After
purchasing a garage door opener, you will have to check how much you can spend
on its installation. If you are already on a budget and do not want to invest
much on the installation, you can go ahead and do the installation on your own.
Installing a garage door opener might not be simple, but it is also not rocket
science. The openers come with an instruction manual for installation that you
can follow and install the door opener. However, you need to be prepared to
spend some time installing a door opener that can take good four to five hours.
There are
some points that need to be kept in mind before you start the installation of a
door opener on your own. The door opener that you buy should be of high-quality.
You can check the reviews of different types of door
openers on
the internet before purchasing your perfect fit. You should also clean the
internal gears and hinges and oil them properly so that they can function
smoothly. This also ensures that the noise level is minimum.
Step 1: Going through the Instructions Manual
The first
step in installing a garage
door opener is to go through its instructions manual and the steps and procedure
written to install it. You need to understand the steps, and in case something
is not clear, most of the door openers come with a customer care service number
where you can call and ask away any questions or doubts you might have.
Additionally, there are several videos available online, containing
instructions on how to install a door opener. You can also check them out.
Step 2: Collecting the Required Tools
The screw
is driven, and chain door openers are the most accessible type of garage door
openers to install. You need to have a toolbox complete with all the necessary
tools required to install a door opener. In a DIY
installation of a door opener, some of the basic things that you would need are a
hammer, screwdriver, wrench, drill driver, tape measure, pliers, ladder, level,
etc.
Step 3: Setting the Ladder at Maximum Height
To install
an overhead door opener, you need first to ensure that the ladder has been set
to its maximum height. This will help to negate any need to carry out this work
above the head, avoiding accidents. You should be careful while you install the
wiring- you can take the help of a professional if required. It is also
essential to ensure that the system of manual disconnect is there in case
something goes wrong. It is better to install it where children cannot reach.
Step 4: Removing the Old Unit
To remove
the old unit, first of all, unplug the old one. Further, lose the bolts that
are holding the old unit in place. Take note that you have your one hand is
supporting it while you go-ahead to remove the bolts. This would ensure that
the unit does not come down suddenly, leading to any accidents. This also
ensures that you can lower the unit slowly.
Step 5: Removing the Bolts
After you
have removed the unit after unplugging it, the next step is removing the two
bolts that connect the motor and the track.
Step 6: Reconnecting the New Opener
Moving
further in the installation of a garage door opener, you need to reconnect the
track with the new motor.
Step 7: Reconnecting the Chain
After you
have followed these steps, the next step in the installation process is
reconnecting the chain with your hand.
Step 8: Adjusting the Garage Door
It is
crucial to ensure that the garage door is connected correctly and adjusted. The
off-the-shelf door openers are well-gauged, you can face problems with some of
the new devices because of their under-coiled or over-coiled springs. In case
the garage door is not adjusted correctly, it is better to call a professional.
The torsion springs store a lot of kinetic energy, and thus, adjusting the
spring system on your own might not be easy for you. You need to be careful at
this step as any callousness can lead to injuries or accidents.
Step 9: Checking the Reverse System
After the
installation is complete, it is always good to ensure that the reverse system
is working correctly. You can put a brick or block of wood below it to check.
Check out the reverse system by activating the door opener. It should stop and
reverse after it senses the obstruction. This needs to be checked several times
after installation, as this is one of the main functions of a door opener.
Ignoring this step is not advisable as it can be hazardous for you and your
family when you actually start using it.