Last Updated on July 17, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas
The cost of garage door motor replacement typically ranges from $200 to $600, including parts and labor. Factors influencing the cost include the type and brand of the motor, its horsepower, and the complexity of installation. Basic motors with lower horsepower are more affordable, while high-end and powerful ones can be more expensive. Additionally, labor costs vary depending on location and the expertise of the technician.
What Is The Cost Of The Installation Of A Garage Door Motor?
Generally, the cost of installing a garage door motor varies depending on the type of motor you want and who you hire to do the installation. On average, the breakdown is as follows:
1. Garage-door motor cost: 50-500 dollars
2. Average installation cost: 250-500 dollars
3. The Home Depot installation: 127+ dollars
4. Lowe’s door and opener installation: 199-599 dollars.
Garage Door Motor Prices By Type
| Type | Price |
| Commercial | $300-$1,500 |
| Screw-Driven | $200-$500 |
| Belt-Driven | $160-$450 |
| Chain-Driven | $150-$250 |
What Determines The Cost Of The Replacement Of A Garage Door Motor?
The amount you will be charged for the replacement or installation of your garage door motor will depend on various factors highlighted below:
1. Where you live, if you stay in one of the major cities, you will pay a higher fee for the replacement and installation of garage door motors.
2. The number of jobs at hand. Some motors will be easy and quick to replace; others will take a lot of time to fix and thus cost more.
3. Type of garage door motor. Some garages have automatic door openers, and others require you to open them manually. These two kinds of garage doors will vary in cost.
4. The style of door that you have installed
How Hard Is Installing A Garage Door Motor?
Most garage door motors are easy to install since they come with a manual. If you are replacing a garage door motor, it is advisable to get one similar to the broken one. When the two motors are the same, i.e., broken and new motors, it is easy to replace since the parts are all the same.
The sophisticated motors will require you to either be ready to commit hours of your day to figure it out or get a professional to do the job. You may consider installing smart garage openers to ease the opening and closing of the garage. As such, you will require a professional to handle the installation or replacement.
What Are The Different Types Of Garage Door Motors Available?
Garage door motors come in different types and brands. When you don’t know what to get for your garage, you must consult a professional at your local hardware or home depot store.
That said, below, we discuss the three main types of garage door motors.
1. Belt-driven Garage Door Motors.
Belt-driven garage door motors run on a rubber belt and are as reliable as chains. The motor is mounted at the center of the garage door and attached to the door with a hockey arm connector.
This type of motor is usually very silent during operation. If you like a quiet home, this works well for you, especially when the garage is attached to the main house. However, these motors are expensive compared to the other garage door motors. Though, they come in different sizes that dictate the exact price.
Some of its main features include:
- Soft start and stop
- Can operate larger doors
- It comes with two remotes
- Seven-year warranty as standard
2. Chain-driven Garage Door Motors
These garage door motors operate like belt-driven motors. With the chain being the main part that works to open the garage door, the motor is very noisy. The chain is well hidden and cannot be easily noticed until it moves.
The chain-driven door motor is more cost-effective, and when they break down, the replacement parts are easily and readily available.
Chain-driven motors are center-mounted and attached to the garage door. You also get to choose one from the different brands and models.
3. Direct Drive Garage Doors Motors
The main difference between direct-drive garage motors and belt or chain-driven garage motors is that it drives direct to the torsion springs. There is no belt or chain in this motor. It is positioned at the side of your garage door and is barely noticeable.
With these motors, you are limited to the types you can get. The parts that make it up are also not readily available. However, this should not be a major concern as the motor has few breakable parts.
The direct drive door motors are best for roller doors as well as sectional garage doors
What Can Cause Damage To A Garage Door Motor?
1. Broken Cables
The wire cables that assist in lifting open your garage door and lowering it shut might break. The breakage is mainly caused by wear and tear that happens over time due to usage. When the cables break, the garage door’s weight is exacted on the motor. The remaining cables can also lead to the destruction of the motor.
It would help to check the cable condition to prevent motor failure periodically.
2. Misaligned Track
Garage doors move on a track set to hold them in place as they go up and down. When this track is not in position, the garage door will try and force itself through it. As a result, the motor exerts itself to move the door past the misaligned track.
Forcing the garage door to pass via a damaged track will destroy your motor since it is built only to lift the garage weight. The motor should not try to lift a heavier load than required.
3. Worn Out Hardware
Like any other machine pulling and pushing the garage door to close and open will cause some wear and tear over time that affects the motor. You should regularly grease any moving parts to reduce friction that can damage the garage door.
If the parts are completely worn out, you should replace them to ensure that the garage door works efficiently and there is no threat to the motor.
4. Severe Weather
Most states in the United States of America experience extreme weather conditions once in a while. The weather damages the garage door itself, and then the damage caused to the door moves onto you the motor causing it to fail.
5. Lack Of Maintenance
You have to ensure any equipment or machine is in the best condition for you to get the best services. Motors can develop a problem that slowly grows and finally comes to a breakdown calling for a replacement. Though it will break after some time, regular maintenance enhances its lifespan.
How To Maintain And Take Care Of Your Garage Door Motor
Garage doors have many moving parts, but the main part is the motor. A garage door motor has a long life; it can give you service for about 10 to 15 years depending on the make and how well you maintain it.
To get the best out of your door opener, you must maintain the garage door.
Some of these maintenance tasks include:
1. Track adjustment. The garage door track needs to be well put to ensure the opening and closing of the garage are smooth without the door moving off track.
2. Track lubrication. When the garage door track is not lubricated, closing and opening the door can be tasking to the motor. Continuous usage of this grease-free track can cause damage to your opener.
3. Repair of dents and scratches. Dents on your garage door can cause the door to hang or get caught and stuck as it moves up and down. The motor will strain as it tries to get the garage door unstuck. This strain can cause damage to your motor.
4. Resetting your motor. After many years of using the same opener, some complications can come up due to wear and tear or other problems. Resetting the opener can reconfigure it back to its default settings.
5. Tightening all fixtures and fittings. The garage door and every moving part, including the motor, should all be at their best. When one part of the whole system malfunctions, it will cause damage to the good parts. So, always ensure all the fixtures and fittings are tightened well.
How to Change A Garage Door Motor
To change a garage door motor, follow these general steps. Please note that specific instructions may vary based on the brand and model of the motor, so always refer to the manufacturer’s manual for detailed guidance:
- Gather Tools and Materials: Prepare the necessary tools, such as a screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench, and a new garage door motor compatible with your system.
- Disconnect Power: Turn off the power to the garage door opener by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker.
- Remove the Old Motor: Detach the garage door opener from the ceiling or wall mount, carefully disconnecting any wires and safety sensors.
- Install the New Motor: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the new garage door motor. Attach it securely to the ceiling or wall.
- Connect Wires: Reconnect the wires and safety sensors according to the manual, ensuring everything is correctly wired.
- Test the Motor: Turn the power back on and test the motor to ensure it operates smoothly and all safety features are functional.
- Adjust Settings: Adjust the motor’s settings, such as travel limits and force settings, to match your garage door’s requirements.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply lubricant to moving parts, such as chains or gears, to ensure smooth operation.
- Test the Door: Open and close the garage door a few times to verify that the motor is working correctly and the door is balanced.
Final Thought
The cost of replacing a garage door motor is relatively low compared to buying a new door. Luckily, garage door motors have a long life span of about 10 to 15 years before they need to be a replacement. But, if you do not do regular maintenance, it can break down before its lifespan. So, to avoid frequent repairs and replacements, carry out routine maintenance practices on the motor.
References:
https://www.greeleygaragedoorrepair.com/2023/03/20/garage-door-motor-replacement-cost/
https://garagetechnologyaccess.com.au/garage-door-motor-replacement-cost/
Emma is a graduate of Domestic Science or Family and Consumer Sciences (Home Economics) from the University of Wisconsin. She has 7 years of experience Working with the strategic section of BestBuy and now writing full-time for Homeeon.
From Managing the Home, Interiors, Cleaning, and Exteriors to Gardening and everything about Making A Home Liveable – is her passion and this Homeeon is the result of this.
Emma loves decorating her home with the best stuff found online. She cares about quality over anything and writes reviews about them here in Homeeon. Get in touch with her over Pinterest.
Keep reading her blogs.