My Genie garage door opener was not working yesterday so I had the garage door disconnected from the chain. It suddenly started working today but I went to reconnect the garage door to the chain, the motor popped and started smoking. It now smokes every time it runs.

So, seems like I'm in need for a new garage door opener. Any recommendations? Can I do this myself or should I hire someone?

Last i looked it was pretty cheap to have it installed if you buy a new one from HD or Lowes. I think it was $175 a few months ago. Each one i have done myself took a couple hours to do as long as you have all the tools and the mounting hardware needed (spare 2x4's, the angle brackets to attach the opener to the ceiling etc.). I did not run the wiring for the door sensors though, i just put them up next to the opener facing each other as i didnt care to use them officially but i would add an extra 30m to do them. You definitely need 2 sets of hands to do it and both need to be able to lift and hold the weight of the opener while on ladders.

It's a doable DIY, but I found a very reliable garage door service years ago so I have them do door and opener installs. We have a LiftMaster.

Definitely a doable DIY, I really like my Chamberlain belt drive. Was really easy to put up and adjust. Took a couple of hours.

I re-used all the brackets and sensors from the previous with no issues. Did not have to run any new wires or install new brackets.

I'm fairly handy and have changed out probably a dozen between mine and relatives over the past 25 years. Very doable and the extra set of hands is definitely helpful. Getting the safety lights adjusted isn't too hard either. Wait until it's not 400 degrees in your garage if you can put it off a bit.

OP if you have the receipt for that garage door opener (or some other proof of purchase), call Genie customer service (they're located in Grand Prairie and pick up quickly) and they will likely send you a new head unit for free. At least based on my experience with them.