Most of us don’t likely give our garage door openers a second thought unless they are not working. If you are looking for a new garage door opener or hoping to upgrade the one you have now, there are a few factors to consider.
Garage doors and their openers have come a long way in recent years. Now, you can find a variety of styles, materials, and colors. Garage doors can function well and look good while they are doing it.
10 Factors to Consider When Purchasing a New Garage Door Opener
You will need to do your homework before just dashing out and buying the first garage door opening on offer.
1. Type of Opener
There are three main types of garage door openers.
Chain drive, which is the most common and most affordable. It’s perfect for most types of doors, and it is strong enough to lift all types of material that your door may be made of.
Belt drive, which uses the same system as the chain drive, but it uses a rubber belt instead of a chain. It is quieter but still strong enough to lift most types of doors.
Jackshaft is the third type of opener. It is mounted on the wall rather than overhead. They are dependable, quiet, and perfect for larger doors that may be taller than the standard ones.
2. Material
Most garage doors are made of wood, metal, fiberglass, or aluminum. The material may have bearing on the type of opener you choose.
3. Power
The amount of horsepower you get will vary from different types of openers. For most residential openers, the ratings range from 1/2 to 1-1/2 horsepower motor. A 1/2 horsepower is plenty for a sectional double-car garage door.
4. Weight and Size
Find an opener that will be able to lift the type of door you have. Larger or heavier doors do well with chain drives. Taller doors may need an extension kit.
5. Security
The safety and security of the door opener will be something you need to consider. Look at openers with safety features like rolling codes, infrared beams, and automatic reversing action sensors.
6. Noise Level
This might not seem like a big deal, but it sure can be. If you have a room beside or over the garage, a chain drive can be very noisy. It may also affect your neighbors if you care about that sort of thing.
7. Speed
There are garage door openers that have various speed settings. Most doors tend to be fairly quick, anyhow, but you may want to be able to adjust it for nasty weather, or safety concerns.
8. Extra Extra!
Technology has gotten involved so you may want something that will fall in the smart category with an internet hookup to operate your door with an app on your phone.
Other features may include battery backup, touchpads for remote entry, rolling code security technology, or overhead lights.
9. Cost
You need to consider your budget, as well. Remember that the most expensive one is not always the best. It just costs more. Compare what you are getting for the price.
10. Reviews
Read reviews, ask your friends and neighbors, and get advice from people outside of the salesroom.
Team Taylor
If you are having a hard time deciding what type of garage door opener is best for you, just give us a call. We can guide you through the whole process, help you decide what type of opener will work best for your type of door and budget.
