Modern garage door systems are made up of many complex parts, but one of their most useful and crucial features is the garage door opener. If an opener stops operating properly, it not only poses an inconvenience, but it also presents safety and security issues. Understanding how the device works can help you troubleshoot problems and choose the right replacement when the time comes. Here’s an overview of what you should know.

Understanding Your Garage Door Opener 

Components of a Garage Door Opener 

Although there are different types of garage door openers, they all have a motor that’s designed to move a trolley connected to the door. When activated, the trolley sets the door in motion to either open or close. Traditional openers use a chain, belt, or threaded steel rod to get the trolley moving.

Openers also contain a drive guide, which helps to guide and protect the chain, belt, or rod as it moves the door up and down. Some openers also have an inverter switch to covert a home’s electrical AC power to DC for more efficient motor operation, along with a battery to provide backup power if there’s an outage.

Common Problems With Garage Door Openers 

Just as with any mechanical device, garage door openers are subject to wear and tear. Over time, you may begin to notice your opener is no longer working as smoothly as it once did. This can happen for a variety of reasons. If your opener isn’t moving when you push either the remote or wall switch, there may be a problem with the power supply due to loose or broken wires.

In some cases, the door might not fully close or reverse when it touches the ground. This could mean the close-limit switch needs to be adjusted. Should the opener suddenly stop in the middle of operation, the safety sensors could be dirty, blocked, or misaligned.

Although fixing your garage door opener can sometimes be as simple as replacing the batteries in your opener or remote, more complex issues will require the expertise of a garage door professional. Avoid fixing any electrical issues on your own, as doing so could lead to personal injury or damage to the component. 

If your garage door opener is malfunctioning, contact the experts at Fred C. Johnson Co. in Jessup, MD, for help with repairs. Backed by 55 years of industry experience, they’ll be able to quickly identify what’s wrong and provide you with the most cost-effective solution. For quality results you can count on, call (410) 792-2126 to schedule service.