Traditional garage door openers are simple devices that lowered and raised a garage door with a button push. However, modern garage door openers are more sophisticated and full of advanced features for enhanced convenience. Keep the following tips in mind when choosing a garage door opener.
Type of Opener
Garage door openers come in different types, each with pros and cons. For example, the chain-drive opener is affordable and durable. On the other hand, belt-driven openers are more expensive but quieter and easier to maintain.
Direct-drive openers have one moving part, making them quieter than other openers. The opener is also durable and long-lasting but costly, with high repair expenses.
The jackshaft model is the most expensive garage door opener, which links to the garage door's torsion spring. Since the opener is installed on the side rather than overhead, you get more storage space in the garage.
Horsepower
Motors ranging between ½ horsepower to 2 horsepower power garage door openers. Your door's weight and design determine the amount of horsepower you require.
One- and two-car garage doors are the most common and affordable. They need a ½ horsepower rating because they are relatively light.
For heavier doors like sectional and wooden doors, you need a powerful opener to lift and raise the door. Openers rated between 3/4 to 2 horsepower suit heavy doors but cost more.
Battery Backup
A battery backup is an essential feature of a garage door opener since it lets you in and out of the garage even when the power is out. Pay attention to how long the battery lasts on a single charge during a power outage. At the very least, the battery should power your garage door 50 times on one charge.
Lighting
Many openers have at least two lights to help you see in your garage. You want an opener with automatic motion-activated detectors to turn on the lights when someone enters the garage. A timer will help you adjust when the lights stay on as you park your car and enter the house.
LED lights are great additions for garage door openers but can interrupt the connection between the opener and garage door remote. So you should buy LED bulbs rated for garage door use as they adhere to FCC regulations concerning wireless interference.
Security and Safety
Many thieves enter houses through garages, so look for advanced security features in a garage door opener. Many openers have basic safety features, like laser sensors, that automatically stop the garage door from closing if an object is detected in the door's path.
Openers also feature rolling codes that communicate with your remote. A lock code helps prevent the opener from responding to keypads and remotes when active.
Beyond basic safety features, advanced openers offer better security at a higher cost. For instance, your opener can have an auto-close function where the opener automatically closes the garage door after a predetermined period of time if you forget to close the door.
Other openers feature deadbolt locks that engage when the garage door closes for enhanced security. If you want to monitor your door remotely, you can invest in a smart garage door opener, which connects to Wi-Fi and lets you open and close the door from your smartphone.
The right garage door opener makes your home safer. At Edgemont Garage Doors, we install and repair all types of garage door openers. Contact us today to learn more about the right opener for you.
