Choosing The Right Garage Door Opener For Your Home
Garage door openers do not only provide convenience for easy access but they also offer improved security for your home. Today’s garage door openers are equipped with many smart features that can heighten their security features. But, with many of them available in the market, you might be confused about how to choose the right garage door opener for your home. So, here are some factors to consider when buying a garage door opener.
Things To Consider When Choosing The Right Garage Door Opener
Drive Options
The main thing to consider when choosing a garage door opener is the drive type. A drive type refers to the mechanisms that open and close the door. Here are 4 types of garage door openers.
1. Chain-drive openers
They are the most popular, durable, and affordable openers in the market. These drives are most ideal for heavily insulated garage doors, one-piece door,s or oversized ones. However, chain drives are often loud and clunky because of vibration and metal-to-metal contact, making it a problem when your garage is located under a room.
2. Screw-drive openers
They use a long threaded metal rod that looks like a screw to open and close the garage door. This type of opener has a few moving parts making it more reliable, faster, and quieter than a chain drive. But, a screw drive opener requires more maintenance. Usually, monthly lubrication of the screws is necessary to prevent the plastic teeth that catch the threading to corrode. This is also not suitable for larger, heavier doors.
3. Belt-drive openers
A rubber-like belt is used to operate the garage door, making it quiet in operation. Belt-drive openers can be used for light and even heavy materials and require less maintenance. However, this type of garage door opener is often more expensive than the others.
4. Direct-drive openers
Though this opener comes in an overhead rail with a chain, its motor moves along the track, not on the chain. Because of that, this type of opener is extremely quiet in operation and often comes with a lifetime warranty. Though, they are a bit costly.
5. Jack-shaft openers
These openers are mounted on the wall, often next to the garage door and use a motor that drives pulleys and the torsion bar to raise and lower the door. Because of its computerized system, jackshaft openers are the most expensive models of a garage door opener.
Horsepower Options
In addition to the type of opener, a horsepower output should also be considered. This is to determine the weight of a garage door an opener can lift. There are three levels of horsepower available for garage doors.
- ½ HP models – this is the standard and most popular motor speed for most garage doors because it is cost-effective. This type of motor may be powerful enough to lift most doors, but it can easily wear out when paired with a one-piece, wooden door, or well-insulated door.
- ¾ HP models – These motors are more capable of lifting heavier doors, such as an extra-insulated door or one-piece, wooden door. They are more durable and long-lasting, but you may have to spend more on extra power.
- 1 HP models – These motors can provide the highest amount of power and efficiency. They are perfect for extremely heavy garage doors, like industrial doors and oversized ones. But, they may not be worth the added expense, if you are using a standard garage door.
Some Tips For Choosing A Garage Door Opener
- Seek referrals from your family and friends who recently purchased an opener. They can give you feedback about the durability and quality of a garage door opener.
- Check reviews online from customers. They can give you ideas about the pros and cons of a certain door opener.
- If you already have some prospect models, comparing their features can help you curb your choices.
- Lastly, make sure to focus on quality. They might be pricier but they can be a great investment.
Seek Professional Help
Since your garage door is a vital shield of your home, keeping it in good condition should be your number one priority, and that includes having a garage door opener that is perfect for your door. If you are still confused with which one is best for you or unsure how to proceed with the installation, you can always seek help from Inland Overhead Door. Our professionals are well-equipped and knowledgeable in choosing and installing the right opener for your home. To learn more about our services, contact us today.
