How long do garage door openers last?
Most garage door openers last 10 to 15 years. Openers are commonly given about 10 to 15 years; springs and cables on the door wear faster.
The opener is a safety device as well as a convenience: it must reverse on contact and the photo eyes must work. A monthly test takes a minute.
Typical lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Openers are commonly given about 10 to 15 years; springs and cables on the door wear faster.
Garage door opener maintenance checklist by season
Spring
Test the auto-reverse by laying a board or similar object flat in the door path and closing the door; it should reverse on contact. Test the photo eyes by passing an object across the beam. Both are in the CPSC guidance.
Summer
Lubricate the moving parts the manual names, such as the chain or screw drive, and the door rollers and hinges. Do not oil the belt and do not use heavy grease.
Fall
Inspect the springs, cables and pulleys for fraying or rust, but leave adjustment to a professional since they are under high tension. Check the weather seal at the bottom.
Winter
Cold slows the opener and can make it reverse or stall. Replace the remote batteries, and re-check the travel limits if the door is not closing fully.
Signs your garage door opener needs replacing
- The door does not reverse when it hits an object, or the photo eyes do not stop it. Stop using the opener and repair it.
- It struggles, jerks or is noisy even after lubrication.
- Remote and keypad work only up close, or not at all, after changing batteries.
- It is more than about 10 to 15 years old, and replacement parts are no longer available.
- Springs or cables are frayed. Call a door technician.
Typical garage door opener warranty
Warranties are commonly one to five years on parts, and some brands offer a longer motor warranty of up to several years, with a lifetime on the motor on some models. Labor and the door springs are generally not included.
An appliance warranty tracker keeps your garage door opener's coverage dates and receipt in one place.
What to keep for a garage door opener
- The receipt and installation invoice
- Model and serial number from the label on the motor unit
- The remote and keypad codes and how to reprogram them
- The date of the last safety test
Common questions
How long do garage door openers last?
Most garage door openers last 10 to 15 years. Openers are commonly given about 10 to 15 years; springs and cables on the door wear faster.
How do I test my garage door opener's safety reverse?
Lay a board or similar object flat on the floor in the door's path and close the door. It should reverse when it touches it. Test the photo eyes too. The CPSC explains the steps.
Can I fix the garage door springs myself?
No. Torsion and extension springs hold a lot of force and can cause serious injury. Leave spring and cable work to a professional.
How do I maintain a garage door opener?
Follow your manual first. Each season: spring, test the auto-reverse by laying a board or similar object flat in the door path and closing the door; it should reverse on contact. Test the photo eyes by passing an object across the beam. Both are in the CPSC guidance. Fall, inspect the springs, cables and pulleys for fraying or rust, but leave adjustment to a professional since they are under high tension. Check the weather seal at the bottom.