What Affects the Lifespan of a Garage Door Motor?
Several factors influence how long your garage door motor will last, including the following:
- Frequency of Use – Motors that operate multiple times daily wear out faster than those used occasionally.
- Quality of the Motor – High-end motors with durable components typically last longer than cheaper models.
- Environmental Conditions – Extreme temperatures, dust, and moisture can accelerate wear and tear.
- Proper Maintenance – Regular lubrication, inspections, and timely repairs can significantly extend the motor’s life.
- Power Supply Stability – Unstable power sources, like those in South Africa because of load shedding, can shorten the lifespan of a motor and your motor’s battery.
Essential Maintenance Tips to Prolong Motor Life
Follow these simple maintenance tips to keep your garage door motor running smoothly for years:
1. Lubricate Moving Parts
Lubricate the chain, gears, and rollers regularly to reduce friction and minimise strain on the motor. Use a high-quality garage door lubricant every six months.
2. Check the Door Balance
An unbalanced garage door puts extra stress on the motor, leading to premature wear. Test the balance by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door halfway if it doesn’t stay in place, the springs may need adjustment, typically anything holding tension such as springs should be serviced by a professional.
3. Tighten Loose Components
Vibration from daily use can loosen screws, bolts, and brackets. Periodically check and tighten all fasteners to prevent operational issues.
4. Replace Worn-Out Parts
If you notice slow operation, unusual noises, or inconsistent performance, replace aging components before they cause bigger problems, this can save you from a headache later down the line.
When replacing worn out parts consider doing some research before you begin, to determine if the specific replacement is something you can safely do yourself or if a professional needs to be called in.
The Impact of Load Shedding on a Garage Door Motors Lifespan
In South Africa, frequent load shedding (power cuts) can put additional strain on your garage door motor, especially if it relies on a battery backup system within the garage door motor itself. Here’s how loadshedding affects your motor and what you can do to protect it:
How Load Shedding Affects Your Garage Door Motor
- Increased Battery Drain – Repeated power cuts force the backup battery to work more frequently, reducing its lifespan over time.
- Voltage Fluctuations – Power surges when electricity returns can damage the motor’s circuit board.
- Inconsistent Charging – Batteries that do not receive a full charge between outages can fail prematurely.
- Strain on Mechanical Components – Repeatedly switching between battery power and mains electricity can cause wear and tear on the motor’s internal parts.
Protecting Your Garage Door Motor During Load Shedding
Invest in a High-Quality Battery Backup – Choose a long-lasting motor battery that can handle multiple power cuts without losing efficiency.
- Use a Surge Protector – Protect your motor from sudden voltage spikes when power is restored.
- Upgrade to an Inverter System – Consider installing an inverter to keep your garage door operational even during extended power cuts. Additionally, having a backup power solution in place prevents, or at minimum delays how quickly the mortar battery can deplete, reducing the likelihood of the motor battery dropping below safe levels.
- Keep an Eye on Battery Health – If possible, ensure your battery gets a full charge between outages. Some of the factors that can affect your battery’s total lifespan include:
1. Temperature of Operation
Typically, you want to keep your batteries away from extremes in terms of both hot and cold operating conditions as both ends of the temperature spectrum are known to degrade battery life if kept at one extreme or the other for prolonged periods.
2. Charging Level
It’s important to not allow the battery level to drop below the 20% mark as extended periods of the battery being below 20% can lead to battery degradation over time.
3. Age of your battery
If your battery is lasting around 60% – 80% of its original capacity it might be time to consider replacing the battery as this can be a strong indicator of the battery’s end-of-life cycle, as battery’s will naturally degrade over time.
When to Replace Your Garage Door Motor
If your motor is over 10 years old and you notice frequent breakdowns, slow operation, or loud noises, it may be time to upgrade.
Here’s some great news if you’re still using an older motor: modern motors are quieter and more energy-efficient than older models. That’s where Roos Garage Doors comes in! We offer a high-quality selection of garage door motors to make your upgrade process as smooth as possible.