It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re buying a new garage door opener. There are different drives, features, sizes, horsepower, and technology. Don’t worry. Our experts at Joe Wilde Company have compiled a list of the top garage door opener questions they hear.
How do I select the right garage door opener?
Before choosing a garage door opener, consider the size of your garage door, the clearance above and next to the door opening, any additional features you would like. This information determines the available space for mounting a motor and accessories and the type of drive needed. Compare security and safety features desirable for your lifestyle.
What are the different types of garage door systems?
There are three types of garage door openers: chain drive, screw drive, and belt drive. Each style operates efficiently, but there are advantages to others. Chain drives have been around the longest, but are still popular and economical. Chain drives are the loudest so they’re not the best choice if your garage is near a bedroom. Belt drives are the same as chain drives with one exception. Belt drives are quiet because they use rubber belts instead of chains. Screw drives (direct drives) have a simple design with no belts, gears, or chains to wear out. They boast increased strength and reliability for heavy doors.
What safety features should my garage door opener have to prevent injury?
Garage doors are bulky, heavy, movable objects. Therefore, the safety features need to be as serious as the risk of injury. Garage door systems have built-in safety devices that prevent the door from closing if something (or someone) is obstructing the path. Auto-reverse features activate when infrared beams detect any impediment.
Optional safety features include a timed light that stays on until you are safely in your home and battery backup features that allow the garage door opener to operate for up to two days during a power outage.
What security features should my garage door opener have?
Rolling-code technology generates a new, non-repeating access code each time the remote control opener is used. This security measure prevents anyone from recording a code or hacking the garage door system. Garage door systems manufactured before 1993 do not have this technology. Rather, older models use dip switches on the receiver and transmitter designed to eliminate interference with nearby systems. This is more secure than doorbell-style entry buttons and touch keypads with programmable codes.
What is the lifespan of garage door openers?
Well-maintained garage door openers have an average lifespan of 10-25 years. However, as technological features and safety and security devices improve, homeowners may choose to upgrade their setup before then.
When the time comes that you need a new garage door opener, you’ll want something reliable that you can depend on every day. We confidently back the quality of all of our garage door openers. We know you will be pleasantly surprised and the variety of options you have to choose from. Our technicians are happy to help you find the perfect opener! Contact us or visit our website to get started today.