How to choose the best garage door opener

Following on from our 10 Benefits of an automatic garage door opener article, we thought we’d help you choose the best garage door opener.

If you’re looking for a garage door opener, then maybe you know exactly what model you need, and who will install it for you. Alternatively, perhaps you are just fed up of getting out of your car to open or close your garage in the rain, and want a better solution.

Here’s what you need to think about when looking for the best garage door opener.

1. Why?

Knowing why you want one will help you to buy the best garage door opener. Maybe you’re simply replacing a broken opener, want a better one, or have never had one before.

2. Budget

Whilst you might have a budget in mind, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t just buy on price alone.

You’ll want to get the best garage door opener you can afford with the power and features you need to make your life easier and to protect your family, home and possessions.

3. Requirements

If you’re replacing an existing opener which has broken, or you know you need more power or additional functional, then you’ll already have some idea of the brands, models and features to look for.

If you don’t know anything about garage door openers, then do plenty of research before rushing out and buying one. Remember to ask neighbors, friends and family what they use, and what they like and dislike about theirs.

This will give you more to think about, and could prevent an expensive mistake.

4. Type

There are different types of garage door opener each with its own pros and cons.

Belt drive or chain drive are the most common types. Chain drive is usually cheaper but can be noisier than belt drive.

Jackshaft drive is becoming more popular, thanks to its wall-mounted space saving design, and quiet operation.

5. Power

You’ll need to think about how powerful your automatic garage door opener needs to be. It needs to be capable of opening your garage door, and you’ll need more power for bigger and heavier doors.

If you have a small garage then a low power opener will be perfect, however, if you have a large garage with space for several cars, and a single wooden garage door, then you’ll need an automatic garage door opener with more power.

6. Security

Garage door security is likely to be an issue for you too, so make sure that your garage door opener keeps your garage safe and secure.

From automatic closing to the ability to disable remote controls for when you’re on vacation, there are a number of features available that will help keep you garage door closed and your possessions inside.

7. Features

As well as opening and closing your garage door, openers often have with additional features available designed to make your life easier.

These can include lights to illuminate your garage when you get out of your car, wi-fi connectivity and an app so that you can check your garage door is closed on your smartphone from anywhere in the world , and battery back-up so you can still get in and out of your garage in the event of a power cut.

8. Brand and model

When you’ve got some ideas of what you need, you’ll want to think about the different brands and models.

We’d recommend that you look at the more established brands, with good reviews and long warranties. We’ve found that Liftmaster garage door openers meet the needs of many of our customers.

9. Accessories

Many automatic garage door openers have additional accessories available.

These can include extra remote controls, ideal if you have more than one car; extra control panels, and the ability to monitor your garage door via your cellphone.

It’s a good idea to determine what accessories you’re likely to need in advance, so ask friends, family and your installer what they recommend. This will ensure that you get everything at the same time, and know that it all works properly together.

It might only take an additional remote control or another control can to give you the best automatic garage door opener for your needs.

10. Installation

When you’ve decided what you’re going to buy, you’ll need to decide whether to fit it yourself, or get installed by professional experts.

Whilst you may save some money by doing it yourself, you probably don’t have the skills and experience of a professional garage door fitter, and so even the best automatic garage door opener may not work as effectively or efficiency as it should do.

Conclusion

Remember, the best garage door opener is the one that meets all of your requirements. Getting an automatic garage door opener fitted will help save you time, help secure your home, and help make life easier for you. What’s stopping you?

If you want more help and advice about choosing an automatic garage door opener, why not Contact Us at now at 651-702-1420 and tell us how we can help you?