A garage door opener can make opening and closing your garage much more convenient. But like any mechanical system, garage door openers require regular maintenance to keep functioning properly over the years. With some simple preventative care, you can extend the lifetime of your opener and avoid costly repair or replacement costs down the road. Here are some tips for maintaining your garage door opener.
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Check the Gears & Belts
Over time, gears and belts inside the opener motor unit can loosen, wear down, or get gritty. This causes unnecessary strain and shortens the lifespan. Periodically inspect key moving parts for wear and tighten or replace them as needed. A well-lubricated belt will run smoother for longer.
Vacuum Out Dust & Debris
Dust and dirt particles interfere with efficient operation and cause premature component failure if left to accumulate. Use a portable vacuum with a brush attachment to suck out debris from the motor housing, track areas, and openings a couple times per year. This prevents clogs and abrasion that reduce performance.
Lubricate Moving Parts
The door tracks, hinges, rollers, pulleys, and other moving pieces need periodic lubrication to move effortlessly without binding or breaking down. Wipe and reapply a small amount of lightweight machine oil or lubricating spray to these friction areas every few months. Don’t overdo it, and avoid lubricating electronic components.
Inspect Safety Sensors
Monitoring safety sensors like the photo eyes and pressure edges help prevent accidental closure injuries or damage. Check them routinely for proper alignment, secure mounting, and to ensure the invisible light beam is not blocked or dirty. Cleaning or readjustment may be needed. Also test that the automatic-reverse mechanism works correctly.
Check the Opener’s Belt Tension
Over time, a belt connecting the opener motor to the door may stretch out slightly. Loose belts slip and grind prematurely. Check tension periodically by pressing down on the belt midway – it should give about an inch under firm pressure. Tighten the mounting bolts as directed if needed to prolong belt life.
Reset the Logic Board
If your opener is starts acting sporadic or unresponsive, the onboard computer may need a simple reset to clear faulty codes. Consult the manual for the reset button or sequence. Resetting can correct glitches and malfunctions to restore normal functions, potentially avoiding a service call.
Replace Hardware that Shows Wear
Take note of hinges, rollers, pulleys or other garage door parts that show significant rust, cracks, or wobble with age. Fixing or replacing worn components before they fully fail helps keep everything running aligned and balanced for the motor. Replacing these parts over time is less costly than urgent repairs.
Know When to Call Experts
If issues persist despite home maintenance, it may be time to contact a professional for inspection and repairs. In most areas, including Glen Allen, Garage Door Opener Repair Glen Allen offers thorough tune-ups, troubleshooting, and fixes to optimize garage door systems.
With the right care, most garage door openers can run reliably for 10-15 years or more before needing an overhaul or replacement. Proper preventative steps like cleaning, lubrication and inspection can extend service lifetime at a fraction of the cost of repairs down the road.
Harold Price is a home improvement blogger who strives to improve his life and the lives of others. He provides homeowners with helpful tips on how to renovate their homes. His goal is not only to provide easy-to-follow instructions, but also share his own personal experiences for those seeking guidance.
