Choosing the Right Garage Door Opener

A garage door opener is an important part of the mechanical equipment of any household. Using a switch, an automatic sensor or a remote control you can use this device to shut or open your garage door.

Choosing the right garage door opener is extremely important for the smooth operation of your garage door.

Photo by Easy Open Door Company, Inc.Look for garage pictures

Therefore, before buying this important mechanical device, you should take into account several important parameters to be sure your choice is the right one. Remember that these devices come in a wide range of models, brands and powers, which could make you get confused.

You need to consider the following things:

-The electrical motor performance (horsepower);
– The security and safety features;
– Drive type;
– How quiet is the operation;
The type of remote control;
– Direct current motors (DC motors) or alternating current motors (AC motors);
– Warranty;

Let’s see several tips that may help you choosing an appropriate garage door opener for your requirements and needs.

1| The electrical motor performance (horsepower): First, you must make sure that this device will handle the weight and height of your garage door. Take in consideration that the minimum allowable power for a regular door is ½ horsepower electrical motor and for medium and heavy doors, it is recommended an electric motor with an output of ¾ horsepower.

The power of the electric motor is an extremely important factor. Its power ensures the easy opening and closing of the door, which means that it will work on the parameters and will have a long life span.

2| Drive type: There are three types of drive: chain drives, screw drives and belt drives.

a) Chain drives are perhaps, the most common and least expensive types of drives, but they are quite noisy because they are using a metal-trolley and a metal-chain to open and close the door.

b) Screw drives use a kind of steel-rod to lift and open the garage door. They are also quite noisy so it is a good idea to find the latest models that may use a plastic lined track, which can significantly reduce the noise and increase the performance.

c) Belt drives are the quietest drives and definitely, the best drives what makes them the best choice.

3| Remote controls: With just a click of the remote button, you can open or close the garage gate. You don’t even have to get out of your car. A remote control is indeed an indispensable item for your comfort, not to mention that these electronic items are becoming more sophisticated with each passing day.

4| The security and safety: This is critical issue for everyone. In fact, anybody is sensitive to his security and safety. Therefore, the best garage door openers that are on the market today, are provided with different secure and safe features that prevent burglary or protect the homeowners from break-ins or accidental closings. So, it is a good idea before buying a type of door opener, to make sure that this system was tested for security and safety.

5| Direct current motors (DC motors) or alternating current motors (AC motors): The most efficient and in fact, the best garage door openers are direct current motors or DC motors than alternative current motors or AC motors. DC motors require usually less power than AC motors, not to mention that they can be handled and controlled much easily. More than that  the entire mechanism is more quiet than AC motors.

Conclusion: It is good to do all the researches and get well informed before buying this device. Only in this way you can be sure that you choose the best door opener for your garage.

Garage Doors & Electrical Openers Types | How To Build A House (howtobuildahouseblog.com)