Is your garage door opener squealing or working much slower than it used to? You aren’t alone. It’s not difficult to forget about your opener and the fact that it will eventually need to be replaced in the midst of other daily tasks; when it happens, though, you’ll understand how irritating it can be. Selecting the right garage door opener is not the simplest of tasks, however. When is the last time you researched the specifics of garage door openers?
Selecting the Opener
Which Type of Drive is Best?
The first question you must ask yourself when choosing a new garage door opener is what type of drive you would prefer. There are three types of drives:
- Chain: Chain drives are the traditional garage door opener drives. They are composed of a durable metal chain. They are essentially your go-to drives since they are reliable and reasonably priced, although they do make a bit of a raucous.
- Belt: Belt drives are the pride of the industry. The premise is almost the same as a chain drive: a belt which pulls the garage door along its tracks. The benefit of the belt drive is that it is significantly more quiet than a chain drive! They hone the reliability of the chain drive without the noise, but they do come at a higher price.
- Screw: Last but not least, the screw drive. This is the cheapest of the alternatives, although this does not come without the sacrifice of quality. Screw drives are louder than belt or chain drives and are more likely to malfunction if the weather conditions in your area are too erratic. If you don’t mind the extra noise and are looking for a discount, then a screw drive opener is ideal for you.
How Powerful Should the Motor Be?
When determining how much power you should have in the motor, take into consideration the material from which your garage door is comprised of. Is it light aluminum, sturdy steel, or an extravagant but heavy wood? For standard steel/aluminum doors, a ½-horsepower motor should work proficiently. For heavier doors or wooden doors, a ¾-horsepower motor should be taken into consideration. DC motors are more efficient than AC and sometimes offer battery backups.
Ceiling Height and Safety Features
Take an accurate measure of the height of your garage door. Is it about 7 feet or is it taller? If your garage door is about 7 feet tall (the standard), then you will be fine purchasing a typical motor. If it is any taller, you will have to invest in an extension kit to ensure the motor works proficiently and safely. In regards to safety features, you must be certain that your motor is equipped with at least the standard features which include: automatic reversal, photoelectric sensors, an emergency manual release, and rolling-code technology. We cannot overstate the importance of safety for your garage door, which should be a precedent to everyone.
Convenience
Don’t just settle for any motor. Treat yourself. Consider motors which offer convenient aspects such as keyless entry, smartphone capability, or motion-sensor lights. Be sure to consult us about the many available options which add to the convenience of working your garage on a daily basis. You may not think you need any of the bells and whistles, but you won’t know what you’re missing until you try it out!