Signs It Is Time to Replace Your Garage Door Opener

Published on: June 22, 2022

Most garage door openers last an average of 10-15 years.  There comes a time when you ask the question, “Is it time to replace my garage door opener?”  The below scenarios are potential reasons to upgrade your old garage door opener with a new Genie® garage door opener.  To begin your search for a new Genie garage door opener, you can utilize our Product Selector Tool to find the perfect garage door opener to meet your needs.  For additional assistance with troubleshooting, reach out to our Genie customer service team at 1-800-354-3643.

Reason 1: Garage Door Opener Moves Slowly

Does your garage door opener open slowly?  It could be from old age.  If you have old torsion springs or other parts that are wearing out, your garage door opener may not function as effectively as before.  Another problem could be poor lubrication on the track, rollers, or hinges. Proper lubrication allows your garage door opener to operate smoothly.

Reason 2: Loud Noises from Operating Garage Door Opener

If your garage door opener makes loud noises such as a screeching or scraping noise, it could mean your opener needs to be repaired or replaced.  People sometimes assume that garage door openers are supposed to be noisy, however, it could be a sign of an underlying issue.  With age, the motor in your garage door opener will have more and more difficulty pulling open your garage door.

Reason 3: Garage Door Gets Stuck

Does your garage door reach a certain point and then freeze before closing all the way?  This could be a sign the tracks or rollers are bent or broken.  Your fasteners may also be an issue.  If your door gets stuck open or stalls when opening or closing, it could be a sign of a defective garage door opener.  This is a serious safety hazard and could cause an injury.  Contact a professional Genie dealer to resolve this issue as soon as possible.

Reason 4: Garage Door Opener Not Consistently Working

If your garage door opener only works some of the time, this could be a sign that it is time to replace your garage door opener.   Usually, garage door openers that work inconsistently have a wiring problem. A new Genie garage door opener may be the best solution if your garage door opener is old and not reliable. 

Reason 5: Garage Door Opens and Closes on Its Own

It is one of those moments where you double-check yourself.  Did you close the door or did someone else?  Often times the issue is a short in the circuit board.  The circuit board in your garage door opener can get damaged over time.  Another potential culprit is stuck buttons on your wall panel or remote.

Reason 6: Garage Door Opener Won’t Open or Close

Perhaps the most obvious sign of all that it is time to get a new garage door opener is when your garage door fails to open or close your door.  Make sure there isn’t anything blocking the track or causing your door to stick.  Replace the batteries in your remote as well.  Your opener may not be connected properly, or this malfunction may be a sign it is time for a replacement.

Reason 7: Garage Door Reverses When Opening or Closing

If you experience your garage door closing all the way and then reopening, or if it suddenly reverses after closing, you may have an issue with your safety sensors or a malfunctioning opener.  The Safe-T-Beam safety sensors automatically reverse your garage door opener from closing when an obstruction is encountered.  Make sure the lenses are clean, both safety sensors are aligned, and nothing is in its path.  Faulty wiring or components could be to blame as well.  Perhaps it could be time for a new Genie garage door opener.

Reason 8: Old Technology

Older garage door openers featured dip switch technology which was a set of 9 or 12 switches in the garage door opener that were set to a random pattern to create a code that matched the switches found in the garage door opener remote.  The issue with this technology was the code never changed and could be easily guessed by a potential home robber.  All Genie garage door openers now feature Intellicode rolling code technology which changes the garage door access code every time your use your Genie remote.  This secures your garage from any potential break-in.   

Reason 9: Lack of Features

New Genie garage door openers feature options such as battery backup to open your garage door in case of a power outage or Aladdin Connect® Wi-Fi technology to monitor and control your garage door from your smartphone.  You can also choose integrated LED lighting models or an ultra-quiet belt drive.  Older garage door openers lack the newest in technology, so upgrading to a new Genie garage door opener can be the solution to the lack of features you currently experience.