Need a New Garage Door Opener? Read Our Tips on Finding the Best One.

Posted: Jun 27, 2012
Author: Doors by Nalley of Lake Norman, Inc.

Is sitting in your car in the pouring rain while the garage door refuses to open becoming a regular pastime? Then it may be time for a new opener.  But before you run out to the local hardware store to pick one up, read these tips that will help to ensure you make all the right decisions:

Know your drive systems: There are three types of garage door openers to choose from: chain drive, screw drive, and belt drive. Chain drive is the cheapest but also the noisiest, while screw drive is mid-ranged and belt drive is the most expensive, but the quietest. Consider what noise level fits your lifestyle and what price fits your budget. If your garage sits under a bedroom or studio apartment, it may be wise to spring for the quieter model and think of it as an investment towards letting the family sleep when returning late at night.

Safety is key: Though all garage door openers are now required to stop automatically when an obstacle is detected in the path, seek an opener that also contains a pressure sensor that mounts, and a manual release feature for extra security should there be a power failure.

Keep your home secure: Prevent theft by selecting garage door openers that utilize rolling codes, so that each time the opener is used, the code changes. This will help prevent any breaches in home security as the opener inherently prevents accidental opening.

Pick your level of control: Not all garage door openers are alike. Some have many buttons and controls to choose from; some have just one. Make sure to get all the features out of a garage door opener that you want, without it being so overwhelming that it hinders operation.