Automatic garage doors are a great convenience for anyone with garage access. But as with any technology, garage door openers can have problems on occasion. Sometimes, the door can fail to open at all. This often means the batteries in your remote are dead or the opener has lost power. Other times, it may start to move, only to stop and reverse direction. This generally means it’s catching on something or its sensors are being obstructed.

Sometimes, however, the issue might not be that the garage door fails to open or close. It simply doesn’t move as quickly as it once did. Though this might not seem like a major issue, it could be a sign of a bigger problem.  It’s important to understand what’s causing the issue so you can take the appropriate actions and keep your garage door in working order.

Speed Set to Low

Some don’t realize this, but many modern garage door openers actually have speed settings. This allows you to have your garage door open slower or faster, depending on your preference. While you shouldn’t expect a residential garage door to open as fast as a commercial-grade high-speed door, you can likely boost the speed a bit.

By default, garage door openers are typically set to a lower speed. To adjust the speed, you’ll likely need to access the opening mechanism itself. Refer to your owner’s manual or contact a garage door professional to find out how to adjust the speed.

If your garage door used to open faster, and it just recently started opening slowly, it’s likely not due to a speed setting issue. Speed dials and buttons tend to be out of normal reach, and they’re not something that accidently gets bumped. Still, it’s worth checking to make sure.

Track and Lubrication Problems

Modern garage door systems have a lot of moving parts. If these parts become dirty or dried out, the opener can start to move slowly. A garage door system should actually be lubricated every three months or so. Not only does improve speed, but it can decrease noise and increase longevity.

Additionally, make sure the tracks for your garage door are clear of debris and build-up. Check to ensure the tracks aren’t dented or bent as well. Some simple cleaning and lubrication can go a long way in helping garage door opener performance.

Your Garage Door Opener Needs Repair or Replacement

If you’ve tried to adjust the settings, clean the tracks, and lubricate your system, and it’s still opening slowly, the problem could be your opener or the garage door springs. When it comes to inspecting, repairing, or replacing a garage door opener, it’s best to contact a professional. Garage doors are very heavy, and garage door springs carry a lot of weight.

When handled incorrectly, they can be very dangerous.

A garage door professional will be able to identify the issue and let you know your options. Though purchasing a new garage door opener may be the most expensive option, it does come with certain advantages. Today’s garage door openers offer a number of functions that didn’t exist even 10 years ago.

Modern openers can be integrated with your home’s Wi-Fi, allowing you to control them from a smart device or a computer. They can also include additional safety and security features. Wall mounted openers have become increasingly popular, offering a powerful, yet very quiet opening experience.

Whether you need a new garage door, new springs, or a new garage door opener in Ohio, Springfield Overhead Door has you covered. In addition to offering a wide selection of high-quality products, we provide professional installation services so that your new equipment is setup correctly.

Contact us today!