that opening and shutting make door openers wear out and eventually break down due to electric or mechanical issues. As for the repair cost, it depends on the opener type and the presence/absence of 'companion' electric problems.
The installation cost of a garage door opener
There are 3 main types of door openers - chain drive, belt drive, and screw-drive garage door openers. Each type has pros and cons as well as different requirements. In general, a single door opener installation would cost you between $200 and $425. As usual professional assistance provided by specialists costs much more, however, we have a different purpose in this review - we are going to estimate the requirements and costs for installing a new garage door opener on a DIY basis. But is it that simple? An experienced garage owner and his assistant need just basic carpentry skills and know-how to use standard household tools like a hammer, a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, a hack saw, pliers, a level, and a wire stripper, a tape, measure, and so on.
Opener replacement usually lasts for 6 hours and costs 49% less than hiring a specialist. It's worth remembering though that if you don't feel confident about electrical jobs, it would be a very smart idea to call for a licensed electrician - they typically charge $70-80 for the whole job. An electrician can be really helpful if you don't have proper experience with wiring and electricity.
Spend analysis
An average cost plan includes:
- Opener selection - Various types of openers have different costs. Chain drive door openers are the most affordable - you can get one for $130-180. Screw-drive openers are a bit more expensive. The price for such an opener is somewhere between $150 and $250. Belt drive openers are known for very smooth and silent operation. Their cost starts at the level of $170 and goes up to $350 per opener. The prices provided include the equipment itself only.
- Understanding the features - Reverse directional safety is an obligatory feature that is often required. This feature makes a garage door open in case it encounters an obstacle - that is the best prevention of accidental crush. There should also be an infrared sensor detecting the car entering or leaving the garage. Another important feature is the battery-power operation necessary in case of a power cut - that is needed to let you open your garage door manually without putting in too much effort. Fixed controls are a great solution that looks like a doorbell and opens the door upon pressing.
Additional considerations and costs
- Remote control for garage door opener - A small control device (not bigger than a keychain) is the most suitable option for garage door opener control, however, according to safety requirements these need to be programmed with rolling (ever-changing) codes. That is the best protection against potential thieves and the best insurance against accidental opening/closing from your neighbor's control device. Rolling code solution means generation of the new code every time you use the door controller;
- Garage lighting - A lot of door openers are bought with an additional feature - a security lighting fixture that is installed right into the motor housing and activated upon activation of the opener. Lighting can also be used when the garage door is closed - one can switch it on using the remote control device.
A Shot Buyer's Guide
When selecting a garage door opener, it's important to consider the drive type, motor, power, control, and installation.Drive Type
The drive type refers to the mechanism that lifts the garage door. There are four types of drive commonly used in homes:1. Chain Drive: This is the most affordable option but requires regular maintenance to ensure the chain functions properly.
2. Direct/Screw Drive: Slightly more expensive than a chain drive, it offers quiet operation and does not require maintenance.
3. Belt Drive: Although they come at a higher price point, belt drive openers are durable, low-maintenance, and operate smoothly and silently.
4. Jackshaft: Primarily used in commercial settings with heavy doors, jackshaft drives are secure but tend to be noisy and require maintenance.
Motor Type
Garage door openers are equipped with two types of motors: AC and DC.
AC: AC motors have been traditionally used in garage door openers for their affordability and reliability. However, they tend to be larger and noisier.
DC: DC motors are newer and offer improvements over AC motors. They are smaller in size and operate with less noise.
¼ HP: Suitable for light aluminum doors, but operates at a slower pace.
½ HP: Works well with various garage door materials, except for solid wood.
¾ HP: Provides smooth and quick operation for residential garage doors of any material.
1 HP: Primarily used in commercial settings, but can also be found in residential applications for particularly heavy doors.
AC: AC motors have been traditionally used in garage door openers for their affordability and reliability. However, they tend to be larger and noisier.
DC: DC motors are newer and offer improvements over AC motors. They are smaller in size and operate with less noise.
Power
AC motor-powered garage door openers are rated in horsepower (HP), while DC motors use measurements such as horsepower similar (HPS) or horsepower comparable (HPC) for comparison. Here are the power categories and the types of garage doors they can handle:¼ HP: Suitable for light aluminum doors, but operates at a slower pace.
½ HP: Works well with various garage door materials, except for solid wood.
¾ HP: Provides smooth and quick operation for residential garage doors of any material.
1 HP: Primarily used in commercial settings, but can also be found in residential applications for particularly heavy doors.
Control
Residential garage door openers typically include keyless entry options. When you purchase a garage door opener, you will usually receive at least one remote control and one keypad. The remote control is used inside the garage to open the door from within your home. If you have multiple remotes, you can keep the extras on your keychain, in your car, or in your bag. The keypad is typically installed outside the garage door. To use the keypad, simply lift its cover and enter the code. Modern garage door openers often offer smart features and may be compatible with Wi-Fi, allowing control through a smartphone app or smart devices like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.Installation
Garage door openers come with detailed step-by-step instructions to facilitate easy installation. If you encounter difficulties during the installation process, you can contact the manufacturer for assistance or consider hiring a professional to install it for you.Top 5 Best Garage Door Openers in 2023
A garage door opener is a practical purchase if you require a convenient method to raise and lower your garage door. Wall-mounted garage door openers operate your garage doors by pressing a button. They need installation, but once assembled, new garage door openers simplify the process of opening and closing your garage doors. In the following guide, we examine the top garage door opener choices available on Amazon, along with crucial factors to think about before buying one.
Top 5 Garage Door Openers
1. Best Kit: Chamberlain B970 Smartphone-Controlled Garage Door Opener
2. Best For Light Doors: Chamberlain B550 Smartphone-Controlled Garage Door Opener
3. Best Voice Assistance: Genie 7155-TKV StealthDrive Connect Smartphone-Controlled Garage Door Opener
4. Easiest Installation: beamUP The Workhorse BU100 Sectional Garage Door Opener
5. Best Sensors: Skylink Atoms ATR-1611C Garage Door Opener
Best Kit: Chamberlain B970 Smartphone-Controlled Garage Door Opener
Chamberlain B970 Garage Door Opener
Price: $319.99 (Prices accurate at the time of publication)
This garage door opener includes an outdoor keypad, an indoor remote, two remote controls for remote access, two sensors, and a battery backup for power during power outages. The built-in technology enables real-time alerts through the mobile app. Here are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Comes with a battery backup to ensure operation during power outages
- Remote range of up to 1,500 feet
- Works well in extreme weather conditions, including heat and humidity
Cons:
- The smartphone app requires a subscription for certain features
- Design may appear somewhat outdated
Customer Reviews:
Positive reviews highlight the easy installation process and the convenience and reliability of this garage door opener. Many customers appreciate its quiet operation and effectiveness in cold weather. Negative reviews criticize the product for requiring a subscription to access certain features on the smartphone app.
Best for Light Doors: Chamberlain B550 Smartphone-Controlled Garage Door Opener
Chamberlain B550 Garage Door Opener
Price: $209 (Prices accurate at the time of publication)
This garage door opener is designed for lighter doors and features a 0.5-horsepower-equivalent motor. The remote-access accessories utilize encrypted codes to ensure secure operation. Here are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Includes a wireless keypad
- Remote-access accessories use encrypted codes to prevent unauthorized access
- Installation is made easier with online videos
Cons:
- Does not come with a battery backup
- Some customers found the installation instructions confusing
Customer Reviews:
Satisfied customers appreciate the excellent motion detection and low noise level of this smart garage door opener. Many found the installation process to be easy. However, some customers were disappointed that they had to purchase a subscription to access all the functions in the included app. They also mentioned difficulties in understanding the installation instructions.
Best Voice Assistance: Genie 7155-TKV StealthDrive Connect Smartphone-Controlled Garage Door Opener
Genie 7155-TKV Garage Door Opener
Price: $299.99 (Prices accurate at the time of publication)
This smart garage door opener operates quietly with a DC motor and a steel-reinforced belt drive, making it an ideal choice for garages connected to bedrooms or nurseries. It can be controlled through a smartphone and is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home for voice control. Additionally, it is easy to install without requiring any additional hardware.
Pros:
- Includes five lithium batteries
- Comes with two pre-programmed remotes
- The motor has to lift power equivalent to 1.25 horsepower
Cons:
- Higher price compared to other garage door openers
- Some customers experienced weak connection with Amazon Alexa
Customer Reviews:
Positive reviews emphasize the quietness of this garage door opener's motor and the high-quality materials it offers for the price. Many customers found the installation process to be easy. However, some customers encountered difficulties in connecting or using the opener with Amazon Alexa.
Easiest Installation: beamUP The Workhorse BU100 Sectional Garage Door Opener
beamUP BU100 Garage Door Opener
Price: $199.99 (Prices accurate at the time of publication)
This garage door opener features a sleek, all-white design, making it a stylish addition to modern homes. It comes with instruction manuals, video tutorials, and tech support to assist customers during the installation process.
Pros:
- Strong enough to operate single- and double-garage doors
- Available in multiple styles
- Sleek white design
Cons:
- Some customers experienced difficulties connecting the device to HomeLink
- Comes with fewer accessories compared to other garage door openers in this review
Customer Reviews:
Positive reviews praised the easy installation process and the quiet operation of the DC motor. Many customers were satisfied with the company's customer service. However, some customers encountered issues with connecting this garage door opener model to HomeLink. Additionally, a few customers reported missing installation pieces and accessories.
Best Sensors: Skylink Atoms ATR-1611C Garage Door Opener
Skylink Atoms ATR-1611C Garage Door Opener
Price: $149.99 (Prices accurate at the time of publication)
This garage door opener includes a one-button remote and a keychain fob. It also comes with two infrared sensors that attach to the garage door to ensure there are no obstructions. Additionally, it features an integrated LED light for improved visibility in the garage.
Pros:
- More affordable compared to similar garage door openers
- Includes a keychain fob for convenience
- Works with in-car remotes without requiring additional hardware
Cons:
- Backup battery is sold separately
- Does not have smart home technology capabilities
Customer Reviews:
Positive reviews praised the minimal noise, sensitive motion detection, and easy installation of this opener. Many customers found it to be a high-quality option considering its cost. However, some negative reviews mentioned that their model stopped working after a short period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Garage Door Opener?
A garage door opener is a motorized device that has switches on the garage wall to open and close the garage door. It also comes with a handheld radio remote control that the owner carries. This remote control allows the owner to open and close the door from a short distance.
Is it possible for me to replace my garage door opener?
Yes, replacing your old opener is a straightforward do-it-yourself task. By doing so, you can eliminate concerns about the noise and instability of an old opener. Additionally, new smart garage door openers offer the convenience of remote access, allowing you to check if the door is closed when you're unsure.
Do garage door openers come with lights?
Yes, nearly all garage door openers have a built-in light that illuminates when you use them. Typically, these lights will automatically turn off.
How long does a garage door opener last?
The typical lifespan of a garage door opener is between 10 to 15 years. Similar to your garage door, various factors affect its durability. By providing proper care and attention, you can ensure that your garage door opener remains functional for an extended period, just as you would for your garage door.