Cost to replace a garage door opener

What factors affect garage door opener costs?

Gabrielle Quinn, a garage specialist and designer for Value Garage Door Service in Battle Ground, Washington, said the most important factors a homeowner should consider when picking a door opener are noise level, durability and price.

Obviously, the louder and less durable it is, the cheaper it will be. But price should be one of the last factors to consider, Quinn said, because sometimes a door requires a specific type of opener based on its weight or horsepower needs. In most cases, your best bet is to get professional support during the purchasing process.

“When considering a replacement, it's essential to consult with a professional garage door technician or installer who can assess your specific situation and recommend the best opener for your needs and budget,” Quinn said.

Horsepower

Your garage door is heavier than you think — and it needs the right amount of horsepower to operate safely. Too little horsepower and it won’t open all the way or could fall accidentally; too much horsepower and it could lift it too high and break your tracks and door.

Most homeowners will be fine with ½ horsepower, but it depends on the size and weight of the garage door.

• Lighter doors up to 150 pounds: ⅓ horsepower
• Average-weight single or double doors: ½ horsepower
• Oversize or heavier doors: ¾ to 1 ¼ horsepower

Brand

Each company has its own price range to consider. Higher-end models, like Hormann, could run you upward of $700, while cheaper brands like Chamberlain or Genie could be as low as $160. When comparing brands, consider their products, reviews and warranties.

Type of garage door opener

Your costs also depend on the type of opener: belt drive, chain drive, direct drive or screw drive.

Belt drive cost factors

Belt drive openers range in price from pretty affordable to more expensive, depending on whether they include additional features like Bluetooth capabilities or battery backup. These systems use steel-reinforced rubber belts to move the door up and down rather than a chain, so they’re much quieter and offer a smoother ride.

However, the rubber material isn’t ideal for all types of weather and climates. If you live in an area with high humidity or extreme temperatures, a belt drive opener may wear out faster and lower your return on investment (ROI).

Chain drive cost factors

Chain drive garage door openers are often the cheapest on the market because the design and operation are simpler compared to the other types. They’re not the most efficient and don’t typically come with many bells and whistles, but they’re reliable and get the job done.

Their affordability does come with a price: They’re pretty noisy and require more maintenance, like frequent lubrication. Unless you’re willing to put in the extra work, choosing a different type of opener may be more worthwhile.

Direct drive cost factors

If you want a quiet garage door opener, choose a belt or direct drive mechanism. If you care more about affordability than noise, choose a chain drive.

Unlike belt or chain drive openers, direct drive garage door openers don’t require any additional parts to open and shut. The simplistic design equates to less maintenance, more straightforward repairs, and quieter operation. Plus, they’re well suited for all types of climates and garage doors.

These benefits come at a decently higher starting cost. That being said, if you consider the cost of repairing an opener, you may come out ahead by investing in one of these for the long run.

Screw drive cost factors

Screw drive openers use a threaded bar that rotates to open and shut the garage door. The best way to visually imagine this opener is to picture a screw: rotating it in one direction opens the door, while rotating it in the other direction shuts it.

Originally designed as a quieter alternative to a chain drive opener, screw drive openers are slowly decreasing in popularity as users favor belt drive or direct drive openers (if they can afford them).

Labor

If you decide to pay a contractor to do this job, labor will play a big cost in your final price. Most garage door installers charge between $65 and $85 per hour for work. Assuming this job takes about four hours, that means you could pay between $260 and $340 for the labor alone. Some companies may also charge a removal fee if they have to get rid of your old system for you.

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Additional cost factors

In some cases, you may face additional costs not listed above, like if you need new tracks or want to add extra features.

New vs. replacement

If you’re installing a completely new garage door opener, there are quite a few extra costs to consider. The labor prices above are based on already having a track and door in place, but if you need to add those items, your hourly rates will likely double alongside the actual cost of purchasing those items — which could be as high as $10,000 for higher-end models.

Plus, you’ll likely have to hire an electrician to wire your garage and make sure it’s up to code, which is typically another $100 to $140.

Accessories

Most openers come with one keypad and remote. If you want more of these accessories, you’ll have to pay somewhere between $15 and $60 out of pocket for each one.

Other optional accessories include lighting systems ($50 to $150), battery backup ($100) and additional sensors ($50 to $100 each). If your ceiling is taller than 7 feet, you’ll also need to purchase an extension kit for about $50.

Added features

You may want to consider other unique features or technologies. In garage door specialist Quinn’s experience, smart locks, connection to outdoor technology (like smart gardening tools) and smart lighting are some of the most popular added features. And if you already have a smart home security system, opting for openers with built-in Wi-Fi and cameras can be a great way to extend the ROI of both systems, she said.

Prices range by type of opener and brand, but in general you should expect these features to come with a higher price tag.

Signs you should replace your garage door opener

According to Quinn, these are a few telltale signs that your garage door opener is on its last legs and needs to be replaced:

A garage opening unevenly, opening halfway and reversing, shaking, getting stuck or moving slowly can all indicate its time to replace your garage door opener.

• Excessive noise: Don’t ignore any new sounds your garage door starts making. If it’s loud and happens out of the blue one day, the motor or chain could be worn out or damaged.
• Inconsistent operation: If your garage door opener occasionally fails to open or close properly, the opener may be broken, or there may be electrical issues with your system.
• Slow response: If your opener takes longer than usual to respond to your commands, the system’s electronics could be busted.
• Frequent repairs: If you find yourself repairing your opener more often — and paying the high costs of each one-off repair — you may have a bigger problem at hand. By replacing the opener, you can avoid any future repairs and protect your investment with a warranty.
• High energy costs: Even if your system works appropriately, you may consider replacing it with an energy-efficient model to lower your utility bills. These systems can also help make your garage an extension of your home during summer or winter months with increased insulation.

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Installing a garage door opener yourself vs. hiring a pro

If you’re simply swapping out an electric opener with a similar make and model and have some basic electrical knowledge, you should be able to replace your garage door opener yourself. But if you have to start messing with the tracks, springs or door, consider hiring a professional.

Garage doors weigh at least 130 pounds but can be as heavy as 400-plus pounds, depending on the size and material, so this job isn’t something you should take lightly.

Bottom line

There’s no way around it: Replacing a garage door opener is an extensive task with many factors to consider. Luckily, you’ll likely only have to do it once — if at all — while you own your house.

Make sure you replace the opener with the right type and the horsepower necessary for your garage door and setup. When in doubt, it’s best to rely on a garage door specialist to choose the best replacement. Plus, some brands you’ll need to get directly from a dealer or installer. With the right research beforehand, you can get your garage door back on track in no time with as little headache and out-of-pocket cost as possible.

» MORE: Cost to replace a garage