An automatic garage door opener utilizes energy to lift your garage door open. This means that you don't have to get out of your car and lift the door manually! The majority of homes have an automatic garage door opener, and homeowners use this tool regularly. As such, it may surprise you that many homeowners don't know a lot about garage door replacement, including when it's needed and why a professional should be hired. Here are eight of the most important secrets that all homeowners should know about automatic garage door replacement. With these tips, you'll know when it's time to call in the professionals.

1. Observe the Garage Door's Condition Frequently

One of the secrets that many homeowners don't know about is how long their automatic garage door opener lasts. Some homeowners think their units may last just a few years, while others may think their units will last indefinitely. According to Forbes, an automatic garage door opener can last up to 15 years before it needs to be replaced. There are many factors that affect its lifespan. These include:

• The weather where you live
• The frequency in which it's used
• The weight of your garage door versus the opener's horsepower
• How frequently the unit is cleaned, lubricated, and maintained

2. Consider Repairing vs Replacing

One of the most common misconceptions about automatic garage door openers is that they need to be replaced once they have died or are near the end of their lifespan. For some reason, most people automatically think of automatic garage door replacement without realizing that repairs can be completed on these units in certain cases. If the repair is minor, if the unit is relatively new, if the unit is in otherwise good shape, and if repair parts are available, a repair may be made. As such, if your unit hasn't been used long and encounters a problem, you may want to find out if it can be repaired before you automatically jump to replacing the opener.

3. Replace the Garage Door When Necessary

A tell-tale sign that automatic garage door replacement is needed is that your unit won't open or close your door. If your unit is older and fails to open or close your door, it likely needs to be replaced. If you notice your unit is making strange sounds, such as screeching, squealing, or grinding noises, it may also need to be replaced. Most opening mechanisms have metal components, so you also need to carefully consider the condition of the metal. If it's rusted or corroded, your unit may need to be replaced. Lastly, if you notice your unit is much slower than normal and is really struggling to open or close the door, a replacement may be needed.

4. Assess Different Types of Automatic Door Openers

Another common misconception that homeowners have about automatic door openers is that they're all pretty similar. However, this isn't the case. There are different types of drives that can be used to open and close garage doors. This includes a chain drive, a belt drive, a screw drive, and a direct drive. The way each option operates varies, and the option that's right for you may not be the option that's right for someone else. As such, it's extremely important to learn the pros and cons associated with each of these options to help you determine what new type of door opening system may be ideal for your home.

5. Examine Horsepower

Another secret that the average homeowner should know when they're selecting a new automatic garage door opener is why horsepower is important to consider. The horsepower of the engine in the new unit affects the speed of the opener and its ability to open or shut a garage door. If you only have a one-car garage, you may be able to get away with a .33 horsepower engine. On the other hand, someone with a three-car garage or someone who has heavy garage doors may need anywhere from a .75 to 1.5 horsepower motor for their new opening system. An excellent replacement company can work with you to help you figure out how much horsepower your new unit needs.

6. Consider Certain Garage Door System Features

There are numerous features to consider when selecting a new system during the automatic garage door replacement process. One of the features that you should consider in a new opening system includes whether the system has smart features, such as allowing you to open or close the door from your phone. This can be convenient. You also want to ensure your new unit has a manual release in case of outages or problems as well as consider what types of lighting features the unit has.

7. Hire a Professional Garage Door Company

It's tempting to want to complete home projects yourself. However, before you start to really think about completing an automatic garage door replacement project on your own, you should learn some of the key reasons why you should hire a professional instead. Garage doors are extremely heavy; if one falls on you, it can seriously injure or even kill you. This is a key reason why you should hire a professional. On top of this, you can cause damage to your home's electrical system, damage to your garage door, or void the warranty on the new replacement opener if you make any mistakes while installing it. Leaving this task to a pro makes a lot more sense and reduces the risk of injury.

8. Hire Professionals Wisely

There are many factors that you need to consider when you are looking to hire a professional for automatic garage door replacement. You should start by ensuring that the company you're hiring offers warranties. At A1 Garage Doors, we offer a 30-day labor warranty on top of warranties on the products we use. Once you've done that, read online reviews and talk to individuals who have worked with the company in the past. You want to ensure that they have good reviews from people who have hired them. It's also important to find out if the garage door company is certified by any garage door opener manufacturers. If you already know what brand of opener you want, you may wish to find a contractor certified by that manufacturer. Lastly, take the time to obtain estimates from a few different companies. This allows you to compare costs and find a company that's reasonably priced for replacement services.

Learning some of the secrets about automatic garage door openers, including what the signs are that it's time for automatic garage door replacement, can help you better understand your opener and when it's time to get it repaired or replaced. If you're in the market for a garage door replacement, our team can help you select the best new opener for your needs and install it. We carry garage door systems from the top manufacturers in the industry; in fact, we're a proud supplier of LiftMaster brand products! We're located in Englewood, CO and serve the entire Denver area with our knowledgeable and skilled services. Plus, we offer free estimates over the phone, competitive pricing, and emergency services when you're in a pinch. Don't wait! Call our experienced team here at A1 Garage Doors for your estimate today. We're eager to assist you and your family soon.