You likely don't think about your garage door unless it's not working — and the same is especially true of your garage door motor. But a little education can give you a better understanding of how your garage door works and why, so that you are better able to identify when things are going wrong, even if the signs are subtle. Then you can get garage door repair service as quickly as possible to prevent additional damage.
Here's a look at everything you need to know about garage door motors to make better choices for your own:
There Are Two Types of Garage Door Motors
Your main concern is likely whether a garage door motor works or not, and how easily it works. You likely don't care much about the mechanics. But it is worth knowing that there are two types of garage door motors:
AC: Power runs on an alternating current. AC garage door motors operate at a continuous speed while the door is opening or closing. When the motor starts, power goes to the motor immediately, causing the door to jerk up or down depending on whether you are opening or closing the garage door.
DC: Power runs on a direct current. DC motors start slow, speed up, and then slow down as the garage door closes. These motors typically are more "kind" to your door since they help it run smoother during operation.
According to Bob Vila's garage door opener guide, DC motors have become the dominant type in modern residential openers — they run quieter, are more energy-efficient, and their soft-start and soft-stop operation significantly reduces wear on the door's mechanical components over time.
Knowing which type you have can help you identify when your motor is not working properly.
Motors Have Different Power Levels and Capacities
AC motors have horsepower of 1/3, 1/2, or 3/4, depending on the model. Meanwhile, DC motors have either 500 or 700 newtons, which is about the same as a 3/4 hp–1 hp AC motor. If your garage door seems to be struggling when it is opening or closing, it could be that there is a problem with your motor or other components, or it could be that your motor is not powerful enough for your garage door.
Bob Vila notes that a 1/2 horsepower motor is typically sufficient for lightweight doors, while heavier doors made of solid wood or thick insulated steel generally require 3/4 horsepower or more to operate reliably without straining the motor.
Pro Tip: If your garage door is struggling to open, check your garage door springs first before attempting to open your garage door again! A worn or broken spring places the full weight of the door on the motor, which can burn it out quickly.
A Garage Door Motor Can Lift and Push Heavy Loads
Your garage door can weigh several hundred pounds, depending on its size and material. Your garage door motor is meant to lift and push that easily, ensuring a steady raising and lowering of the door so long as all components are in good shape.
The motor is also strong enough to push down on anything that might be in the way of the door or to lift up anything that might be attached to the door. You have safety sensors in place to keep this from happening, but there is a real danger if those sensors stop working or malfunction.
This is exactly why keeping your sensors properly aligned and functional is just as important as maintaining the motor itself — the two systems work together to keep your garage door operating safely.
The Motor Should Last a Long Time
Higher-quality garage door motors can last 15 years or more. If you have a lower-quality model, you are going to start experiencing problems much sooner than this. If you are experiencing problems with the operation of your garage door, consider the age. You may be looking at much more than maintenance or repairs if your garage door motor is reaching the end of its lifespan. If you need to consider buying a new motor, buy the best-quality motor you can afford to get greater value for your investment.
📖 Related: 5 Surprising Reasons You Should Replace Your Garage Door Opener
Garage Door Motors Feature Extras
All garage door motors sold now either have smart phone connectivity already built in, or it is available as an add-on. The feature allows you to control your garage door through your smart phone, no matter where you are located. That provides an additional measure of security for you. If your motor is not working properly, it could be that there is an issue with one of these extra features, not the mechanics.
Consumer Reports evaluated smart garage door opener controllers and found that built-in Wi-Fi connectivity — the kind now standard in most new opener units — offers more reliable response times and tighter integration with home security systems than retrofit add-on devices. If smart connectivity is a priority, look for it built into the opener itself. You can learn more about whether the upgrade makes sense for your home in our guide to smart garage door openers and whether they're worth it.
Signs Your Garage Door Motor May Be Failing
Knowing all that you can about your garage door motor can help you better identify when a problem is present and what to do about it. Common signs that your motor needs attention include:
The door moves slower than usual or hesitates before starting.
The motor runs but the door doesn't move — a sign the trolley, drive belt, or chain may have separated.
You hear grinding, humming, or straining noises that weren't there before.
The opener only responds intermittently, even after replacing the remote batteries.
The motor runs briefly then shuts off — often a sign of overheating or a thermal protection shutoff triggered by overload.
No matter how knowledgeable you are, the one thing to always keep in mind is that you should call a garage door repair service if you have any doubts about what is happening. If you notice anything that seems off about your door, it will always be better to be safe than sorry.
📖 Related: Faulty Garage Door Openers and How to Spot Them
Garage Door Motor Repair & Replacement in Mesa, Chandler, Tempe & Gilbert
Same Day Garage Door Services offers garage door repair and garage door installation throughout Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Queen Creek, Ahwatukee, and the entire East Valley. Our technicians are licensed, bonded, and insured, and we are rated five stars on Google, Yelp, Thumbtack, and the Better Business Bureau. We can get your garage door working the way it needs to, or we can help you choose a new garage door for your home.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate, or schedule your service online. Call or text us at 480-750-7975.
Trevor L.
