Garage door openers provide a convenient and secure way to open and close your garage door without having to leave the comfort of your home. Most come with a variety of features, including lighting and safety sensors, that can increase your home’s security.

How They Work

Garage door opening systems are comprised of a series of components that can vary widely in complexity. However, the basics are generally the same.

Almost all openers use a motor and gears to lift and lower your garage door. They also typically have light bulbs and safety sensors that stop your door from closing if something blocks the path.

The opener motor is a DC (direct current) motor, which is smaller, lighter, quieter, smoother operating and more efficient than an AC (alternating current) motor. Newer units are also equipped with battery backup systems that allow your garage door opener to function even when the power goes out.

Quiet & Reliable Operation

A lot of modern garage door openers are now wireless, allowing you to control the opener via smartphone app. This allows you to check on your garage door and set schedules for opening and closing the door and turning on the lights.

While most of these wireless models cost a pretty penny, there are still some affordable options that will make your life easier. The Skylink ATR-1622C KW, for example, offers most of the features that you’ll find in more expensive systems for less than $250.

Its 140V DC motor is slightly slower than the Destiny 1200 opener but it’s still able to open most doors quickly at about 7.5 inches per second. It’s also surprisingly quiet and many reviewers find it to be easy to install.

If you have a taller garage door, this opener may be ideal for you. It mounts directly to the wall beside your garage door, letting you free up space on your ceiling for other things.

Protector System

Several garage door openers come with a protection system, which is a beam of light that projects across the garage door opening and automatically reverses the door if anything interrupts it. This is a great feature for homes that have children, pets or elderly neighbors.

Belt Drives

For homeowners with noisy garages or thin walls, a belt-drive opener is a good option. The Genie StealthDrive Connect is one of the least-expensive belt-drive openers on the market, combining nearly silent operation with reliable performance.

There’s a downside, though: Its lack of Wi-Fi support makes it difficult to integrate with smart home environments like Apple HomeKit.

This garage opener is a great option for homeowners who want a high-quality, low-cost option that’s backed by a manufacturer. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, so you can control it from anywhere.

Whether you’re looking for a new opener or a replacement part for your existing model, call an expert at a Red Ribbon distributor to get help finding the right solution for your home. They’ll be able to guide you through the process and ensure your new opener is properly installed.