The right garage door opener can make all the difference for your home. Depending on the opener you choose, you can enhance your security, enjoy a quieter system, take advantage of safety features and even increase your convenience with smartphone integration.
Our comprehensive guide on how to choose the right garage door opener will help you make an informed decision that factors in your security, safety and convenience. Whether you’re looking to replace your entire garage door system or simply want to explore new garage door openers that suit you better, this guide will give you the insights you need. It dives into the various kinds of garage door openers and what to consider when browsing different options.
Different Types of Garage Door Openers
With several varieties of garage door openers for sale, you can create a custom system that suits your requirements, from noise levels to integrated features. Here are the primary types of garage door openers to choose from.
Chain Drive Openers
With a chain drive mechanism, the garage door lifts up and down thanks to a chain-running assembly connected to the tension springs.
Chain drives are the most affordable type of garage door opener. They are durable, strong and reliable, which makes them one of the best openers for heavy garage doors.
If you don’t mind louder operation, chain drives can be an excellent heavy-duty choice for most types of garage door systems. If a quieter operation is important to you, chain drive openers can still be a good option for detached garages. They are also an ideal choice if budget is your priority.
Belt Drive Openers
Belt drive openers have durable, reinforced belts made of rubber or similar material that move along the tracks to open and close the garage door. Belt drive openers move smoothly, operating much more quietly than chain drive openers. These openers are also more expensive than chain drives. However, the smoother, quieter performance makes them a worthwhile investment for many homeowners, especially those with attached garages.
Direct Drive or Jackshaft Openers
Direct drive or jackshaft openers work quite differently from chain and belt drive openers. With jackshaft openers, the motor — which is mounted on the side of the garage door instead of above it — directly turns the torsion bar and spring instead of pulling and pushing on the top of the door to open it.
Since the motor is mounted on the wall, this type of opener is a space-saving option with ultra-quiet operation. Jackshafts are reliable garage door openers that often have advanced security features and a streamlined design. They do cost more than chain and belt drive openers, so the decision might come down to your budget and priorities.
A jackshaft opener can be a great choice for your home if you have a garage with low ceilings or if you need your garage space for additional features or functions. It’s also ideal if quiet operations are your main concern.
Smart Garage Door Openers
Smart garage door openers are not technically a type of opener in the way chain, belt or direct drive openers are. Any of those types can be smart openers if they’re integrated with technology that offers enhanced safety, security and convenience. Smart garage door openers can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi, allowing you to remotely open, close and monitor your garage door using your smartphone.
What to Consider When Buying a Garage Door Opener
As you shop for a garage door opener, look for standard features like battery backup, keyless entry and safety sensors. You can consider these elements and more when exploring how to pick a garage door opener:
- Garage door weight and size: Heavier garage doors need especially durable, reliable openers. The LiftMaster 8500W is a top-of-the-line jackshaft opener that suits heavy doors with high lift exceptionally well. The LiftMaster 84505R is a powerful belt drive opener that also supports heavy doors.
- Noise levels: Some garage door openers operate more loudly than others. Noise levels are an important consideration if you’re sensitive to sound, if you need to be mindful of neighbors or if you have an attached garage door.
- Security and safety features: Your garage door opener should protect your home and family. Look for safety features like photo-eye sensors that prevent the garage door from opening or closing when there’s a person or other obstruction in the way. You can also look for openers with security features, such as rolling code — this option generates secure new codes each time you need to open your garage door.
- Cost-effectiveness: Garage door openers are available at a wide range of price points. It’s vital to explore openers that meet your budget without sacrificing quality.
- Ease of use and maintenance needs: Your opener should be easy enough for you to use and maintain for as long as you have it. It can be a game-changer to find a garage door opener you can easily program and know how to troubleshoot.
- Space requirements: Each garage has different space requirements. If you have doors that lift high or overhead storage, then a side-mounted direct driver is the best option. However, if you have posts or a layout that makes a side mount challenging, chain and belt drives are the right choice.
- Technological compatibility and features: Most modern garage door openers have integrated technology that allows you to connect your opener to your smart home devices and smartphone apps. It may be time to replace your garage door opener if it’s outdated and incompatible with these features.
Why Trust Us?
At Cornwell Door Service, we have been a family-owned and operated overhead door company since 1972. For over four decades, we have provided quality residential and commercial garage doors and garage door openers and have gone above and beyond to provide excellent service to our customers in Lebanon, Harrisburg, Camp Hill and beyond.
Our staff has more than 200 years of combined experience in providing the highest levels of service with the utmost integrity. You can rely on us for a range of garage door products and services, including sales, repairs, maintenance, emergency service, and installations and replacements.
Find the Right Garage Door Opener for Your Home
The right garage door opener is key to having a system that operates according to your unique needs and preferences. You can trust Cornwell Door Service for quality garage doors, garage door openers and garage door services. We have an experienced team of experts and technicians who can help you choose and implement the right garage door opener and ensure your system works smoothly and securely. Feel free to explore the range of residential garage door openers we carry or contact us today to request an estimate.