4 Signs It's Time to Install a New Garage Door OpenerPosted by The Door Man - Garage Doors & Openers on December 13th, 2018 Garage doors and garage door openers work hand-in-hand, but they are not one and the same. With that being said, you can have an awesome garage door and still have an outdated or problematic garage door opener. If this is an issue you're experiencing, then learn some of the signs that mean it's time to install a new garage door opener.
1. The System Was Installed Before 1993If your garage door opener system is more than 25 years old, then make immediate plans to upgrade it. Prior to 1993, opener systems were designed without many of the critical safety features that these systems are equipped with today, including photo-eyes.
Photo-eyes are sensor devices that attach to the base of the track on both sides of the door and transmit a laser-like signal between themselves. If there is an obstruction that prevents this signal from reaching each sensor, then the door will not go down, and if it is in motion, then it will reverse back into the open position. All opener systems manufactured after January 1, 1993, come with this feature already installed for your safety.
2. The Noise Is UnrelentingYou want to get up early in the morning before work to hit the gym, but you're afraid that the screeching sound the opener makes will wake up the entire neighborhood. If your door is obnoxiously loud, then it's probably time to think about a replacement.
In years past, many of the openers used a chain-drive mechanism to transport the door up and down the track, which creates substantial vibration and more noise. Many systems use this same style today, but technology has made way for a much quieter operation.
Homeowners can now also choose from direct-drive openers. Direct-drive garage door openers function like a trolley that moves the door along the track with limited vibration, which means less noise.
3. Your Children Have Grown UpIf your children have matured to the point that you're comfortable leaving them home for a few hours after school until you return home, then a new opener system is ideal. These days, there are a variety of smart opener systems that allow you to operate the door from a smartphone application - you'll be able to send an alarm when the door hasn't been shut after a certain amount of time.
If you don't want to give the child a garage door opener but want to keep them safe, then upgrade to a new opener system for increased control and security.
4. You Don't Have a Backup BatteryPower outages are never fun, but they're a major inconvenience when they happen as you're rushing out the door. All garage door opener systems need electricity to function, so when the power goes out, the system won't work.
If you're unable to open the door on your own or can't access the manual release, then this means that you'll be trapped in the house until the power is restored. If your garage door opener doesn't have a battery backup, then it's time to upgrade to a newer and more reliable option.
Many of the newer door systems come equipped with a battery backup that activates whenever there is a power loss and automatically deactivates whenever the power is restored.
Get the most out of your garage with a new garage door opener. No matter the reason for the upgrade, The Door Man can help you select the right opener system for your needs and safely and accurately install it in your home. We're happy to help you with all your garage door and opener needs.
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