Life Expectancy of a Garage Door Opener

Life Expectancy

• The average life expectancy of a garage door opener is 10 years, according to research published by Utah State University. As of 2011, replacement costs average about $400, depending on quality and capacity. The average life expectancy is based on a properly installed garage door opener with an adequate capacity to handle the door.

Similar Home Components

• Garage door openers fall in the same life expectancy category as water heaters, toilet mechanisms and garbage disposals. For a homeowner this can mean expenses of more than $1,500 about a decade after the home is constructed. With the exception of paint and sump pumps, the garage door opener is one of the shortest-lived components of the home.

The Garage Door

• Lasting from 20 to 50 years, your garage door will outlast the garage door opener by decades. The designs of the garage door and opener are standard, so replacing the door opener should not require major modifications.

Maintenance

• Routine maintenance includes lubricating moving parts such as chains and adjusting the chain tension. Safety considerations are also a part of garage door opener maintenance. Check that the electric eyes mounted at the base of the door are functioning and cause the door to reverse and open if something passes through the door opening. The garage door opener should also reverse and open if the door strikes anything during the downward motion of closing.