When choosing garage door openers, there are specific guidelines you should follow in order to choose the most appropriate model. Some of the basic things to consider includes the kind of garage door for your property and its size, the garage’s location relating to your property and your budget. Price is a crucial factor to consider, but a low priced opener may not be the best. It can be much better to buy a costlier opener if it offers better features, ease of use, guarantee and is suitability for your needs. The following are the features you should think about as you shop for a garage door opener.
Type of drive
The three different kinds of drives include screw, belt and chain. Screw drive openers have few moving parts and require minimal maintenance. They are also easy to install. Belt drive openers utilize a rubber belt. They offer quiet operation, but they tend to cost more than the other types of drives. Chain drive openers tend to be noisy and may not be the ideal choice if your garage is adjacent to a bedroom.
Safety features
All modern openers are required to have safety mechanisms that stop and reverse a closing garage door when an object passes beneath it. This reversing mechanism can prevent damage to cars. It can also prevent injuries to pets and humans.
Security features
It is important to buy a garage door opener which has a rolling code feature. This security feature makes it more difficult for potential burglars to guess the code that opens the garage door.
Power
A horsepower motor is the standard for the majority of garage doors. This motor can lift most types of garage doors, depending on the kind of drive it is paired with. However, one piece wooden doors and well insulated garage doors can place extra strain on a horsepower motor. This can cause the motor to wear and tear faster. For such garage doors, you can buy a horsepower model. For industrial, commercial or oversized garage doors a 1 horsepower model is ideal. 1 horsepower motors provide maximum power and efficiency.
Door size
Most garage doors are seven feet tall. Standard openers accommodate doors of up to six inches taller than that, but you need to obtain an extension kit.
Battery backup
Even though this feature is not standard, it is available on some garage door models. The backup kicks in when there is a power outage, allowing you to use the opener.
Remote control
Modern openers have two remote control units. Some remotes have one button and only operate one garage door. Others have many buttons and can open several doors.
Keyless entry pad
You can mount this entry pad outside the garage door. The door opens after the proper code is entered on the entry pad. This feature is convenient because you can use it if you lock yourself out. You can let yourself into your home without having to carry a key.
Lights
Openers often function as the main source of light in a garage. Standard units may handle 2 sixty watt bulbs. Some units can handle two 100 watt bulbs
Warranty
Warranties vary depending on the model. Some openers come with a lifetime warranty and others with a ten year warranty. Separate components like chains and belts are usually covered for shorter time frames.
