One of the most overlooked parts of home ownership is the garage door. Do you have an old garage door that is starting to show its age? A good garage door opener can make all the difference in your daily routine! However, it is easy to get overwhelmed with everything that goes into choosing a new opener system. After all, there are so many models out there that knowing which one to buy can be confusing. So here are some tips on choosing the perfect garage door opener for your home.
How to Choose the Perfect Garage Door Opener for Your Home
Each opener has its own unique benefits, but there are a few features that every opener should have. Consider each of the following factors:
Drive Options
Most garage door openers work similarly. A motor powers a carriage or trolley that moves along a rail. This trolley attaches to the garage door and opens or closes when it moves. The main difference between different models of openers is how the motor moves the trolley.
Here are the three basic types of garage door opener drives:
Chain Drive Garage Door Opener
Chain-driven openers use metal chains to move the trolley that raises or lowers the garage door. This type is typically more affordable and durable than other options. However, it can produce more vibrations and noise.
Screw Drive Garage Door Opener
Screw-driven openers use a threaded steel rod to push the trolley along its track. This motion lifts or lowers the garage door, depending on the direction of rotation. These units have fewer moving parts than chain-drive openers and thus require less maintenance. However, they can be more expensive than chain drives.
Belt Drive Garage Door Opener
Belt-driven openers are similar to chain-driven systems but use a belt to drive the trolley instead of a chain. The advantages of belt drive include quieter and smoother operation. Therefore, a belt drive is the best option to minimize noise for garages that adjoin living spaces. Although belt drives are more expensive than other types, the benefits may be worth the cost.
Horsepower
Door weights can vary based on the material and size. Therefore, matching door weight with the opener’s horsepower is important to ensure optimal operation.
Horsepower Options for Garage Door Opener
1/3 horsepower: This is the smallest and most affordable garage door opener. This manual garage door opener can open all garage doors properly balanced and evenly distributed. However, due to its low horsepower, it is not recommended for heavy steel doors or thick aluminum.
1/2 horsepower: The most common type of garage door opener is the ½ horsepower opener like this one from LiftMaster. These openers are best for single and double doors that are of moderate weight. Though they are affordable and effective, they might not be able to take on a heavier door or one that is poorly balanced.
3/4 Horsepower: Different types of garage doors can have different weights. For example, wood garage doors are often heavier than other types of doors. These types of doors, as well as any doors wider than 14 feet, usually require a 3/4-horsepower opener for long-term use. Although it is the most expensive option, a 3/4-horsepower opener is more powerful and lasts longer.
Wireless Connectivity
Smart garage door openers offer many benefits, including monitoring and controlling the door remotely from your phone. These openers also provide additional security, convenience, and peace of mind. The various features of smart garage doors include:
Wireless Remote Monitoring
Thanks to smart devices like smartphones, it is now more convenient than ever to stay on top of your garage door’s activity. With a smart garage door, you can quickly check whether you left your door open accidentally. You can also receive real-time alerts whenever your garage door is opened or closed.
Operating Your Garage Door From Any Location
With a remote garage door opener, there is no need to worry about forgetting to close your garage door or giving someone a key or code to access your home. You can open or close your door from anywhere at work or on vacation with an internet connection.
Garage Door Opener Installation Near Me
We hope our guide helps you narrow your options and choose the best system. Among all the brands on the market, we recommend LiftMaster garage door openers. LiftMaster is a trusted brand that offers models at all price points. Talk to us about your options. We would be happy to recommend some choices.
At Titan Garage Doors Quad Cities, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality garage door services. Whether you need residential and commercial garage door installation, garage door opener repair or garage door spring replacement, our team is here to help. In addition, we offer free estimates on all of our services, so call us today to get started.
