Table of Contents
Summer is a busy season for most households. Between family vacations, home improvement projects, and kids playing outdoors, your garage door sees more use than usual. That increased demand makes it the perfect time to evaluate whether your garage door opener is still up to the task. If you’ve noticed unusual delays, odd noises, or outdated technology, now is the time to act.
Lakeside Doors, a leading name in garage door opener installation, helps Tacoma, Puyallup and surrounding area homeowners upgrade to safer, quieter, and more efficient systems—backed by years of expertise and premium products.
Here are five key signs your garage door opener needs to be replaced this summer, and what features to look for in a modern replacement.
1. Delayed or Inconsistent Response
If your garage door opener hesitates before responding to a remote command—or fails to respond entirely—this is one of the most common red flags. Delayed operation can be caused by worn-out internal gears, faulty wiring, or a dying motor. Inconsistency may also point to outdated technology that’s no longer compatible with newer smart home systems.
Modern openers offer faster and smoother response times, thanks to advanced drive systems and wireless control options. Lakeside Doors’ LiftMaster models include MyQ® technology, allowing homeowners to open and close their garage from a smartphone, ensuring real-time performance and peace of mind.
2. Unusual Noises or Vibration
Garage door openers should not sound like a freight train coming through the house. If you hear grinding, rattling, or screeching during operation, the internal mechanisms could be worn out or misaligned. Vibration that causes the opener to shake or move is another sign of mechanical fatigue.
Switching to a quiet belt-drive garage door opener can drastically reduce noise and provide a smoother user experience. These systems use rubber belts reinforced with steel, making them ideal for attached garages or households with children or pets.
3. Lack of Modern Safety Features
Outdated garage door openers may lack essential safety mechanisms, putting your family and property at risk. According to the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA), all garage door openers sold in the U.S. since 1993 must include photoelectric sensors that stop the door if an object is in its path.
If your current system predates this or the sensors have stopped functioning reliably, replacement is strongly recommended. New openers from Lakeside Doors are equipped with safety reversing mechanisms, rolling-code technology to prevent hacking, and auto-close timers that provide added security when you forget to shut the garage.
4. Rising Energy Bills and Inefficiency
Older motors consume more electricity, especially when struggling with worn or unbalanced garage doors. An energy efficient garage door opener not only reduces your carbon footprint but also saves you money long-term.
Energy Star-rated garage openers feature standby modes that reduce power consumption when not in use. Models available through Lakeside Doors are built to meet the latest efficiency standards while providing enough torque to lift heavy, insulated garage doors with ease.
5. Outdated Technology and Poor Security
Security is a major concern for homeowners, especially in the summer months when the home is vacant more often. Openers using fixed-code technology can be easily breached by hackers with basic tools. Similarly, models lacking Wi-Fi integration limit your ability to monitor or control your garage from afar.
Upgrading to a modern unit with rolling-code encryption, smartphone control, and activity alerts will protect your home and provide convenience. Lakeside Doors offers installation of the latest smart garage systems that sync with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and other home automation platforms.
What to Look for in a New Garage Door Opener
When replacing your opener, consider the following:
- Drive Type: Choose belt-drive systems for quiet operation and long-term durability.
- Horsepower: Heavier garage doors require more power. Standard sizes do well with ½ HP models, but larger or insulated doors may need ¾ HP or more.
- Smart Features: Wi-Fi compatibility, battery backup, and motion-detection lighting add convenience and security.
- Safety Compliance: Ensure the opener meets DASMA’s UL 325 safety standards and includes functional photoelectric sensors.
Maintenance Tips from the Experts
Regular upkeep can extend the life of your opener and reduce the chance of unexpected breakdowns. Perform these checks seasonally:
- Inspect and lubricate moving parts like hinges and rollers.
- Test the auto-reverse feature by placing an object in the door’s path.
- Replace batteries in remotes and keypads annually.
- Clean the photo sensors with a soft cloth.
If you’re unsure whether your system is functioning safely, Lakeside Doors offers inspection services to assess the condition of your opener and recommend the best solutions.
Why Homeowners Trust Lakeside Doors
With decades of experience and a strong reputation throughout Tacoma and Puyallup, Lakeside Doors is the top choice for quality and service. We carry the most trusted brands in the industry, like LiftMaster, and our expert installers ensure your garage system operates at peak performance.
Our local technicians prioritize fast, friendly service and carry all necessary parts for same-day upgrades. Whether you’re dealing with a noisy opener or looking for a smart system that fits your modern lifestyle, Lakeside Doors has you covered.
Don’t wait for a breakdown to disrupt your summer plans. Make the switch to a better, safer, and quieter garage door opener today.