How to Choose the Right Garage Door Opener

All garage openers are capable of opening and closing a garage door — but not all of them are made equal. 

Garage door openers have come a long way in recent years, with choices ranging from chain-driven to even app-enabled variants. They also differ in quality, size, power, security features, and so much more. Essentially, there is no one-size-fits-all best garage door opener out there. The optimal solution will always rely on your goals and needs.

So in this article, we'll break down all the factors, tips, and features you need to know about the garage doors so you can find the best one for you.

Types of Garage Door Openers

This is the “backbone system” of a garage door opener. So, it’s important to choose one that suits what you’re looking for and what you need. 

The majority of garage door openers follow a similar architecture. Trolleys and carriages are propelled along rails by motors. The garage door is attached to the trolley — so as the trolley travels, the door opens or closes. The way that the engine propels or the drive is the primary differentiator between the types of garage door openers. 

Chain Garage Door Openers

A chain-drive garage door opener utilizes a metal chain to lift and close the door and move the trolley. 

Chain-drive systems are cost-effective, although they tend to produce more vibration and can be noisier than the other types. If you don’t mind the noise and if your garage is isolated from your home, this won’t be an issue. But, if your garage is located underneath a bedroom or living area, you may want to look into other options. 

Belt Garage Door Openers

Belt-drive garage door openers operate similarly to chain-drive openers. The only difference is that it utilizes a belt to pull the trolley rather than a chain. This belt is what enables the openers to function more silently and smoothly.  If your garage is next to a living area, such a bedroom, a belt drive can be a good option. Belt-driven systems also require less maintenance since they have fewer moving parts. However, belt drives can be more expensive than chaIn openers. 

Direct Garage Door Openers

The mechanism of a direct-drive garage door opener is quite silent. The engine doubles as a trolley that rolls along the track to open and close the door. Since there is just one moving element (the motor) in the system, noise and vibration are minimized, and the system requires less maintenance. Its price is more expensive than chain openers, but relatively lower than belt openers. This garage door opener is a good option if you’re looking for a combination of a belt and chain opener type of drive. 

Horsepower 

The horsepower is what determines how fast or slow your garage door will shut. How much horsepower you'll need is determined by the size and weight of your garage door. Generally, the minimum required horsepower for opening a garage door that is more than 20 feet wide is 1/2 horsepower.

Selecting an overpowered for your door is better than choosing one that is underpowered for. Your standard opener should be able to raise the door 6-8 inches per second.

Here is a rundown of the various garage door horsepower ratings:

1/2 Horsepower

• The most common rating for garage door openers
• Can raise or lower most of types

3/4 Horsepower

• Sufficient strength for insulating garage doors of any weight
• More durable than 1/2 horsepower motors
• Quicker and more efficient opening 

1 Horsepower

• Perfect for thick garage doors made of wood or other heavy materials
• The ideal combination of output and efficiency and acceleration

AC or DC Power?

You'll also need to choose between an AC and DC powered opener. These both serve the same purpose, which is converting electrical energy into mechanical motion. However, they function differently and have different pros and cons.

AC motors get their power from magnetic fields created by coils wound around the shaft's output. The rotor and the stator are only two of the many parts that make up these motors. AC motors are generally reliable, efficient, and adaptable.

• It's a cheaper option
• Long-lasting and low-maintenance
• Frequently found in chain-drive garage door openers 

DC motors acquire their electricity from batteries or any produced power source that delivers continuous voltage. Shafts, bearings, and gears (or gearbox) are the three main components of a DC motor

• They can be more expensive than AC motors
• More energy efficient than AC motors
• Frequently used in belt-drive garage door openers
• They make less noise

Added Features

Now that you know the basic functions of a garage door opener, it’s time to look at the features. There are so many modern features added in garage door openers today, and you’ll be spoiled for choice. Here’s a list of common modern features installed in garage door openers today:

• Pocket-sized remote
• Home-automation-system connectivity
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• Smart-device compatibility 
• Vehicle compatibility 
• Auto-close function
• Start/stop motors
• Battery backup 
• Rail extensions 
• Motion-sensored lights
• Rolling code systems 

At the end of the day, it all depends on your needs on a garage door opener. These added features are definitely made for added convenience, functionality, and safety. 

The Price

How much are you willing to spend on a new garage door opener? Having a firm grasp on your budget constraints can help you stay on track.

The Brand 

It’s always best to choose a garage door from a well-known manufacturer whose garage door openers have a track record of providing the kind of reliable service you want. 

Cheap garage door openers may seem like a good deal due to their features and price. However, they may not last you long, and can actually have you spend more for maintenance in the long run. 

Bonus Tips On Choosing The Right Garage Door Opener: 

Consider Buying From An Expert Garage Door Supplier

There’s nothing better and safer than consulting with professionals. If you’re still contemplating which garage door opener to choose, you can consult with a garage door company to help you out. 

Warranty protection for garage doors are also often best provided by companies who specialize in such products and services. You can consult with a trusted garage door provider in your area to see what kinds and makes of garage door openers they recommend. They could also save you a lot more money. 

Consider The Modern Security And Safety Features

The security features can be more costly. But, they do their job in securing your home. So, it can be well worth it in the long run.

Find A Professional Garage Door Installer To Install The Opener 

Do you think you'd be able to install a garage door opener by yourself? You can — but it would require a whole lot of time (around 4-6 hours) and handyman skills. If you don’t think you’re fit for the task, you can always find a professional garage door installer like Graham Garage Doors to do the job for you.

Get The Right Garage Door Opener With Graham Garage Doors!

Planning on installing a new garage door opener soon? Graham Garage Doors has everything you’ll ever need for a seamless garage door opener buying experience. We are partnered with the country’s industry-leading garage door brands. We’ve got a wide selection of openers on our roster — for any kind of lifestyle and home. 

We are also one of the top garage door installers in the state. Our team of garage door specialists can have your opener installed on the same day. 

Contact us today to learn more!