Garage door opener repair and replacement in Austin

Many opener problems are really safety problems doing their job. Federal rules have required openers sold in the US to reverse since 1991, and since 1993 to have extra entrapment protection, such as photo-eye sensors near the floor.

Common opener problems

• The door goes down, then back up
• The opener hums but the door doesn't move
• The remote or wall button stops working
• The door stops partway

The safety standard

The federal standard for home garage door openers, 16 CFR 1211, applies to openers made since January 1, 1993, and draws on the UL 325 standard. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says photo-eye sensors should sit 4 to 6 inches above the floor.

Test the safety reverse monthly

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says to lay a 2x4 flat in the door's path. If the door doesn't reverse when it touches it, disconnect the opener until it's adjusted, repaired or replaced. It also advises checking the door and opener every 30 days.

Repair or replace?

The CPSC urges replacing older openers that don't reverse. An opener with no photo-eye or edge sensor is likely older than the 1993 rule. If a new opener needs a new outlet, that is electrical work for a licensed electrician.