If you don’t have an automatic garage door opener for your garage, or your existing garage door opener is worn out or you just need an upgrade, it will be important for you to know how to choose a garage door opener to replace it. You can choose from many different types of garage door openers, and knowing which one is right for you will depend on a variety of factors.
Here are four of the main factors to consider when you’re wondering how to choose a garage door opener.
Type of Drive
Your automatic garage door opener can be belt drive, screw drive or chain drive. This refers to the mechanism the opener uses to pull the garage door along the track.
If you choose a garage door opener with a chain drive, you will find this to be an economical option but Chain drives tend to be the loudest garage door openers. So if garage door noise is an issue for you, you may not want to go with the chain drive.
A screw drive garage door opener is a little quieter than a chain drive, but usually a little more expensive and are becoming much less popular.
If you really need quiet when it comes to your garage door, get a belt drive garage door opener. These are easily the quietest, and they are also very reliable.
AC motor VS DC Motor: The DC motor has a slow start and slow stop which is easier and less wear and tear on the door helps it to be the very quietest of all garage door openers.
The door is a big part of a noisy garage door opener. If the garage door is tuned up properly then the opener will sound quieter and have to work less. Another way is to replace your bearings and your steel rollers with nylon ones.
Size (Horsepower)
The next consideration is what horsepower opener you need for your garage door opener. Garage door openers come in ¼, 1/3, 1/2, ¾HP and 1-1/4 HPC (a DC Motor).
A ½ HP motor is by far, the most common and is generally sufficient for a standard residential garage door. 1/4Hp and 1/3HP are getting harder to find as the ½ HP have taken over the market.
If you have a Wood carriage house door or a Full View door, you may want to go up to the ¾ size. These Openers are designed to carry the heavier loads, not only by having a larger motor but also a stronger rail.
The DC (Direct Currant) motors are HPC (Horse Power Comparison) are the quietest openers on the market. They are variable speed motors so they are also a lot easier on the door.
Type of Operation
Most residential garage door openers use standard trolley operation, but if you have a high lift door or a roof pitch door, a jackshaft opener works through side operation. It also works if someone wants to put a car lift in the garage or has overhead storage. This type of opener is the cleanest look.
Brand
You may wish to choose your garage door opener by brand. At Best Overhead Door, we have all the top brands, including LiftMaster, Chamberlain and Genie. An important feature to look for when considering models is if they include a battery backup option. This way you can ensure your garage door continues to operate even during power outages.
For an estimate on a new garage door opener for your home or business in the Portland Metro or Vancouver, WA, areas, contact Best Overhead Door now.
Related Posts
How to Choose a Garage Door Dealer
Can Your Garage Door Be Hacked?
How Do Garage Doors Improve Home Safety?