If your garage door opener is outdated, not working or you’re looking for something better, you have many quieter, more reliable options to choose from.
Recent garage door technology has improved, allowing you to find an opener that fits your lifestyle and budget. In this guide, you’ll find practical tips on how to choose the correct garage door opener for your home.
Before deciding on a garage door opener, analyze some details about your preferences and garage space.
Consider your garage door’s size and weight to determine how much horsepower your new garage door opener needs. Most garage door openers need at least one-half horsepower.
However, you may want to increase the horsepower if your door is bigger or you use the garage as the primary entrance to your home. Higher power will allow it to lift heavier doors faster, while lasting longer than the typical half-horsepower motor.
Installing an automatic garage door opener can make your life more convenient, but it can also raise some safety concerns. Routinely check your garage door opener’s safety features to ensure they work correctly.
Garage door openers typically have laser sensors mounted on each side that stop the door from moving once something crosses its path. Openers also have a feature that reverses the garage door’s direction if it runs into an object.
When looking for a new automatic garage door opener, check to see how well these safety features operate on the brand you’re considering. Read reviews and choose the option with the best ratings — safety is paramount when you’re considering technology you’ll interact with daily.
Garage door extension kits help your opener handle the operation of taller doors. Most garage door openers work with 7-foot garage doors. Check your door height to determine whether you’ll need an extension kit with your opener.
Your garage door’s location impacts the opener you should purchase. Buy the quietest garage door to minimize disturbance if your garage is close to bedrooms or your living room.
Garage door openers either use an AC or a DC motor. Here’s more about each type so you can make the best decision for your home.
AC motors can be noisy, but they’re also powerful enough to handle the weight of heavier doors. AC motors aren’t particularly energy-efficient, and they can be large.
In contrast, DC motors are quiet and use energy efficiently. They have a smoother operation but can’t handle heavy garage doors the way AC motors can. However, for many residential garage doors, DC motors have plenty of power and fit better into the space.
All garage door openers have a motor that guides the carriage or trolley along a rail. The garage door connects to the trolley, which pulls the door open and closed.
However, not all garage doors have identical features. You’ll find openers with belt drives, chain drives, screw drives and wall-mounted openers. Here are the details about each type so you can learn which one to install at your house.
A belt drive garage door opener uses a belt instead of a chain to open and close your garage door. The belt makes the opener operation quieter than a chain drive, so it’s a wise investment for homes with attached garages that are close to bedrooms or living areas.
Belt drive openers are extremely durable and can handle most types of garage doors. Their strength also allows them to lift doors faster than chain drives. A belt drive garage door opener is easy to install, requires little maintenance and is widely available.
Belt drives tend to cost more upfront — their extra features make them an upgrade from other options. However, belt drive garage door openers are long-lasting, so they can be the most economical decision over time.
A chain drive garage door opener is the typical option found in American homes. The opener uses a chain to move the trolley to open and close the garage door. Affordability is the best perk of a chain drive garage door opener. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing how reliable it is.
Chain drive openers can be long-lasting and durable if you properly maintain the chain. They adeptly handle heavy doors. Chain drives operate effectively no matter what the humidity levels are, and they are widely available.
However, chain drive openers can be noisy, especially if they need maintenance. If you purchase a chain drive, you’ll need to use metal lubricant to keep it working quietly.
True to their name, screw drive openers use a threaded steel rod that rotates like a screw to operate the door. Because it has a simple design with few moving parts, it’s less likely to experience problems or break.
Screw drive openers are durable, low-maintenance and reliable, and they usually operate faster than chain and belt openers. They are quieter than chain drive openers, though not as unobtrusive as belt drives.
However, screw drive openers are sensitive to weather and temperature changes. When they get too cold, the screw can contract and stop working, locking up your garage door. There aren’t as many options available as other types of openers, and they often use slightly more electricity than chain and belt openers.
Not all garage door openers install overhead. The wall-mounted garage door opener is an option for homeowners who have tall, cathedral-style ceilings or are looking for a different style. This system mounts on the wall to the side of the garage door, offering some intriguing benefits. For example, since it frees up overhead space, you can stack boxes higher, install storage units on the ceiling or increase the clearance height for vehicles.
A wall-mounted unit is easy to take care of because it doesn’t have a belt or chain you need to maintain. This option is also quieter because of the lack of belt or chain in the mechanism.
Wall-mounted units have some limitations due to their unique function. You’ll need to ensure the following depending on the brand you purchase.
A wall-mounted opener may be the best option for you if your garage and door meet these requirements.
LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Genie and Craftsman manufacture some of the most reliable garage door openers available. At King Door Company, we offer many different LiftMaster models so you can find the best option for your needs.
LiftMaster garage door openers have many advantages for residential and commercial applications. Though they can be more expensive than other brands, they’re extremely high-quality, reliable and versatile.
When you choose a garage door opener, you want a system that will work every time, which makes LiftMaster an excellent option for your home. LiftMaster garage door openers deliver quality functionality in households nationwise. A LiftMaster opener has the speed, durability, noise level and features many homeowners are searching for.
It is possible to DIY a garage door opener installation if you have experience and tools. However, it’s usually not a wise idea. Installing a garage door opener involves lifting heavy parts overhead, following precise system instructions and updating electrical wiring.
Don’t risk your well-being or your family’s safety on a DIY project that may not be up to code. You can save time and worry by investing in professional installation, giving yourself peace of mind that an experienced technician installed every component correctly.
Finding a provider that offers a quality selection of garage door openers will simplify your search. Count on King Door Company, Inc., for the best products from trusted brands for residential garage doors.
We are proud to deliver excellent customer service, provide high-quality parts and use our extensive knowledge to help make your garage convenient and efficient. Contact us today to learn more about our LiftMaster products and services.
