Your garage door system works with many different parts, and one of the most important is the operator. While there’s no way to know for sure how long your opener will last, you can prolong its lifespan with a few simple practices. Here’s what you need to know about the average lifespan of a garage door operator—and what you can to do extend it.
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How long do garage door operators last?
Though each unit and situation will vary, garage door openers last on average around 10 years. Depending on how often you use your garage door and how well you care for your system, that time frame could be shorter or longer.
What affects the lifespan of a garage door operator?
Overall, the number of times you cycle your door (one cycle is opening and closing it) has the greatest impact on how long your operator lasts. In the same way a car could only be two years old but have 200,000 miles on it, a garage door opener could be only 5 years old and have been cycled thousands and thousands of times. For this reason, it's important to mitigate your operator usage as much as possible and properly care for your system throughout its lifetime.
How can I extend the life of my garage door operator?
Like the rest of your system, your operator relies heavily on regular maintenance and care. While you probably won't be servicing the motor itself, by staying on top of your repairs and scheduled maintenance for the rest of your system, you'll be caring for your operator indirectly. A well functioning, efficient garage door system will put the least amount of strain on your motor and allow it to run in optimal condition. By monitoring the number of times you use your garage door and committing to regular service, you’ll be extending the life of your garage door operator and system.
Should I replace my entire garage door system at once?
There are other components of your garage door system that will need to be replaced on a similar timeframe to your operator. The springs, cables, and tracks—all major contributors in your garage door system—can be replaced as needed. It isn’t necessary to replace all components at once unless, for some reason, your door, system, and operator all experience major damage at the same time. As a rough guide, garage doors themselves can last 30 years or more while your torsion springs will last 6 to 10. Again, usage and care both weigh heavily on the components’ lifespans.
How do I install a new garage door operator?
When it’s time to install a new garage door operator, contact your local garage door experts. A knowledgeable technician can help you determine the model that’s right for you and install it promptly and professionally.
If you need a new garage door operator in the Des Moines area, contact the pros at WD Door. Our team of garage door experts can help you find the door and operator that’s right for your home. Request your quote to get started!
