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An old garage door opener is both noisier and less convenient. It may also not have important safety features to protect your children and pets. Replacing it with a modern one can significantly improve your home’s safety, security, and convenience.
In this DIY Smarts project, Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron replaces a 30-year-old garage door opener without safety features with a modern, feature-rich model.
How To Buy a Garage Door Opener
No matter which type of garage door opener you buy, they’ll have the same basic components. A motor unit placed on the garage ceiling pulls the door up, supported by a system of rails and trolleys along the sides of the door. You’ll control the opener with a remote, a panel on the wall, or both.
Modern garage doors have a pair of laser eyes near the ground and a pressure reverse system inside the motor assembly. If someone trips the photo eyes or the pressure system while the door is closing, the system will reverse the motor and reopen the door to prevent crush injuries.
Types of Drive Systems
Chain drive systems were nearly ubiquitous back in the day. Even if they’re a little noisy compared to other options, they’re still the most common and affordable type of garage door opener you can buy.
A few other simple and innovative drive systems have since made it to market, including these:
- Belt drive openers: These openers work similar to a chain drive, but use a reinforced belt with teeth cut along at least one side. It’s a traditionally-designed system, but operates a little quieter.
- Direct drive openers: Direct drive openers are a little more expensive, but they’re quiet, have fewer moving parts, and can save you space mounting a motor assembly on your ceiling. The motor sits near the top corner of your garage door and opens and closes the door by turning the torsion spring shaft.
- Screw drive openers: Screw drive openers look more unassuming, like belt or chain drive models. However, they have fewer moving parts. The motor turns a long threaded rod that moves the trolley up and down the rail.
Advanced Features
Many modern garage door openers have advanced features that enhance convenience and security. A few of them include:
- Wi-Fi connectivity: Some openers can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network so you can monitor and control the door from anywhere. While you’re away, you can receive a phone notification if someone opens the door or if you accidentally left it open.
- Battery backup: With a battery backup, the garage door opener will continue to work through power outages. However, aside from the remote controllers, not every switch to open the door will work with the backup system.
- Creature comforts: A few premium garage door openers have far more tricks up their sleeve, with Bluetooth speakers, cord reels for power access, or cooling fans so you can work comfortably when your car’s out of the garage.
Preparing for Garage Door Opener Installation
Before you start, gather the necessary materials and tools and take a few safety precautions.
Gather Tools and Materials
Aside from the garage door opener, you’ll need these items:
- Flathead screwdriver
- Impact driver or screw gun
- Ladder
- Level
- Open-ended adjustable wrench
- Tape measure
- Wire strippers (if needed)
Safety Precautions
Have safety glasses and work gloves to wear during the job. You’ll also need a helper to safely move motor and lifting arm assemblies up and down.
Move your car out of the garage, and clear any clutter that’s in the way—including items resting above the rafters. When you’re ready to start, turn off power to the garage at the circuit breaker.
Removing the Old Garage Door Opener
Start by removing the old unit. You’ll switch out the motor assembly completely, though you may be able to reuse the original rails and pulleys.
Disconnecting the Old Unit
Close your garage door if it isn’t already closed. Unplug the existing opener from the power outlet, then remove the brackets that secure it to the ceiling. Gently lower the motor assembly down and rest it on the floor. You may be on a ladder for this step, so for safety, pass the assembly to a helper so you can keep your balance.
At this point, the brackets holding the lifting arm in place will still be mounted to the wall and the door.
Removing Brackets and Rails
At this point, the brackets holding the lifting arm in place will still be mounted to the wall and the door. Use an open-ended adjustable wrench to remove the brackets on and above the door. Again, you’ll want your helper to spot you in this step. The rails can be heavy and awkward to handle, so stay safe as you lower them down to the floor.
Mounting the New Garage Door Opener
With the old opener removed, you can now mount the new one in its place.
Assembling the New Rail System
Each garage door opener has different assembly instructions based on its drive system. Follow the instructions in the included manual to assemble the rail system. Finish with the trolley attached to the rail. Make sure it can move smoothly along the rail before you proceed.
Mounting the Motor Unit
“The motor comes with its own track,” says Caron. “But, we can reuse the bracket that held the old system.”
Use an impact driver and screws to install the new bracket over the garage door. With your helper’s assistance, lift the motor unit and rail assembly into place and secure it to the ceiling brackets on both sides.
Slide the rail into the new bracket and secure the connection with the wrench. Double-check all your connections to make sure everything stays put.
Connecting the Lifting Arm
Next, attach the new lifting arm to the trolley on the rail, and connect it to the garage door on the other side. Adjust the length of the arm as needed so the door operates properly.
Setting Up the Garage Door Control Systems
There are three different ways to control a garage door opener. You’ll install each of them in this step:
The Inside Keypad
A keypad gets mounted inside the garage, someplace near the door to your house or yard. Some keypads double as light switches.
To install the keypad, pick a location near the garage door entrance that’s convenient for wiring. Mount the keypad securely to the wall using the provided hardware, then connect the wiring to the motor unit using a conduit for safety.
The Outside Keypad
A separate wireless keypad mounted along the jamb opens the garage door from outside, so long as you have the right access code. Like before, you’ll mount this keypad using the hardware in the box. Don’t worry about setting a code yet—you’ll do this once the installation is complete.
Remote Controls
Garage door openers include at least a few remotes to control the system. Mount them on your car’s sun visor for one-touch opening and closing.
Smartphone apps and connectivity features are also sometimes available. Install the necessary apps on your smartphone to monitor and control your garage door remotely.
Installing Safety Sensors
Mount the eye sensors about 6 inches from the floor on both sides of the garage door. Align the sensors carefully so they can “see” each other. If they’re misaligned, the door is less safe.
Connect the sensor wiring to the motor unit, securing any loose wiring to prevent trip-and-fall hazards.
Testing and Adjusting Your Garage Opener
Now, you’re ready to test your garage door. Plug in the motor unit and restore power to the garage at the breaker. Try opening and closing the door with the wall buttons, remote, and keypad, and adjust the force and travel limits as you need. Place an old toy in the door’s path and try closing the door to make sure it reverses when it detects an obstacle.
Garage Door Opener Maintenance Tips
To keep your new garage door opener functioning smoothly, lubricate the moving parts once yearly with a silicone-based lubricant. As you go, check the bolts and screws to make sure they’re still tightly fastened.
Resources:
You can buy everything Caron used to install the garage door opener, including the pliers and the drill, from The Home Depot.
Learn about how much a garage door costs in our in-depth cost article.
