A Complete Guide on Garage Door Opener Installation

Have you been planning a garage door opener installation? It can indeed be very tiring to open your garage door by hand every time you need to use your car. Having a garage door opener will make opening and closing your garage door easier and quicker.

And, don’t worry, installing a garage door opener is actually a fairly easy DIY project. The home improvement will only take you about a few hours (4 to 6 hours, generally) to finish. 

Planning a garage installation? Try our free remodel cost estimator; it’s easy and convenient to use!

Of course, how long it takes for a garage door opener installation also depends on your expertise. For a first time DIYer, it may take a little longer. Becoming familiar with the parts and peculiarities of your opener model requires time and a little effort. 

Also, if you’re replacing an old opener with a similar type of new opener, in all probability, you will be using the existing supports and brackets. Thus, saving you some effort. However, try to avoid reusing the old electrical components and wiring as they may be worn, damaged, or have brittle insulation.

For a seamless garage door opener installation, you require a suitable electrical outlet in your garage ceiling and a grounded outlet within a couple of feet of the motor unit. Keep in mind that you cannot connect the opener using an extension cord.

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Is your garage door opener secure? 

As with the other technological products, your garage door opener too is vulnerable and can be opened by a hacker who knows your garage opener’s code. This is especially easy if you have an old garage door opener that uses a fixed code. 

Today, most manufacturers of garage door openers use the more sophisticated, rolling codes and smart garage door openers which are harder to hack, but still possible. 

Let’s review everything you need to know about a garage door seal.

How much does it cost to install a garage door opener?

The average cost of a garage door opener is approximately $120 to $290. Garage door opener installation costs range from $130 to $200. So, most homeowners end up spending $250 to $490 in total. Of course, garage door prices vary depending on the type of door opener, brand, model, and power rating.

Read more: Garage door financing & financing a Garage addition

Types of garage door opener mechanisms

There are different types of garage door openers on the market today. The three most popular ones being belt-driven, chain-driven, and screw-driven. 

Belt-driven garage door opener (average cost: $170-$350)

Here, a motor pulls on a belt that’s attached to a bar. This bar pulls the garage door up and down. This type of opener is the quietest. 

Chain-driven garage door opener (average cost: $130-$180)

Here, as the name suggests, a motor pulls on a chain that’s attached to a bar. This bar then pulls the garage door up and down. 

Screw-driven garage door opener (average cost: $150 to $250)

This type of opener is the simplest. It rotates a steel rod to open or close the garage door.

There are also torsion spring openers but they are less common. They are meant for garage doors that do not weigh more than 225 pounds. 

Take a look at our guide on Automatic VS Manual Garage Doors – A Comparison Guide

Things to keep in mind before installing a garage door opener

• Make sure that your garage doors are compatible with an opener. You may have to plan a garage door replacement if you have older doors.
• Choose a garage door opener that suits your requirements.
• Prepare your garage doors for the installation. Make sure they are well-lubricated and operating properly before the installation.
• Make sure that the doors are working properly. Check the door springs, cables, and pulleys.
• Detach all the ropes or cords of the garage door during the installation.
• Deactivate all the garage door locks. You don’t want them to accidentally engage and damage the new opener or cause you a personal injury.
• Make sure there is an electrical plug around the opener motor. If there isn’t one, you will need to install it by a licensed electrician.
• In case you’re getting new electrical wiring installed, ensure that you disconnect the main power supply to avoid electrical shocks.

Garage door insulation? Take a look at our guide to garage door insulation for your home

Garage door opener installation steps

Although installing a garage door opener is easy enough, you can always hire a professional for a seamless project. Whether you decide to do so or complete the project yourself, it’s a good idea to know about the process. 

Here are a few general steps for installing an opener. Of course, the specifics depend on the model and type of garage door opener.

1. Lay out all of the parts of your garage door opener.
2. Begin by putting together the main assembly. 
3. Put the rail together as directed in the owner’s manual. 
4. Then, slide the carriage over the rail and attach the rail to the motor compartment. 
5. Install the pulley at the end of the rail. 
6. Put the chain or belt through the end of the rail, around the pulley, and around the other end. 
7. Attach the end of the belt or chain to the carriage with a screw.
8. Install blocking on the ceiling.
9. Read your opener’s specific instructions for the blocking.
10. Ensure that you attach it to the wooden joists in the ceiling, not just to the sheetrock.
11. Attach your opener’s bracket to the door itself. 
12. Lean the end of the assembly up above the garage door. 
13. Attach the header bracket to the wall.
14. Insert the end of the assembly into it. 
15. Connect the bracket and the end of the assembly according to the installation instructions.
16. Keep the other end of the assembly in place. 
17. Install the power unit at least 7 feet from the floor.
18. Attach to the bracket on the garage door.

Once you’ve installed the opener, you can proceed to install other additional features and optional accessories, including safety ropes, remote control, electric eye, light bulbs, keypads, and keyed switches. 

Read more: A Comprehensive Guide On Garage Door Installation

Written by Ramona Sinha. April 7, 2020

Ramona is a content writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depths of her soul.