How to Choose the Best Garage Door Opener

Are you in need of a new garage door opener, and you’re wondering what your options are? There is no shortage of companies on the market, but how do you find the best garage door opener for your home? No doubt you want a reliable opener you can use even during a power outage, and quiet garage door options are likely near the top of your list, as well.

Whatever the case, we can help you find the right garage door company and the right door opener for your needs. Please stick with us as we go over the different drive options you need to consider, some of the best features, and much more.

The Different Drive Options

There are a few different garage door openers, but most use either a chain-drive or belt-drive. Let’s break down these options.

Chain-Drive

Chain-drive models use a chain to move a trolley or carriage. Chain-driven garage door openers can be loud, which is something to consider if you have a bedroom above the garage.

The vibrations and noise can sometimes be a nuisance, especially if you have someone coming and going odd hours.

Chain-driven openers are one of the most popular, and they’re very durable.

This style is also affordable and perfect for heavy garage doors like one-piece wooden doors. If you have a detached garage or a heavy door style, please go with a chain option.

Belt-Drive

Belt-drive models use a belt to move the trolley instead. The belts can be made of reinforced rubber, polyurethane, or fiberglass.

The big advantage to belt-driven openers is that they’re far quieter with a smoother operation overall.

However, while they may cost more, they may not be suitable for heavier doors.

Wall Mount

Wall mount garage door openers do, as they say, they mount on the wall next to the garage door itself.

A wall mount helps you free up the space overhead which consumers love to do.

If you’re wanting to open up space in your garage you may want to consider a Wall Mount model.

Liftmaster wall mounts are knowing to be very quiet and offer smooth operations.

Smart

Lastly, in the day of age of technology, you can consider a Smart garage door opener.  If you’re techy and love managing your devices remotely, a smart garage door may be the best choice for you.

The LiftMaster Smart openers come with a myQ app that allows you to control the opener from an app.

Are you an Amazon Prime advocate?

You’ll be glad to know that the myQ app allows for secure in-garage delivery.

Additional Safety Features

Since January 1st, 1993, federal law required all manufactured garage doors to have an automatic reverse safety feature. This feature means that if an obstruction is in the doorway, such as an object or even a person, the door will reverse.

Automatic reverse features help save lives and can also reduce injuries. As such, it’s important you regularly test your sensors to make sure they’re working right.

That said, there are many garage door openers with additional safety features built-in. For instance, LiftMaster makes many systems with extra warning systems. These warning systems could be audible or visual and indicate when the garage door is closing.

Horsepower Options

When it comes to garage door openers, horsepower refers to the lifting power of the system. For residential garage door openers, 1/2 HP (horsepower) is fairly standard for most models.

Heavier doors, like wooden doors or insulated doors, might require something stronger. A 3/4 HP system might work better if you have a heavy door style.

Industrial or oversized garage doors need something even stronger. A 1-HP model is an ideal solution for any commercial or industrial garage doors. These higher-horsepower models come with a bigger price tag, though.

Extra Security

There is one burglary every 13 seconds, and many burglars look for easy access points like an open or easy-to-access garage.

To most homeowners, security is one of their top priorities. Modern garage doors sometimes have security technology that keeps them safe from hackers. This technology also ensures your garage door can’t be opened by any other remote, which keeps your garage safer.

Keypads also provide an extra layer of security. Garage door openers with keypads let you enter the garage from the outside using a code rather than the opener.

Other safety features to consider include:

• Timers
• Internet connectivity
• Overhead lighting
• Smart home technology
• Rolling code systems

Each of these security features offers something beneficial, but you may not need all of the bells and whistles. Take a look at your options, consider each of the features, and then decide what you find most useful.

Let’s go over what some of these features mean.

Timers

Do you often make your way to work or the store only to wonder if you closed the garage door?

Certain models have a timer functionality. Garage door openers with timers will close the door automatically if you forget.

Internet Connectivity

Yes, there are “smart” garage door openers out there that connect to Wi-Fi. If you have a smart home, it’s worth it to make your garage door opener part of your setup.

These models let you monitor and control your garage door right from your smartphone. You can also connect them to your home security system.

Rolling Code Systems

A rolling code system, or hopping code, generates a new security code each time you use your garage door opener. When you press the button on your remote, the old code gets deleted, and a new code—one of the millions of options—opens your garage door.

This technology prevents hackers from learning your code and breaking into your garage that way.

AC vs. DC

Consider the current of your motor before buying a garage door opener. You can choose AC or DC motors.

While direct current motors are more expensive, they usually provide backup battery options. This lets you get into the garage even during a power outage.

DC motors are also quieter and have softer starts and stops.

AC motors include:

(listed in good, better, and best – download brochures for each)

• LinkMaster 8165W: ½ HP AC Chain Drive Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener
• LinkMaster 8365W: 1/2 HP AC Chain Drive Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener
• LinkMaster 8355W: ½ HP AC Belt Drive Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener

DC motors include:

(listed in good, better, and best – download brochures for each)

• LinkMaster 8160W: DC Chain Drive Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener
• LinkMaster 8550WLB: Elite DC Motor Battery Backup Belt Drive Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener
• LinkMaster 8500W: Elite DC Motor Jackshaft Battery Backup Capable Wall Mount Garage Door Opener

How to find the Best Garage Door Opener

There’s a lot to consider if you’re looking for the best garage door opener. Hopefully, our guide gave you some options and features to consider before you decide on a system.

If you’re wondering which brand is best, we recommend LiftMaster garage door openers. LiftMaster is a trusted brand that offers a variety of models at all price ranges.

Talk to your garage door company about your options. We’ll be happy to recommend some choices.

We proudly offer free in-home estimates, request yours today!