Smart technology is driving everything we use today, from how we conduct research to how we switch on the lights in our homes. If you have jumped on the smart technology bandwagon, it’s time to consider a smart garage door opener. The experts at Overhead Door Company of Portland can work with you from initial information gathering to final installation.
The concept is simple. A smart garage door opener controls the movement of your garage door just like a traditional opener, but it connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network, allowing it to be controlled using a smartphone, tablet, or voice assistant. There are many benefits to this technology.
Easier: With a smart garage door opener, you can open and close your garage door from anywhere, at any time, without a remote or keypad, making it incredibly convenient — no more scrambling to find a lost remote or trying to remember your keypad pin. Through an app or voice control, you can operate your system and even connect with a dealer near you when you need service.
Smarter: Smart garage door openers give you options such as granting temporary access to delivery or service people and guests. You can use the extensive time-based, programmable rules to have it close automatically when you want it to or, through the use of geofencing, have it open when you’re a block away. Schedule access for others through virtual keys, which allow homeowners to provide temporary or permanent access. Create a list of users and program the virtual key to expire in an hour, day, month, or more. Lots of options—smart operation.
Safer: How often have you wondered if you forgot to close the garage door? That worry will be in the past with a smart garage door opener, which will send an alert if the door is left open for a long time or if it opens late at night or while you are away. The system also keeps logs of who accesses the garage door and at what times. For added security, some models feature built-in cameras that can be integrated with your home security system.
Changing a traditional garage remote to a smart garage door opener brings added peace of mind, and fortunately, the transition is fairly simple. In basic terms, you install the smart opener, connect to your home Wi-Fi, download the associated app, and sync your device.
Diving a bit deeper, a smart garage door opener has sensors that detect the motion of the door, and a motor and drive mechanism physically open and close the door. The manufacturer of the system you choose provides the app, and your home internet supplies the Wi-Fi connectivity.
Changing over to a smart garage door opener doesn’t mean investing in a whole new system. You can upgrade most traditional garage door openers with safety sensors that were assembled from 1993 and later. You simply add a smart garage door controller like our OHD Anywhere® app, or brands we carry like Chamberlain/Liftmaster (MyQ Technology, Linear, Somer and many others. Even some older models may be transitioned through special adapters.
One Wi-Fi Retrofit Kit can control a single door out of the box and controls up to three doors when additional door position sensors are purchased. One retrofit module and door position sensor come standard with the kit. Purchase additional sensors to control up to 2 more doors. With OHD Anywhere, this updated Wi-Fi module Kit can be added to any older system, provided it has safety devices on the door that are required for the options to function properly.
Changing anything about your garage door opener does require electrical work and often some time on a ladder. The controller is generally mounted near your garage door opener motor, and a wire needs to be connected to the smart controller through the same terminals used for your wall opener.
To ensure a smooth transition, we recommend you contact us for assistance. We can make sure your traditional model is compatible with a new system, perform the installation, help you with the app, and help you get comfortable with how your new smart garage door opener functions before we leave. And if we find your old system won’t work with a smart system, we can help you choose a new smart garage door opener that best meets your needs.
A smart garage door opener is a smart choice for those looking to technology to simplify and enhance the interactions between man and machine! Contact Overhead Door Company of Portland when you’re ready to take the next step into the future.