Once it’s time to get a new garage door opener, you’ll probably want to install it yourself some money. Upgrading an existing garage door system isn’t too difficult of a task to handle yourself, and you could likely have it done in just an hour or two. Follow along with our guide below for planning your garage door opener upgrade.
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1. Select Your New Garage Door
The first thing you need to do is check out the best garage door openers and get your system ordered. You’ll want to have your new motor ready to go before you begin dissembling your current setup.
A 1/2 horsepower garage door opener should be suitable unless you have a heavy garage door, then get a 3/4 horsepower system.
2. Remove the Old Components
When replacing your garage door opener, you don’t want to keep any of the old components specific to your opener. Start with the garage door safety sensors. These should have wires that run from the sensors up to the opener motor. Remove the wires and replace them as well, unless they are run internally in your wall in which case you can re-use them.
Unhook all wires from the garage door opener motor (you should have a few for the safety sensors, and maybe another for an open/shut button if you have an older unit).
Unscrew the old motor from the bracket holding it to the ceiling, and set it aside.
3. Assemble the New Rail
Your new garage door opener has a rail that will need to be assembled before you mount it to your ceiling. For this step, you’ll just need to follow the instruction manual that came with your system.
Most manufacturers have their assembly manuals available online, so you can preview the job before you begin. It’s not too difficult to follow these directions. Just take your time and don’t skip a step!
Below is a helpful video of this part of the assembly on a belt-drive garage door opener.
4. Install the New Motor and Rail
Start by installing the new rail into the bracket above your garage door. You may need a 2nd person to help hold up the motor while you do this, or you can use a step ladder.
Install the new garage door motor using the same bracket that held the old motor (or install a new one if required). Make sure your rail and motor are level, or you’ll add additional stress to the motor.
Attach the wires to the unit, and install the new safety sensors.
5. Test and Adjust Your Opener
Use your garage door opener’s manual to adjust the force and stop levels on your motor. Below is a video detailing how to adjust these settings across the different major brands.
6. Setup Additional Garage Door Openers
Purchase and setup any additional garage door opener remotes you may need for your household. The garage door remote will come with instructions on how to sync it to your new motor, which will only take a few minutes to complete.
I hope you like this post of upgrading your old garage door opener.