Do you remember a time when you used to have to get out of your car, run up to the garage door and open it by hand before you could drive inside? It was not that long ago that all garage doors were manual, but the advent of garage door openers has helped to make lives quite a bit easier. Most of the openers on the market today are high-quality and can last a long time without needing to be changed. However, you will eventually need to replace the opener for one reason or another. You might find that a part needs replacing or you want to get a new model.
The opener is one of the most common reasons for garage door service calls. Therefore, whether you need a repair or replacement, now or in the future, it is a good idea to learn a bit about openers.
The door opener
First, let’s get a better idea of some of the types of door openers and what makes each different.
- Models: There are two popular types of model – chain drive and belt drive. The belt drives have steel fiber reinforcement, and they tend to be quieter than the chain drive models.
- Type: You could choose an AC, alternating current, or DC, direct current, type of opener. Many use the AC models, as they tend to be more affordable. The DC models start slow and then increase speed before slowing down again. They can also have backup batteries.
- Level of Power: Most of the options on the market are either ½ HP or ¾ HP. When the door is balanced properly the ½ HP should be more than enough power to open and close it.
- Some of the other major components include the gears in the gear system. The gears are typically made from plastic. Improper balance can cause the gears to wear out sooner than they should.
- The electronics control the motor’s operation, as well as safety measures and the signal to open and close the door.
Opener accessories
In addition to the opener, there are also various accessories and components that come with the door openers when they are installed.
- Remote controls: Everyone wants to make sure they have an easy way into and out of the garage, and they want to make sure it is safe from thieves. You do not want your remote control signal to be discovered. Today this is not a problem. For close to 25 years now, the door openers have been using rolling codes. This simply means the code is different every time you use the remote, so no one will be able to steal it.
- Control panels: Many of the garage door openers available today also have control panels or a door control button. They tend to be installed near the door that leads into the house, for convenience.
- Automatic reversal: Safety is always a primary concern around garage doors. Since 1993, the garage door openers sold in North America have been required to have multiple safety devices. The motor needs to be able to sense resistance of something blocking the door and then reverse direction. They also contain photoelectric sensors on each side of the door. If something, such as a pet or a child, breaks the beam, the door will also reverse its direction.
Check out some of the optional features to consider, as well.
- Wi‑Fi connectivity: The Internet has made life easier in so many ways, and one of those ways is opening and closing your garage door. When you use one of these apps, from your smartphone or other device, you can monitor your garage door, and open or close it. As long as you have a connection to the web, you can do this from anywhere in the world.
- Exterior Keypad: These are installed in the outside of the garage. They require a four-digit pin to open the door. These are helpful in case you lose a key, or if you have kids coming in through the garage.
- Laser Parking: These devices can help you park your car in the garage safely, and they are more practical and aesthetically pleasing then the tennis ball method.
- Mini Remote: You could also get a miniature remote that you can hang from your keychain if you would like. This can be a better and safer option than having one on your visor.
Learn more
Would you like to know more about garage door openers and the options you have available? Maybe you would like to have one installed? If so, you can get in touch with us at 709-368-7222.
If you prefer, we can email you a quotation or come to your property to let you know more about all the various garage door openers we offer. We can help you find a door and opener that is exactly what you need when it comes to your budget and your style. If you are going to get a new garage door, you can give it a bit of a preview when you check out our design center. You can also get some ideas when you peruse our image gallery.
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