This article gives us a review of the real cost to replace garage door opener.
Whether you are moving into a new property without a garage door opener or your current garage doesn’t work as intended, there is no doubt that a garage door opener is a necessity.
It provides safety, security, and convenience to your home. Besides this, a new garage door opener offers better insulation, adds value to your property, and enhances your home’s curb appeal.
You are probably worried about what will cost to replace garage door opener. Worry not because it is affordable.
You will spend around $250-$500 on average, which includes the installation costs. Thankfully, it is not crazy expensive to buy and install a new system to replace your garage door opener.
You can even eliminate the labor costs if you do it yourself. In the next section of this article, we will break down this cost further.
The Total Cost of Replacing a Garage Door Opener by Type
There are four different garage door openers. These openers vary by the way they operate and, subsequently, their costs. Some are simple and less expensive than others, but they are noisy.
| Opener Type | Lower cost | Average Cost | Upper Cost |
| Chain Drive | $120 | $200 | $270 |
| Belt Drive | $160 | $250 | $350 |
| Screw Drive | $200 | $250 | $300 |
| Direct Drive | $270 | $380 | $500 |
Now that we have the big-picture perspective of each opener type let’s analyze the cost of installing each type of garage door opener:
Chain-Drive Openers
Chain-driven openers are the least expensive to install. These openers cost about $120–$270. The good thing about these openers is that they are durable but can be noisy.
A typical chain-drive opener consists of a metal chain that opens and closes the door. Considering this, you might need to lube your garage door more frequently.
Belt Drive Openers
These openers move the trolley that opens and closes the door via a belt. So, they tend to have fewer movable parts than chain-driven openers, but they still require some maintenance.
They are also relatively cheap. On average, a belt-drive garage door opener costs $160–$350.
Screw Drive Openers
These openers cost around $200–$300 and are considered some of the fastest. A screw-drive opener uses threaded metal rods to move the door up and down.
Another feature of these openers is that they have fewer movable parts. Because of this, they tend to have smoother operations and are less noisy.
Direct Drive Openers
A direct-drive opener is the simplest of the four openers but the most expensive. On average, a direct drive opener costs $270–$500.
In terms of operation, a direct-drive opener uses the motor to open and close the door. What it means is that it doesn’t have a belt, chain, or screw.
Apart from this, it is maintenance-free because of the fewer moving parts.
Cost to Replace Garage Door Openers by Brand
Another different factor to consider when it comes to the cost to replace garage door openers is the type of brand you choose. As you will notice below, some brands are more affordable than others.
| Brand | Cost |
| LiftMaster | $225 – $425 |
| Genie | $130 – $450 |
| Chamberlain | $130 – $500 |
| Guadian | $165 – $230 |
| Linear | $210 – $375 |
| Sommer | $175 – $280 |
| Craftsman | $140 – $325 |
| Hormann | $235 – $690 |
Factors that Influence the Cost to Replace Garage Door Openers
The major factors affecting the installation cost include the type of garage door opener you choose and who is installing the garage door opener.
Here are the full details of the factors that influence the cost of replacing a garage door opener:
Installation Labor
The labor rate for installing a garage door opener will differ based on where you live but expect to spend between $60 and $100 per hour.
Some systems require wiring in the ceiling before you install the opener. Some require an electrician to install a plug. If that is the case, you can set aside $50–$130 per hour for the electrician charge.
Type of Garage Door Opener
Another factor influencing the cost to replace garage door opener is the device you use. You can choose a simple garage door opener if you are working with a tight budget.
However, you will get more value when you invest in high-end garage openers. Adding a few dollars could mean having wall-mounted units with automatic locking features and quieter operations.
Horsepower
The horsepower of a garage door opener is its lifting power. Some garage door openers are heavier, depending on the material used and the door size.
These heavy garage doors require more horsepower than simple ones. So, as you buy your garage door opener, select one with a good horsepower rating.
Number of Doors
If your home is in a cold region or you love the aesthetics of multiple garage doors, you might need to install two small garage doors instead of a single, double door.
What it means is that you will have to install two garage door openers instead of one. While it is true that smaller doors require openers with lower horsepower, you will still have to meet the expense of installing two openers instead of one.
Additional Parts
Depending on your chosen brand, some garage door openers might not have all the necessary features and accessories.
What it means is that you have to pay for these added features, which will increase the overall cost.
Accessories and Remotes
Some garage door openers are simple, with only the opener and remote control, while others come with sophisticated options like LED lights, WiFi compatibility, and backup batteries.
Others even come with extra remotes, wireless keypads, built-in cameras, etc. So, as you would expect, the more sophisticated your garage door opener is, the higher the price.
Additional Costs to Consider
Improving your garage door goes beyond just a garage door opener. You may have to update several parts, depending on the manufacturer of your system.
Apart from this, you may also want to add some features to take advantage of your system. Some of these additional costs include:
- Subscription for automated systems
- Safety sensors
- Getting rid of the old door opener
- Extensions kits
Installation of the Garage Door Opener
Time Required to Replace a Garage Door Opener
Typically, installation of a garage door opener takes about 8–12 hours. But it might take slightly longer if you do it yourself while learning the rope.
While you can handle most things, you might need an additional hand to help you remove the old door and disconnect the tension springs.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
If you want to save on installation costs, you can set up the garage door opener yourself. On average, you will spend at least 4 hours to set up your garage door opener completely.
But before you can install such a system, it would be good to assess your mechanical, carpentry, and electric skills.
In short, installing a door opener require some skills. Even if you have the garage door already in place, you still need to make sure everything is balanced.
That is why we recommend hiring a professional with experience dealing with these minor yet important settings.
But if you are still determined to set it up yourself, remove any ropes or cords attached to the opener or garage doors, fix the ceiling joists, and deactivate installed locks.
How to Minimize the Cost To Replace Garage Door Openers
If you are keen to minimize the cost of installing a new garage door opener, then you will appreciate these little tips:
- Get multiple quotes from reputable companies.
- Check home improvement stores.
- Take advantage of package discounts.
- Hire a contractor to buy and install the opener.
- Don’t invest in an overly powerful garage door opener if you have a lighter door.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is cheaper: replacing a garage door opener or buying a new one?
Sometimes, buying a new one may seem more expensive than repairing it. Contrary to this belief, a garage door repair might be more expensive than installing a new one.
A typical garage door repair costs $150–$350. This cost varies depending on the door material, style, and nature of the damage.
What is the lifespan of my garage door opener?
Typically, these useful openers will work properly for about ten years. And if they are well maintained, they can serve you for about 15 years.
Can I install the garage door opener myself?
If you have relevant technical skills, then you can install your garage door opener without an issue. In this case, you need to install a wall-mounted control unit and link it to the door opener.
If you are replacing a faulty opener, it is advisable to disconnect and rewire the wiring system. You can shorten and perfect this process if you hire a professional installer.
What type of maintenance does my garage door opener need?
Maintenance varies depending on the type of garage door opener used. The more moveable parts your opener has, the higher the maintenance. Generally, direct drive openers require the least maintenance, while chain drive openers require frequent maintenance.
Wrapping It Up
Investing in the right garage door opener means better security and convenience. Some high-end garage door openers let you control them with your smartphone.
The good thing is that these openers are affordable, depending on the nature of your door and the additional features you choose.
The cost to replace garage door opener depends on factors such as the type of opener chosen, the horsepower, and the installation costs. Check out this publication for more information about the best garage door openers.
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