4 Reasons to Replace Your Old Garage Door Opener

Published on: January 19, 2022

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.

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.