The size of your new garage door opener will depend on the size of your garage door. If you have a single-car garage, you will need a smaller opener than if you have double garage doors or a three-car garage. The size and weight will determine how much horsepower you need.
Beyond just choosing the correct size garage door opener, you will also need to consider the type of opener, available security options, and desirable features.
Today, we will break down all of these important considerations and give you helpful info so you can choose the best new garage door opener for your home.
Let’s get started!
Types of Garage Door Openers
There are three main electric garage door openers types: chain-drive, belt-drive, and direct-drive. You’ll find these standard garage door openers in people’s homes. They’ll all work for single garage door, double garage door, and triple garage door openings.
Chain-Drive Garage Door Openers
Chain-drive openers are the most common type. They use a metal chain to move the trolley that opens and closes your garage door. Chain-drive openers are durable but noisy, so they may not be the best choice if your garage is attached to your house.
Belt-Drive Garage Door Openers
Belt-drive openers use a rubber belt to move the trolley. Belt-drive openers are quieter than chain-drive openers, making them a good choice for garages that are attached to your house.
Direct-Drive Garage Door Openers
Direct-drive openers, also called screw-drive openers, use a threaded steel rod to move the trolley. Direct-drive openers are durable and quiet, making them a good choice for any type of garage.
There are also hybrid opener types that combine features of chain-drive, belt-drive, and screw-drive openers.
For more information about the technicalities and specs of garage door openers and to find the right garage door opener mechanism for your garage door, contact a local garage door company that sells and repairs garage door opener systems, like Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound. Their experienced and knowledgeable technicians can assess your home and find the perfect garage door opener for you.
Garage Door Size and Weight
The size of your door will determine the correct size garage door opener. If you have a one-car garage, you will need a smaller opener than if you have a two or three-car garage.
The weight of your garage door is also going to be a consideration. Heavier doors will require more horsepower to open and close, so keep that in mind when choosing an opener. 1/2 horsepower is typically sufficient for most one-car garage doors. For heavier two-car garage doors, you will usually need 3/4 horsepower. And for three-car garage doors, you will need at least 1 horsepower.
Here is a breakdown of all of the garage door opener horsepower (HP) options:
- 1/3 HP is for doors that weigh up to 125 lbs
- 1/2 HP is for doors that weigh up to 300 lbs
- 3/4 HP is for doors that weigh up to 500 lbs
- 1 HP is for doors that weigh up to 650 lbs
Safety Features
If you have small children or pets, you will want to ensure that your electric garage door opener has safety features like sensors that prevent the garage door from closing if something is in the way. There are sensors embedded in the garage door opener that send signals across the door width so that when garage doors encounter an obstacle, they will automatically reverse and go the other direction.
This is great for preventing injury to persons who get in the way of a moving garage door and preventing damage to the door if there are objects in the way.
You should also look for a garage door opener with a timer so that the garage door automatically closes after a certain amount of time. That way, if you leave for the weekend and forget to close the door, you can rest easy knowing it will close on its own eventually.
Nowadays, you can even get garage door openers that allow you remote access, but we will talk more about those in the next section.
Design and Technology Features
When choosing a garage door opener, you will want to consider the different design and technology features available. Some openers have built-in WiFi, so you can control them from your smartphone. Others come with security features like fingerprint scanners or keypads. And still, others have cool features like LED lighting or automatic door locks.
If you care about luxury, convenience, and functionality, you might consider some of these cool features.
You Deserve Only the Best!
Now that you know more about garage door openers and garage door systems, you can decide which type is right for you. Consider the size and weight of your garage door and any safety or technology features you might want. With all this information in mind, you can choose the perfect garage door opener for your home.
If you need someone to come out and do your garage door opener installation, contact a local company like Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound. They’ve been in the garage door business for over 100 years, and they’d be delighted at the opportunity to install your garage door opener quickly and correctly.Overhead Door of Puget Sound can also provide recommendations and information about different garage door opener styles, garage door opener horsepower ratings, and size recommendations to fit your garage door opening. Visit their website today for more info about their garage door services and to get a free estimate!
