Did you know that the garage door is the largest moving object in a home? Even though this is true, these devices are often overlooked.
When you are having trouble with your garage door, it might be because of the opener. Before buying the first one you see, understand the buying process.
Read on to learn about what to consider when purchasing a garage opener.
Types of Garage Door Openers
There are different types of garage door openers and knowing them will help you make a choice. The different types are:
- Standard
- Chain-drive
- Belt-drive
- Screw-drive
- Direct-drive
We’ll cover the details about each to help you make a decision.
Standard Door Opener
With a standard door opener, the motor drives a carriage or trolley along the rail. This piece is connected to the garage door as it pulls the door open or closed.
Chain-Drive Opener
A chain-drive opener uses a metal chain to raise or lower the garage door with a trolley. Because it is metal, it makes more noise and vibration but is more economical than other choices.
Belt-Drive Opener
A belt-drive opener functions a lot like a chain-drive garage door opener. Instead of uses a chain, it uses a belt.
The belt is smoother and quieter so it works well in garages under sleeping spaces.
Screw-Drive Opener
The right garage door opener for you might be the screw-drive opener. For this lifting mechanism, a threaded steel rod is used. As the rod turns, the trolley drives through the track to close or open the garage door.
Direct-Drive Opener
This is one of the quieter mechanisms out there because the motor functions as the trolley. The system works as a single moving part and requires little maintenance.
Garage Door Opener Features
A standard garage door opener has a garage door remote and other great features. The following are components you can find with a standard garage opener:
- Wall mount keypads
- Manual release
- Security lights
- Rail segments
Although these are the main features people want and need in a garage door opener, other functions might appeal to you. Keep these extra bonuses in mind when choosing a door opener:
- Miniature keychain remotes
- Home-automation system connectivity
- Built-in WiFi
- Smart-device compatibility
- Vehicle compatibility
- Auto-close
- Battery Backup
- Motion-sensor lights
In addition to these features, you can find soft-start/stop motors that reduce wear and tear. This can help reduce the amount of garage opener maintenance you have to worry about.
Horsepower
Lastly, you should check garage opener reviews with horsepower (HP) ratings to compare models. Residential models generally have ratings of 1/2 to 1 and 1/2 horsepower.
If you have a heavier garage door, you will need an opener with higher horsepower.
Choosing the Right Garage Opener for Your Needs
If you are looking for a new garage opener, you have a lot of options to choose from. This guide can help you uncover the features you can benefit from.
In a residential home, you don’t think much of your garage opener. In this case, you can go for the standard option. However, if you want more from your opener, consider this guide before buying.
For more articles on home advice, check out the posts on our blog.
