What Kind Of Garage Door Opener Do I Need?
The garage door opener is something that everyone assumes will always work. It’s a simple device that responds to a signal telling it to either open or close the garage door. These components continue lifting or closing the door until they are unable, either because there is an object blocking the chain, the chain is broken, or the opener is dead. Garage door openers are durable devices, though. They work for years without maintenance and survive wild temperature swings from winter to summer.
Is it Time to Upgrade Your Garage Door Opener?
If the opener is broken, obviously, you are due for a replacement. However, it would be best to upgrade it before it breaks. The last thing you want is a broken opener while you are stuck in the garage, late for a meeting, frantically ordering a $50.00 Uber for your commute to work.
Security
Old garage doors responded to radio and electrical signals, meaning that anyone with the right transmitter could open your door. Newer garage door openers rely on fixed codes that are keyed to individual homes. However, these fixed codes are easily hacked. Indeed, some lazy companies will even use the same codes for their openers – such as basic 0000 or 1234 sequences. It is therefore possible for someone to sit outside your garage with a clicker and try different code sequences until one works.
Modern garage door openers use rolling codes that change every time the unit opens or closes. These codes cannot be duplicated or guessed.
Noise
You are probably accustomed to the sound of your garage door opening and closing. It reverberates throughout the house, and these days you barely even notice. However, why acclimate to an old, loud garage door opener when you can install a new, quiet one? Modern garage door openers use chain drives which are much quieter than older models.
Batteries
Garage door openers operate on electricity. The opener is plugged into the wall and opens and closes the door. When electricity is flowing, this arrangement works great. However, if you are subject to a blackout, it could mean that your car is stuck inside your garage. Modern garage door openers include backup battery power so they can keep working even if your house is without power.
A simple buyer’s guide
There are several different types of garage door openers. And no, they are not interchangeable; therefore, you must understand the technical requirements for your garage door before making the plunge. First, you need to find out if your garage door is standard height – seven feet – and the size and weight of your door. For example, double-wide and wooden doors are heavier than standard single doors.
There are four types of garage door openers: chain drive, direct drive, screw drive, and belt drive. The chain drive garage door opener is louder than the other models. The quietest ones are the direct drive and belt drive, but they cost more. Your best option is to speak with a garage door company about their products and see what will work for your needs.
Looking To Upgrade Your Garage Door Opener?
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Integrity Overhead Door today! We are your residential garage door specialists serving clients throughout Amarillo, Texas. We work with Residential, Commercial, and Industrial clients. Call us at (806) 418-5237 or Contact Us by email to learn more about the brands and services we offer.