Find a garage door opener that will stand the test of time

If you’ve never purchased a garage door opener, you may be surprised by the number of options that are out there. Indeed, it’s easy to feel pretty overwhelmed. Still, this isn’t the time to base your decision on intuition. By understanding a few basic facts about modern garage door openers, you’ll have a much easier time selecting the right one the first time.

6 Things to Consider When Buying a Garage Door Opener

When you’re in the market for a dependable and durable garage door opener, keep these things in mind:

Drive Style

Garage door openers come in three main styles: chain-driven, screw-driven, and belt-driven. Belt-driven openers excel in almost all ways. They’re quiet and they deliver superior performance. If your door is extremely heavy, though, you may be better off with a chain-driven model. If it’s a one-piece door, a belt-driven opener is probably best.

Horsepower

Don’t skimp on horsepower when choosing an opener. 1/2-horsepower models are the most ubiquitous, but you’ll enjoy better durability with a 3/4-horsepower model. For superior power and efficiency, though, you can’t beat a 1-horsepower opener.

Accessibility

Instead of buying separate components for your opener, choose one that has them built in. Many models include keyless entry, which is typically provided through a keypad that’s installed to the side of the door. Some models scan fingerprints, however, and they are even easier and more convenient.

Illumination

Avoid stumbling around in the dark when in your garage by opting for an opener with bright lights. Ideally, your opener should support 100-watt bulbs or whatever the LED equivalent is. In this way, you can kill two birds with one stone.

Manufacturer

Do a little research about popular garage door opener manufacturers so you’re familiar with the most reliable ones. It’s far better to pay a little more for a model from a reputable brand than to save a tiny bit buying one from an off-brand manufacturer.

Motor Style

Without a doubt, you’re going to want an opener with a DC motor. They are faster, quieter, smaller, and lighter than their AC counterparts, and they often offer variable-speed operation for soft starts and stops. As an added bonus, many models include built-in battery backup systems that allow the door to keep functioning even when power is lost.

Looking for quality opener and durable garage doors? Overhead Door Company of Portland has you covered. Check us our website or give us a call today to learn more.