Did you know that an average American opens and shuts their garage door about 1500 times a year. That’s a lot! With each open and shut cycle come the worries about maintenance as breakdown is a real problem. Ensuring your garage door operates smoothly and reliably is important. This makes having a reliable garage door opener an absolute necessity. But with so many garage door opener options out there, it can be confusing to choose the one that suits your needs the best.
In this article, we’ll discuss what you need to know about garage door openers to make the best choice for your home.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Garage Door Opener
When selecting a garage door opener, it’s important to focus on the facts that are the most important in a garage door opener’s functioning. It can have an impact on your day-to-day life. Here are the key considerations when choosing an opener for your garage door:
Drive Type:
The drive type of a garage door opener affects how it actually functions. It is the most important consideration in this case. While there are many different drive types, we’ll discuss the most common ones here.
1. Chain Drive Opener:
- Pros: Durable, affordable and reliable.
- Cons: Very noisy, can be troublesome if your garage is attached to a bedroom or a living room.
- Best for: Detached garages or if you’re looking for a cheap option.
2. Screw Drive Opener:
- Pros: Low maintenance with very fewer moving parts
- Cons: Less efficient in extreme temperatures and can be noisy if attached to heavy doors.
- Best for: Standard sized doors. It’s a balanced option.
3. Belt Drive Opener:
- Pros: Very Quiet, low maintenance
- Cons: Very costly than other types
- Best for: Garages where noise is a concern, and owners who like low maintenance options and don’t mind a high one-off cost
4. Direct Drive Opener:
- Pros: Ultra-quiet, smooth operation, minimal maintenance
- Cons: A very high upfront cost
- Best for: quiet and reliable performance
Garage Door Size and Weight
The size and weight of your garage door are important considerations when choosing an opener. Heavier doors need powerful openers and if you install a weaker one, it’ll soon break down. So, weight and size need to be considered first. If your door is taller than the standard 7 feet, you might need an extension kit. Also screw drive openers are generally not good for heavy or large doors due to their low power.
Material of Your Garage Door
Garage doors come in various materials such as steel, aluminum, fiberglass and wood. Each material has its own pros and cons but more importantly it affects the weight and durability of the door.
- Steel and Wood doors are heavier and require more powerful openers
- Aluminum and Fiberglass doors are lighter and offer more flexibility in choice of the openers.
Horsepower
Choosing the garage door opener with correct horsepower rating ensures smooth function without straining. The openers come in many different horsepower ratings. The most common ones are:
- 1/3 Horsepower: Suitable for lightweight, single-car garage doors, but might need to be replaced frequently
- ½ Horsepower: Works for most standard 8-12 feet garage doors
- ¾ Horsepower: Ideal for larger and heavier doors, works longer than low power options
Types of Power (AC vs DC)
Garage door openers can be powered by either Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC). Both have their pros and cons, and you should see which one suits your needs.
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AC-Powered Openers:
These offer more power but consume a lot more electricity. They are relatively reliable but can be noisier.
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DC- Powered Openers:
DC powered options are mostly more energy efficient and come with additional features like soft start and stop. These features help increase the reliability of the door and can help in the long term. They’re also quieter than AC powered options.
Read More: 5 Signs You Need Garage Door Repair
Power Backup Options:
Power outages can leave your car stuck in the garage if your opener doesn’t have a suitable power backup. Some openers come with battery backups that allow your door to function even during a power outage. Others have manual handling options that allow you to open the garage door manually in case of an outage. The garage doors are heavy, but the opener’s springs allow you to open the garage door manually. For peace of mind, choose an opener with a reliable backup option.
Noise Levels:
If your garage is attached to your home, noise might be a concern for you. Chain drives are the noisiest of the openers while belt and direct drive are much quieter. See which garage door opener is best for your specific needs before choosing one.
Safety and Security:
Safety should be a priority when choosing an opener for your garage door. The common safety features to look are:
- Automatic Reversing Sensors: Stops the door if something is in its path to avoid injuring someone or damaging the door
- Infrared Beams: Prevent the door closing if an object is detected via the laser
- Rolling Code Technology: It changes the access code each time the door is operated through remote control to prevent any unauthorized entry and offer extra protection
Brand and Budget:
Your budget and brand preferences are also a key factor in choosing a garage door opener. While you might be considering the cheapest option, remember that the higher-quality ones are more durable, reliable and have lower maintenance costs. Explore the market for different brands that are trustworthy and reliable. Some of the popular brands in the US market are LiftMaster, Chamberlain and Genie.
Should I Hire Professional Garage Door Opener Installation Services?
Choosing the right garage door opener is just the first step. If you have made a decision which opener you will get, hiring a professional garage door opener installation service is the next step. While it might be tempting to try the DIY methods, proper installation of a garage door opener is important. Improper installation can cause serious injuries or significant damage to the property.
When choosing a garage door opener installation service, look for a reliable, experienced and trusted one. A good service will offer same-day installation, skilled staff at affordable rates.
Shon Garage Doors offers a trusted garage door opener installation service with 10 years of trusted experience, offering professional, reliable and affordable services.
Investing in a professional installation service ensures your new opener functions smoothly, safely and lasts for years to come. Don’t risk DIY Installation — Contact Shon Garage Doors today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with expert services!
