What to Look for in a Garage Door Opener
While all garage door openers may appear alike at first glance, each one offers unique features and advantages. See below for factors to look at when choosing a new garage door opener.
Drive Type: The drive type determines how the motor moves the garage door along the trolley, affecting factors such as noise, performance, and maintenance. See below for different drive types to consider:
- Chain Drive: These openers use a metal chain to lift and lower the garage door with a tension spring. Most common for residential doors.
- Belt Drive: This opener uses a rubber belt to operate the door, designed to minimize noise and vibrations. Belt drives are quieter than a chain drive.
- Screw Drive: These openers operate with a steel rod and trolley system. They tend to be slower but are known for being more energy-efficient.
Horsepower: The horsepower rating of a garage door opener affects both its cost and how long it might last. For residential doors, there are typically three levels:
- ⅓ Horsepower- Best for one-car garage
- ½ Horsepower- Best for two-car garage
- ¾ Horsepower- Best for larger doors or workshop doors
Brand: Establishing a budget can help you narrow down which brands fall within your price range. Choosing a reputable brand is essential as they often offer higher quality parts, warranties, and durability.
Connectivity: Deciding if you want a garage door opener that can connect to your phone is also a determining factor in selecting the type of garage door opener for your needs. A more advanced garage door opener with Wi-Fi connectivity has more options for monitoring and setup.
AC vs. DC Power: AC power provides more power, making it better suited for larger garage doors.
- DC power works well with smaller garage doors, such as those for single-car garages.
