If you’re tired of jumping out of the car to heave your garage door open on those cold, rainy, snowy days, then it’s time to consider purchasing an automatic garage door opener. Or if your opener dates from before the 1990’s, then you should consider replacing it to ensure that your opener meets current safety and security standards. Consider the following factors when choosing your next garage door opener.
Power
Automatic garage door openers vary in power. The amount you need depends on the type of door you have. For most residential applications the ½ hp is more than adequate and it is the most common motor you will find. Some jobs such, as custom-made wood doors can weigh several hundred lbs more than usual and could require a ¾ hp motor.
Drive Type
The automatic opener pulls your garage door using one of three different types of drives. A chain drive can be used on all types of doors, and resembles the chain drive on a bicycle. They’re the most affordable, but can be noisy if not properly adjusted, and require lubrication and service every couple of years.
Belt drives are made of sturdy rubber, so they offer the quietest operation and the least vibration. If you have a bedroom over the garage or if noise is a concern at all, then a belt drive is your best option. Although made of rubber, belt drives are durable, have great warranties and rarely need replacement.
Screw drives have slower, rougher movement, and are best suited to doors that tilt open in one piece. They tend to cause a lot of vibration and are typically not recommended by a professional installer.
Safety and Security
All automatic openers should have an emergency release feature that quickly disconnects the door from the opener and allows for manual opening, and should also include an automatic reverse feature in case a person, animal or object cuts through the path of its infrared sensor.
For added security, all new garage door openers feature rolling code technology, which changes the remote control signal each time you activate the opener. This prevents burglars from duplicating the code to enter your garage.
Remember, a professional garage door dealer/technician can assess your door for the type of automatic opener best suited to your needs.