As a homeowner in Omaha, you rely on your garage door opener more than you might realize. Whether you are heading out on a chilly morning or returning home with a car full of groceries, a smoothly operating garage door is essential. But like any other part of your home, garage door openers need regular maintenance to stay in top shape. This guide will teach you simple yet effective garage door opener maintenance tips to keep them running with ease all year. So, let us get started on making sure your garage door opener is always ready when you need it!
Regularly Check Your Garage Door Opener
Regular visual inspections are your first line of defense when it comes to garage door opener maintenance. Take a few minutes to look at your garage door opener unit. Look closely at the outer casing for cracks or dents. If you notice any issues, it might be time to consider a garage door opener repair.
Next, mount your garage door opener securely. Over time, vibrations and use can loosen the bolts and screws. Grab a wrench and tighten anything that seems loose. Ensuring the opener is firm and secure will keep it working efficiently and reduce noise, too.
Finally, take a close look at the wiring. Frayed wires or loose connections can cause your garage door opener to malfunction or even pose a fire hazard. If you spot any issues, it is best to call a local garage door professional to handle electrical repairs.
Keep the Garage Door Opener Unit Clean
Omaha’s weather can be unpredictable, bringing in dust during dry spells and debris with the wind. That said, it is best to wipe down the garage door opener unit with a soft, dry cloth now and then. Pay special attention to any vents or cooling fans on the unit, as these can get clogged and cause the opener to overheat. Also, proper ventilation is key to preventing overheating, especially during Omaha’s hot summers. Make sure the area around your garage door opener is clear of clutter. Keep boxes, tools, and other items away from the unit.
Lubricate All Moving Garage Door Parts
Cold winters and hot, humid summers in Omaha can make metal parts expand and contract, causing wear and tear. Regular lubrication is an easy way to protect your garage door opener and keep it running seamlessly all year. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you lubricate your garage door opener:
- Gather Your Supplies: You will need a silicone-based lubricant. Avoid using oil-based or grease, as these can attract more dust and debris.
- Disconnect the Opener: For safety, unplug your garage door opener before you start.
- Lubricate the Chain or Screw Drive: If your opener has a chain drive, apply the garage door lubricant to the entire length of the chain. For a screw drive opener, apply the lubricant along the screw.
- Lubricate Cables and Springs: These parts help the opener lift and lower the garage door. Lightly spray the lubricant on the cable and springs.
- Avoid Over-lubrication: Use a light touch. Applying too much lubricant can attract dirt, which can gum up the work down the line.
- Reconnect the Opener: Once you are done, plug the garage door opener back in and run a test to make sure everything is working with no trouble.
Test Safety Features: A Crucial Step in Garage Door Opener Maintenance
Whether you are a busy parent or just want to make sure everything works fine at home, here are the safety features you should test:
Auto-Reverse Mechanism
Your garage door opener has an auto-reverse feature that prevents the door from closing if it hits an object. To test this, use a sturdy object under the garage door, then press the close button. The garage door should reverse immediately upon touching the object. If the door does not reverse, it is time for some garage door maintenance.
Photoelectric Sensors
These sensors, positioned about six inches off the ground, are on either side of the garage door. They create an invisible beam that, if broken, stops the door from closing. To test these features, close the garage door and, as it is closing, then place an object like a broomstick in front of one of the sensors. The garage door should stop closing immediately and reverse back up. If it does not, the sensors might be dirty, misaligned, or need a replacement.
Emergency Release Cord
In case of a power outage, the emergency release cord allows you to operate the door manually. It is usually a red handle hanging from the opener rail. Pull this cord to disconnect the garage door from the opener. You should lift the garage door easily, and when opened halfway, it should stay in place. To reconnect the opener, run it again by pressing the remote.
Adjust the Down Force and Travel Limit Settings
Your garage door opener has two main settings: down force and travel limit. The down force setting determines the amount of power required to open and close the garage door. Meanwhile, the travel limit setting controls how far the garage door moves when it opens or closes. If these settings are off, your garage door might not open or close properly.
Down Force Setting
If the force is too high, it can be dangerous and cause damage. On the other hand, if the force is too low, the garage door might not close all the way. Here is how you can check and adjust the downforce setting:
- Start with the garage door closed.
- Then, open the door using your garage door remote.
- As the garage door is closing, apply light pressure with your hands. If the door does not stop or reverse, the force settings need adjusting.
- Next, locate the force adjustment knobs on your garage door opener. Turn them slightly to decrease the force.
Travel Limit Setting
Incorrect travel limit setting can cause the garage door to stop short or close too hard. To test and adjust it:
- Use your garage door remote to open the door.
- Pay attention to how far the garage door opens. It should stop just above the floor and open fully without hitting the stop.
- If the door does not open or close properly, locate the limit adjustment screws on the garage door opener. Turn them slightly to adjust the travel distance.
Schedule a Professional Garage Door Opener Maintenance
While you can handle some tasks yourself, it is a smart move to call the garage door experts at least once a year. Licensed garage door technicians have the expertise to spot and fix problems you might miss, ensuring everything is in top shape. They handle difficult garage door parts, like the motor and springs, which keep you safe. Regular garage door opener maintenance can extend its lifespan and ensure it works efficiently. Plus, having professionals maintain your garage opener gives you peace of mind.
Garage Door Service Near Me
Is your garage door opener working as it should? At Titan Garage Doors NE, we specialize in garage door opener maintenance, installation, and repair to ensure smooth and reliable operation. Plus, with our service now, pay-over-time financial plan, maintaining your garage door opener has never been more affordable. What are you waiting for? Contact us today for a free estimate.
