Garage Door Opener: Selecting the ideal garage door and openers can be difficult for homeowners, especially when they are unsure of what to consider before making a decision. The variety of available garage door designs and types of openers make this even more difficult.
If you are planning to install a garage door opener but have no idea what to look out for, the points discussed in this article will guide you to choose one that suits your needs in the market.
- Know the Garage Door Opener System you want to Install.
There are different systems of a garage door opener, and it will make perfect sense to know which suits your preference before making a decision. It is therefore necessary to understand the different types of drives you will find and what differentiates one from the other.
Garage Door Opener
Chain-drive openers have a metal chain that connects both motor and trolley for lowering and pushing up garage doors. Although it is one of the strongest types, it gives off a loud, noisy sound when handled, and it can be quite heavy.However, the noise could be less of a bother for a garage door opener if your garage is not close to your rooms.
Screw-drive openers work by using threads on rods made with metal. They are less noisy than chain drivers if you care about installing a garage door opener with less noise. With their few moveable parts, you can maintain them by regularly lubricating the rods.
Belt-drive openers use rubber material belts on gear for pulling open and closing garage doors. The rubber material belts make it quieter than those made of metal. The smooth rotary action allows for soft motions with less wearing performance.
Direct-drive openers consist of one moving end attached to a fixed chain, which makes them very low in noise production.
Usually, this type of garage door opener has lasting warranties, even for a lifetime.
Jackshaft openers are installed on garage walls, so they lack structures over the ceiling parts. They use motors to drive pulleys and cables that move the door with automated functions.
- Choose the Right Horsepower.
This is another essential thing to consider before purchasing your garage door opener. Horsepower determines how speedily or slowly your garage door moves, lifts, and closes during operation.
There are three ratings of horsepower for a garage door opener. Examining the capacity of each horsepower (HP) will help you determine the best fit for you.
⅓horsepower fits well for single, light metal garage doors. You can consider this horsepower choice for your garage door opener if it meets your garage door design.
½ horsepower is widely known and used in homes. It is recommended for dual garage doors of moderate weight.
¾ horsepower suits places where garage doors are used more often than usual. This type works on huge doors.
- Consider the Power Source.
The power source of a garage door opener is an important factor in making a choice. There are DC-powered and AC-powered openers.
In AC-powered openers, magnetic fields are created by coils that are wrapped around the output shafts to produce energy. AC-powered openers are durable, efficient, and flexible. They are also less expensive.
DC motors are powered by batteries or other power sources that offer continuous voltage. DC-powered openers are quieter and can reverse more smoothly. They have battery backup capabilities in case power goes out. They are however more expensive.
- Consider your Budget.
Having said so much about the specifications and properties of different garage door openers, the final point will be to do a budget check.
Which garage door openers cost more than the others, and which ones are easy on your purse? Some economic consideration is necessary.
According to Forbes Advisor, the belt-drive openers are the least expensive, followed by the screw-drive openers.Rubber-drive openers are more expensive than chain ones but have proven to last longer.On the other hand, jackshaft openers are the costliest because of their highly automated system.
¾ HP door openers are more expensive than the ones with lower ratings, such as ½ HP and ⅔ HP. They are, however, durable and good compensation for cost in terms of benefits.Also, keep in mind that you may need the service of an expert for your garage door opener installation if you cannot do it yourself. Therefore, the cost of installation should also be considered.
Having chosen your best fit, you can go ahead with your garage door opener installation. You can either do it yourself or employ the service of a professional for a more careful and stress-free installation.