A chain garage door opener is more affordable than a belt garage opener, but it is noisier and requires frequent maintenance and repairs. If you can afford to spend more on a belt garage door opener, that is usually the better investment for your home, especially if you have an attached garage with a bedroom above it.
Garage door openers last 10 to 15 years with normal usage. Newer, well-maintained models may last even longer. If the opener model does not have enough horsepower to open and close the door with ease, it may wear out before its expected lifespan. For the best results, match the operator to the door size and always use it as directed.
Installing a garage door opener takes roughly two to six hours. Replacing an old opener can add to the overall time because you may need to remove and dispose of the existing infrastructure. However, if you can reuse components from the previous system, the total labor time may be on the lower end of this range.