How to Select a Garage Door Opener

A garage door opener is a convenient addition to your garage. Openers automatically open the garage door with a push of a button, allowing you to drive into your garage without stepping out into the weather to open the door manually. Before you buy a garage door opener, it is important to factor in a few details to ensure you select a garage door opener to fit your garage. When selecting a garage door opener factors such as door size, door weight and your lifestyle should be taken into consideration.

Garage Door Opener Length

Take a measurement of the garage door width and height. Garage door openers for residential applications are usually for 7-foot high or 8-foot high garage doors. If your garage door is taller than 8-foot, the garage door opener requires special ordering. You usually need to order special sizes from a garage door dealer. The width of the door and the material your door is made from, helps to determine the size motor your garage door opener requires.

Motor Size

Garage door openers come in ⅓-horsepower, ½-horsepower or ¾-horsepower motors. Typically the greater the horsepower the more door weight the garage door opener can move without burning out the motor. Most garage doors less than 10-foot wide only require a ⅓-horsepower motor. However, if the garage door is an insulated steel or wood you might benefit more from a ½-horsepower garage door opener. Doors that are wider than 10-foot often require at least a ½-horsepower on up to the ¾-horsepower motor.

Drive Type

Another factor to consider is the type of drive mechanism you want in your garage. Garage door openers comes in either screw, chain or belt driven models. Chain driven garage door openers are less expensive and are much simpler to adjust for maintenance. They are also much noisier when the opener is in operation.

Many people choose a quiet garage door opener such as a screw drive or belt drive, especially if the garage is attached directly to the house. Although these are quieter, they can also be more expensive to maintain should something require repair in the drive mechanism.

Accessories

Garage door openers also come with a wide variety of accessories you can add to further compliment their convenience. Jamb mounted keypad entry systems, multiple remote controls and locking push buttons are just a few of the convenient additions available. Most require little programming and are quickly installed by the do-it-yourself homeowner.

Taking the time to evaluate your needs and the size of your garage door help to ensure you select a garage door opener that is best for you. Garage door openers are available through garage door dealers and home improvement centers.