Two car garage with Genie garage door openers installed

4 Reasons to Replace Your Old Garage Door Opener

How long do garage door openers last? Most garage door openers last an average of 10-15 years, though many Genie garage door openers last longer!  For example, read about this 1967 Genie model 401 that is still going strong!  However, there comes a time when all garage door openers need to be replaced.  Maybe there are major mechanical or electrical issues, or you just want a more modern opener with the upgraded safety and smart home features found in today’s Genie garage door openers. 

Keeping up with your garage door opener’s maintenance will ensure your system runs at peak safety, performance, and efficiency.  Routine maintenance also helps to ensure your garage door lasts as long as possible.

Maintenance Item

Interval

Details

Contact Reverse Test

Monthly

Learn more here

Lubricate Door Hardware

Monthly

Lubricate rollers and hinges with light-weight general purpose grease.

Safe-T-Beam system check

Monthly

Check wiring for loose connections, cracks, or worn insulation. Clean lenses of dirt & debris.

Door Balance

Monthly

Learn more here.

Battery Backup System

Monthly

Unplug opener from outlet. Test opener with remote or wall console. Replace battery if needed.

Chain/Belt Adjustments

Yearly

Inspect chain/belt for excessive slack, adjust as necessary.

Remote Battery Replacement

As Needed

Most Genie remotes use a CR2032 battery.

Light Bulb Replacement

As Needed

Genie LED Bulbs recommended.

 

Modern garage door openers are quieter, safer, and have additional features that were not available in the past.  Here are a few of the benefits of upgrading your garage door opener to a new Genie garage door opener.

1. Increased Security

In 1995, Genie garage door openers were upgraded to an all-new patented rolling code security called Intellicode® technology.  Intellicode® technology is the ultimate innovation in garage door opener safety and security – even over 25 years later!  So how does Intellicode technology work?  Every time you press your Genie garage door opener remote, a code is transmitted to your Genie garage door opener to tell it to open.  Pre-1995, garage door openers featured Fixed Code technology, which is one set code programmed to the 9 or 12 dipswitches located in the garage door opener powerhead.  The same code was used every time to open the garage door, thus making it easy for hackers to figure out the code and gain access into the garage.  Intellicode® rolling code technology, however, changes the code EVERY TIME your Genie garage door opener remote is pressed.  This breaking technology creates billions of combinations of codes, which ensures your Genie garage door opener – and access to your garage - is secure.

2. Increased Safety

In 1993, the Consumer Product Safety Commission passed a law which required garage door openers to be equipped with safety sensors (also called photoelectric sensors).   This was due to the dangers that overhead garage doors posed – injury, damage to property, or even death.  Genie’s Safe-T-Beam safety sensors are included with EVERY garage door opener purchase.  The Safe-T-Beams are placed at the on both sides of your garage door and will automatically reverse the garage door if an obstruction passes through the door.  For example, if your child runs inside the garage while the door is closing, you Genie garage door opener will reverse and open, thus eliminated the possibility of the child being smashed by the door.  If the garage door does come into contact with an obstruction, the contact reversing system will reverse the door - an additional safety feature. Upgrading your garage door opener means upgrading to the latest in safety technology. 

3. Smart Home Features

Is my garage door opened? What is the status of my garage door?  Have these questions ever popped into your head?  Maybe you are already halfway to work, or on a flight headed to a beach vacation.  Panic fills you as you call your neighbor to see if they can check to make sure your garage door is closed.  The phone rings and they don’t answer.  What do you do now? For most of us, the garage door is the largest and most used entryway in the home – an area you certainly don’t want strangers entering.  Old garage door openers did not have a solution to this problem, but new Genie garage door openers do!

The Aladdin Connect smartphone garage door controller eliminates these fears!  With the Aladdin Connect app, you can control and monitor the status of your garage door opener straight from your smartphone!  The Aladdin Connect can be found integrated in many Genie garage door openers.  If your opener does not have smartphone capabilities, you can purchase the Aladdin Connect Retro-Fit kit, which is universally compatible with most brands of garage door openers manufactured since 1993!  The Retro-Fit kit will make your garage door “smart!”

4. Battery Backup Options

If your power goes out, how do you open your garage door?  The traditional manual options include pulling your emergency release cord and lifting your garage door if you are in the inside of your garage or installing a Genie Emergency Release Kit to open your door from the outside.

What if you want an automatic option to open your garage door in case of a power outage?  Many new Genie garage door openers feature built-in battery backup options or a battery add-on kit for 140v motors, which allow you to operate your garage door as usual – even when the power is out! With just a click of your garage door opener remote, your garage door will open!  No more getting out of your garage and manually opening your door which is required with older garage door openers.  If you live in the state of California and are looking to update your garage door opener, Senate Bill 969 requires you to install a garage door opener with battery backup features.

 

If you are ready to update your outdated garage door opener – first start by visiting Genie’s Product Selector Tool located here.  Choose if you would like to install your Genie garage door opener yourself or by a professional dealer.  You can view the various features and options your new Genie garage door opener can have, such as battery backup, Wi-Fi, or LED lighting.  Genie garage door openers can be found at major retailers such as: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Sam’s Club, Costco, Do It Best, Amazon, and Menards.  If you would like your local professional dealer to provide and install your Genie garage door opener – use our Dealer Locator here to find a Genie dealer near you.  For any additional questions, please reach out to our customer service line at 1-800-354-3643.

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10 comments

@Dave Sayler – We would be happy to assist in troubleshooting the issue. Please contact Genie customer service at 1-800-354-3643 for assistance.

Heather Rothacher

Door does not work every time either from the remote or the wall switch. Can press the button 5 or 6 times and nothing happens. Or it works perfect first time. Have checked all connections and they seem fine

Dave sayler

@Frank Vaccaro – The battery backup does not require an extra outlet. With a standard door, any of our garage door openers that have a battery backup with work for you. The belt drive would be the quietest if your garage is against a bedroom.

Heather Rothacher

Greetings, I want to replace my Genie 23 year old opener. Last winter the hard wired indoor switch stopped working until the outside temp was plus 15 degrees or so and the keypad stopped working altogether. I am almost 82 years old and want an opener requiring as little maintenance as possible. I have a common non insulated (that may change) 2 car garage door 7 foot in height. I will be using professional installation. I have contacted Tulsa Overhead Door and because I want a battery backup they suggested I purchase the unit and call them for installation. I want the battery b/u, 2 car remotes the outside keypad and hardwired switch in the garage. I also have a security system that operates the door. Question: There is a 2 outlet plug in the ceiling. One outlet is used for the opener and the 2nd outlet is used for the the security system. Does the battery b/u require a 3rd outlet? If yes, anything special? Finally, the garage backs up to a seldom used bedroom so a belt drive is not a necessity but may be a nice selling feature. With all of the options available I’m at a complete loss except I want a Genie. Please help. Thank You. .

Frank Vaccaro

@Gene Rosson – It is possible you may need to increase the close force on your garage door opener. We would need some more details on the model to help troubleshoot the issue you are having. Please contact our customer service at 1-800-354-3643 for assistance.

Heather Rothacher

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