Key Takeaways
- Older openers typically are not equipped with the required photo-eye sensors (federal safety rule). Openers made prior to 1993 typically do not have these required safety features.
- Monthly Calls To Fix Liftmaster Garage Door Opener Problems Equal Replacing The Unit.
- The lack of the latest features, such as rolling code security, the ability to control the opener with your smartphone’s app, and the use of long-lasting batteries in opener models with a permanent solution for backup power when mains power fails.
Introduction
Like many other products and components that we use on a daily basis, the Garage Door Opener has a lifespan and will at some point cease to function. As new Garage Door Openers come equipped with so many advanced features found in today’s Garage Door Openers, it is inevitable that Liftmaster Garage Door Openers will gradually deteriorate and reach the end of their life. Below are 7 signs of decline for your Liftmaster garage door opener.
1.Your Remote Still Uses DIP Switches
Examine the back of your remotes for DIP switches. If you have DIP switches on your remotes, then they can easily be cloned with a very affordable scanner. Current openers all come with either fixed code or “Rolling Code” technology. Rolling Code openers change code with every use of the remote(s).
2. It Sounds Like a Freight Train
Just because your Garage Door has been working just fine for years does not mean that it will continue to function properly for years to come. A garage door opener is a complicated machine that is subject to normal wear and tear and can potentially fail at any time. If your garage door opener is making a sound similar to that of a Freight Train Chugging along, then it is very likely that the old unit is nearing the end of its service life.
The sound could be caused by normal wear and tear on the chains of the opener or potentially even from the motor itself. In either case, it is recommended that you have the noise checked as soon as possible to prevent any potential accidents or damage to your garage door.
3. No Battery Backup
No Battery Backup. Garage door openers that are installed today have several cycles of battery backup built into them. These cycles of battery backup allow the garage door to be lowered in case of power failure. Many garages are the main entry points into homes today.
4. You Can’t Control It From Your Phone
Another point of consideration is whether your current garage door opener can be controlled by an app on your smartphone. For most garage door openers that are over a decade old, the answer is no. You will not be able to monitor your garage door(s) remotely, receive alerts when a door is left open, etc. Many of the newer openers on the market can even be opened from your smartphone when you are outside of your garage.
5. Repairs Keep Piling Up
If you have a LiftMaster garage door opener or Genie garage door opener and have had it repaired by a garage door repair company 2 times in the last year, then it is time to start looking for a new garage door opener. Each year the parts for older openers become harder to find. As well, the cost of repair for your older opener will continue to increase.
6. No Photo-Eye Safety Sensors
A healthy opener will have Photo-Eye Safety Sensors. Photo-Eye Safety Sensors are a very important safety feature that most parents consider when looking at garage door openers. Many children have lost their lives under garage doors that would not reverse on objects in their path.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that between March 1982 and June 1990, at least 45 children died after being trapped under garage doors that failed to reverse on contact (CPSC.gov). If there are no photo-eye safety sensors visible near the floor on both sides of the garage door, then the garage door opener predates the safety feature of having the door reverse on objects in its path.
7. It’s Simply Old
It should be no surprise to anyone that a typical garage door opener has a life of approximately 10 to 15 years. For this reason, if an opener is older than 10 years and experiencing 2 or more problems above, it is time to start shopping for a new garage door opener instead of continually repairing your old unit for more problems.
FAQ
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Should I repair or replace an opener over 10 years old?
However, if your opener is over 10 years old and is failing in more than two areas, it would likely be cost-effective to have a new opener installed instead of paying for additional repairs to try to extend the life of your old opener. Get quotes for installation of a new garage door opener from people asking garage door opener installation near me companies and compare them with the cost of additional repairs to your current opener.
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How to fix LiftMaster garage door opener problems?
Unplug your LiftMaster garage door opener and check the wiring to the sensors for any damage. It is recommended that any other problems with your LiftMaster garage door opener be repaired by a trained service professional. LiftMaster intends for certain parts to be used on your specific model of LiftMaster garage door opener, such as LiftMaster 1/2 HP, 3/4 HP, and 1 HP openers.
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Is Genie garage door opener repair different from other brands?
Genie garage door openers typically use their own special brand of circuit boards and garage door opener sensor wiring for their garage door openers. A garage door repair professional who services LiftMaster garage door openers should also be able to repair a Genie garage door opener, as they are
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What if my opener has none of the safety features above?
Avoid using an old opener without safety features. They are designed to provide safety features beyond normal operation of your garage door. Call a professional to repair your garage door opener if it is missing entrapment protection.
Bottom Line
If your garage door opener is failing in more than one of the categories listed above, it would be wise to contact us for same-day repair or a FREE estimate for new garage door opener installation. Elite Garage Doors & Gates repairs LiftMaster garage door openers as well as Genie garage door openers. We provide garage door opener repair services across Arizona 7 days a week.
