There are many options to choose from when it comes to garage door openers and finding the one that’s right for you depends on factors such as type of drive, noise, security features, and power. Here’s a look at the basics.
Type of Drive
There are three types of garage door openers: chain, belt, and screw.
*Chain Drive
Chain drives, the oldest style, continue to be a popular choice and good value. They can, however, be noisy and aren’t ideal if your garage is near a bedroom or another room where quiet is appreciated.
*Belt Drive
Belt-drive openers operate on a rubber belt instead of a chain. They’re considered the quietest type of garage door opener and are typically the most expensive.
*Screw Drive
There are few moving parts on screw-drive units, and they are in between chain-drive and belt-drive openers when it comes to noise.
What to Consider When Buying an Opener
Here are some of the factors you should take into consideration before making your purchase.
*Noise
If you’re sensitive to sound or live next to a garage, a belt-drive opener is a good option.
*Horsepower
Garage doors can be made of lightweight aluminum or heavier materials such as glass or solid wood plus insulation. You need to consider the size and weight of your door and how often you use it. Putting less strain on your opener not only makes for smoother operation but also provides better long-term durability and reliability. The LiftMaster Chain Drive 3595 Heavy-Duty 3/4 HP is a good example of an opener that can safely and securely lift heavier doors.
*Battery Backup
Battery backup allows you to continue using your garage door opener in the event of a power outage. It’s not a feature in many models, but the LiftMaster Elite Series 8550 comes with a battery backup system. Every type of opener should have a manual release that allows you to open and close your garage door by hand.
*Remote-Control Reliability
Signals from neighbors’ garage door openers may interfere with yours if you live in a densely populated area. This problem is resolved with a dual-frequency opener that reduces interference by automatically switching between two frequencies.
*Internet Connectivity
Garage door openers that are compatible with an Internet-connected controller are becoming more popular and provide several advantages: you can check whether your garage door is open or closed and can open and close it remotely.
*Safety Features
All garage door openers now come with a safety mechanism that stops a closing door when an object passes beneath it. LiftMaster also provides a variable-force adjustment that’s self-setting. Remember: the garage door is often the heaviest and largest moving object in your home.
*Keyless Entry
You can choose to have a keyless entry pad mounted just outside the garage door and open your door by entering the proper code. It’s good to have if you accidentally lock yourself out of your house.
*Lights
Keep in mind that your garage door opener may serve as the only light source in your garage. Many units can handle a pair of 60-watt bulbs, but you may want to consider one that can handle 100-watt bulbs.
*Security Technology
Rolling-code security technology provides extra security by selecting an access code from billions of possibilities every time you use your remote control. This keeps your neighbors’ remote control from accidentally opening your door and makes it impossible for burglars to guess your code.
If you’re looking to install a garage door opener or need other garage door services or repairs, call Garage Door Medics today. They’ve been serving the San Diego area for more than 25 years and have built their business on trust, honesty, and transparency.
