A garage door opener costs $300 to $900 with installation, depending on the brand, type, and whether it's a replacement or a new install. Garage door openers cost $150 to $500 for the unit itself, while labor fees typically cost $150 to $400.

• Chain drive openers cost $150 to $250 for the unit alone and use a metal chain connected to the motor to lift the door. This option is affordable and reliable, but it's noisy and may rust over time.
• Belt drive openers cost $200 to $450 and use a steel-reinforced rubber belt instead of a metal chain, which makes less noise but may not last as long. Belt-drive openers usually have a battery backup option.
• A screw-drive opener costs $200 to $500 and uses a rotating metal rod to lift the door. This type costs more than a chain or belt drive but is quiet and reliable.
• A direct-drive opener costs $300 to $500 and uses the motor itself to open the garage door instead of a chain, belt, or screw. This is the most expensive opener type, but it's quiet, strong, and low maintenance.

Garage door openers use an electric motor to lift and lower the garage door. The motor moves the door by pulling a chain or belt, rotating a screw, or moving along a stationary chain. When you push the button on your garage door remote, it sends a radio signal to the opener on a matching frequency.

Installing a garage door opener typically takes 2 to 6 hours, depending on whether the installer is doing a replacement job or a new install. Simply swapping out a garage door opener for a new one takes less time than installing the opener, brackets, springs, and sensors.

Garage door openers last 10 to 15 years on average, depending on:

• The horsepower
• The garage door's weight
• How often you use it 

Most garage door openers are rated for opening and closing about 10,000 times before needing to be replaced. Regular maintenance or repairs can also help the opener last longer.

Most garage door openers use 1/2 horsepower. Small, lightweight, or aluminum garage doors may only need 1/3 horsepower. Large, heavy, or wood garage doors may need 3/4 horsepower. Ask your installer how much power they'd recommend for your garage door or doors.

Before hiring a garage door installer near you, follow these steps:

• Compare at least 3 estimates from local installers that have been in business for 5+ years.
• Choose an opener installer who's licensed, bonded, insured, and has positive reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Get a written contract and warranty before they begin the garage door opener install.
• Avoid the cheapest installation estimate, which can indicate lower quality.
• Don't pay in full until the installation is finished.

Ask door opener installers these questions before the project starts:

• How long have you been in business?
• What type of opener do you recommend for my garage door?
• How much horsepower will I need for this door?
• Will I need an extension for my garage?
• Does this estimate include removing the old door opener?
• What other costs might come up for this installation?
• How long will the installation take?
• What does the warranty cover?
• What maintenance, if any, is required after installation?