Garage doors are the essential feature of any Garage, as these doors are the barriers that are keeping your garage safe. Mostly, the garage doors are linked to a mechanized device that helps to open or close them. We teamed up with constructors and professional handyman to help us find the best garage door opener of 2023.
Based upon the dimensions of garage doors and the needs of the owner, there are various types of garage door openers available in the market. In this article, we will help provide you all the knowledge required about electric garage openers and will help you find the best garage door opener for yourself.
Table Contents
- Top 10 Best Garage Door Opener of 2023
- 1 – Chamberlain WD832KEVG – Bundled Quiet Garage Drive Door Opener (Best Pick 🥇)
- 2 – LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series Factory Operator Jackshaft Door Item
- 3 – Craftsman Drive Chain Door Garage Opener with 2 multi-function remotes 00954985000P
- 4 – Genie SilentMax 1200 Model 4042-TKH Remote Pre-programmed Garage Opener Door
- 5 – Chamberlain Group C450 Smartphone Controlled Chain Durable Drive Power Lifting Opener
- 6 – LiftMaster 1355 AC Drive Chain Door Without Rail Garage Opener
- 7 – Nexx Garage NXG-100 NXG Door Remote Openers
- 8 – Chamberlain Group B503 Strong Drive Belt Quiet Lifting Door
- 9 – Lift Master Sentex Chamberlain Door Garage Openers
- 10 – Chamberlain Group C410 Chain Durable Garage Drive Opener For Door
- Best Garage Door Opener Buying Guide
- The Mechanism Behind Garage Door Opener
- Types of Garage Door Openers
- Significance Of Horsepower In Garage Door Openers
- Types Of Mode Of Operation
- Essential Attributes of a Garage Door Opener
- Rail Extension Kits
- Insulation Kits
- Important Safety Features for Garage Doors
- FAQs On Best Garage Door Openers
- Conclusion
Top 10 Best Garage Door Opener of 2023
We teamed up with professional handymen and constructors to help us find the best garage door opener of 2023. We used their knowledge and expertise so you know these garage door openers are tested and verified by the best experts in the field.
1 – Chamberlain WD832KEVG – Bundled Quiet Garage Drive Door Opener (Best Pick 🥇)
It has been designed in a silk and robust belt drive method for your garage door. The durable steel (WD832KEV) present in the belt drive ensures the smooth operation of your door without creating any annoying noise. The presence of Chamberlain’s own Motor Vibration technique which can remove powerhead vibration smoothly. You can connect your smartphone with this device for regulating the door operation with the help of My Internet Gateway. This can even control lights inside your garage.
An auto-timer feature is there for closing the garage door in case you forget to do it. You can set this auto timer for 5-10 minutes. The three-button technology known as the Triban Technology which can locate the nearest frequency to ensure the best performance is included. On the wireless keypad, you can set up a four-digit password so that it remains highly safe and protected. The unique sensor ability creates an invisible light ray across the doors of the garage while auto on and shut down.
There are light brackets that help in generating light when you open and close the door. Any interruption or block is created in the door. With the help of a reverse door system, you will be indicated that something is blocking your garage. Overall, motion detection can be checked by this device. A straightforward rail system can be installed, which makes the performance of the garage door quicker within 60 seconds. The product is compatible with any house door, bridges, etc.
Key Features
- Easy and safe monitoring
- Strong built steel
- Triban technology
- Four-digit password
- Smooth operation is possible
- MYQ Internet Gateway
- Safety lights across the glass door
- Protector system with unique sensor technology
Pros
- The brilliant internet gateway is the prime benefit of this device
- It is effortless to install and operate
- The user guide is beneficial
- Quiet motor service with safety is guaranteed
- The light beam allows the door operation detection nicely.
Cons
- The pulleys located in the belt are made out of plastic. Hence durability can be an issue later on.
- Mounting brackets for openers should have been included for better performance.
2 – LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series Factory Operator Jackshaft Door Item
It has been crafted in a sleek and fancy style. This has an advanced code sending technology to your garage door just by a few clicks. The function is mainly to focus that your garage door only opens at your command. It has a brilliant battery backup that can stay safe without any audio or visual threats when you try to close the garage door. So you don’t have to worry about getting stuck at night. The light beaming across the entire garage from the door opening to ensure if anything is interrupting gets detected. Thus door closing can be done smoothly without any interruptions.
Another benefit of using this glass door is the extreme durability for an extended period. This elite series model has high security and power backup. The p3 motors create no annoying sound or noise through the ceiling. You can connect your mobile phones with the garage door to get alerts when the door opens or closes.
Key Features
- Handy
- Sleek design
- Great wifi portability
- Wall mount support design
- No noise and vibration
- Excellent smartphone connectivity
- Dc motor can operate
- Automatic gate opener
- Durable
- Safe
Pros
- Very quiet and secured service guaranteed
- High quality
- Extremely reliable product
- A stylish garage opener
- Easy to install
Cons
- It is not compatible with roll-up doors
- Few customers have opined led lights could have been sent separately
- Alternate buttons can’t be operated; you have to use the wall switch can be another probable disadvantage
3 – Craftsman Drive Chain Door Garage Opener with 2 multi-function remotes 00954985000P
It is an exclusively designed garage door opener that consists of a wireless entrance. This entrance allows garage entry without any key or remote control. Hence you will not require a password-protected pin of 4 digits to enter the garage. The fastest Quick Install Rail system is an advanced technique for installation. The secure monitors are interfaced for tracking purposes for these doors. The presence of Anti-Burglary coding technology is a highly secure way for operating your garage door.
These garage doors are manufactured, making sure that its safety and user-friendly. You can also access this garage from a distance because of the Tri-Frequency radio system which manages eliminating virtually the interference effects which can be caused by anything around your house or during temperature instability. The sleep mode energy consumption is less than 1 watt of the entire power supply. There is advanced sensor security which helps in the auto-reversing door method if anything blocks the beam while the door is shutting down.
Key Features
- Wireless entrance
- Fast service
- The rail system is easy to install
- User-friendly
- Frequency radio system
- Advanced sensor security
Pros
- The product is affordable and budget-friendly
- It is effortless to install
- On the track, the presence of motor sensors is incredible for door tracking purpose
- An excellent garage door opener
Cons
- Few users have opined that lifting the doors was a constant issue
- Installation was complicated for some customers.
There are various types of glass door openers available in the market. When you are planning to invest in the best one, we would always advise you to go through the product reviews to get a fair idea and invest smartly.
4 – Genie SilentMax 1200 Model 4042-TKH Remote Pre-programmed Garage Opener Door
It is an easily programmable lightweight door opener for your garage. The Silent Max 1200 provides an ultra quietness to your doors. It is very influential in it’s built with an extensive motor system of 140 DVC, which is soft but controls door shutting on and off smoothly. Another excellent feature of this device is the natural and rapid installation without. You won’t need any extra hardware to set-up the installation process, and the rail section can be set up at your convenience. The exterior keypad and a control panel are induced in the device. It is even very compatible with the Aladdin connect system. The belt drive is made up of durable and robust strength.
For programming to go on in an uncomplicated way, there is a Genie Smart set programmer. If you want to opt for an extremely secured and safety glass door lock, this is the best product to go for. Any accidents can be prevented due to the infrared beam light placed at the door opening, which can lead the door reversal if an object blocks the gateway.
The presence of C channel rail design is there so that the safety can be ensured. The Silent Max garage opener has Genie Intellicode technology which lets you know if anyone is around your garage door. The opening speed of the entrance ranges up to 9.0 to 9.1 inches per second. It is one of the fastest and smartest door devices.
Key Features
- Easy to control
- Smart device
- Silent Max 1200
- Fast door opening within a few seconds
- 140 DC Volt
- Robust built
- Genie Smart set program
- Wireless
- Compatible with phones
- Ultra-quiet steel
- Durable
- Easy to install
- Uncomplicated rail system
- Wireless keypad
- T beam technology
Pros
- Smooth and rapid service
- High-quality materials used in the built
- The user guide is beneficial to follow all the instructions for fast and uncomplicated installation
- One of the best garage door protectors
Cons
- Few users have complained about the poor service of the powerhead
- Track of the belt drive may get bent after a few uses; this can be a lead to less durability of the product
- Some customers have noticed the sensors were not easy to operate and that they needed extra lubrication
5 – Chamberlain Group C450 Smartphone Controlled Chain Durable Drive Power Lifting Opener
To get a smart control on your garage door, you can opt for this device. You can regulate your door from any location you want quickly. The presence of MED LIFT POWER SYSTEM produces high power and remarkable performance. The C450 force of this med power is equal to 1/2 HP, which has more lifting capability. There is also durable steel built on the drive, which ensures durability for an extended period.
A unique Triband Technology is used for remote control, which can range from 1500 feet for fast open and closing service. There is a presence of 2 three-button for checking the frequency level. It can save your garage from thefts and hacking. You can make your smartphone device to act as a remote control to get the exact status of your garage.
A real-time alert or notification of your door status can be received on your phone as well by enabling wifi. The advanced sensor board technology is also induced to make sure you can detect easily if anything is blocking the garage door while closing.
To avoid the electrical connections, the wireless keypad set up is amazingly built, which can initiate programming within seconds. A dual functioning wall control generates the door operation by turning on lights from inside the garage. You can easily link the device with Google assistant and give commands to your door for shutting down and turning on.
Key Features
- Superior steel
- The smooth operation of opening and closing
- Remote control Service
- Smartphone app connection
- Light beam
- Smart sensor
- Google assistant command
- C450 lifting capability better (Med Power)
- Triband Technology incorporated
- Dual door function
Pros
- One of the most unique and one of the quietest door opener for your garage
- Elementary and smooth instruction on the guide to follow for installation
- Fair at price
- An amiable customer service
Cons
- Adding an extra diagonal strap alone with the vertical supports to stiffen the installation could have been better. There are heights that allow using one scrap cut off pieces of the belt to do this.
- Few users have faced compatibility issue with their phone and Google assistance while connecting with this device
6 – LiftMaster 1355 AC Drive Chain Door Without Rail Garage Opener
The manufacturers have incorporated a ½ HP AC Chain Drive with wifi for this garage door service. It ensures a steady and quick performance. The door controlling necessary buttons are all included in this device. You can connect your smartphone with this device to detect the close or opening status of your garage door. Use the MYQ app to get the smartphone application. It is simple to install and also operates without any problems.
The excellent power back up of ½ HP AC motor which can support the aluminum door every day repeatedly is available. The maximum consumption calculated is 75 percent less during the standby mode. For safety purposes, there are sensors lights installed which will help you to keep track of visitors near your door. Even with the help of these sensor lights any blockage during the shutting down of the garage door can be spotted. You can set up a password at the garage door opening device so that you can check the visitors around your door.
Key Features
- ½ HP AC Chain Drive
- Easy Wifi connectivity
- Superb performance
- Guaranteed safety
- Secured sensor lights
- Smartphones can be connected for smooth door operations
- Brilliant power back up
Pros
- Reliable motor and gear performance
- Natural wireless linking is an advantage
- An affordable and worthy device
Cons
- Many consumers have opined that this 8065 door opener replaced the model 1355. So the key patterns won’t work the same way. You may have to invest in a universal keypad for this.
- The absence of battery backup can be a disadvantage
- While entering the garage, the lights don’t turn on
7 – Nexx Garage NXG-100 NXG Door Remote Openers
Now you can smoothly operate your glass door by merely turning on your wifi switch with this product. This garage door opener acts as a compact device which can be regulated by you no matter where you are. You can even activate the service of opening and closing the garage door by simple commands given to Google Assistant or Alexa or even your phone.
The multifunction of this device is exclusively designed for your benefits. Various people can be given access to operate your garage if you want. In case your guests have arrived at your door then you can get real-time notifications or alerts on your phone. It happens to all of us at one time that we forget to lock our doors or garage. The reminders of this device tell you that the door is not locked. You can open and close the door at your own convenience.
The wifi connection should have 2. 4 GHZ range for a rapid working capability. The installation is effortless and user-friendly; you will not need any professional assistance for this method. It is designed for any and every type of garage door opener. Therefore it is very compatible. The manufacturers made sure the safety and security of the users are prior while building up this highly durable and reliable glass door opener. Easy tracking and monitoring of who has opened your garage door are also possible while using this unique device.
Key Features
- Wifi connects
- Compact device
- Alexa or Google assistant command
- Alerts or notification check
- User-friendly
- Fast installation
- Safe and secured service
- Compatible with the different door size
- Reliable door option
Pros
- Fantastic and easy opening and closing
- A manual guide is beneficial
- Timestamps installed can benefit you to operate the status of your door
- Excellent support system
Cons
- Installation can be a bit challenging
- Few users have noticed that for drilling you will need extra tools which will involve separate costing
- Some consumers also observed the durability issue.
8 – Chamberlain Group B503 Strong Drive Belt Quiet Lifting Door
The manufacturers have installed B503 and a robust steel fortified belt drive while constructing this garage opener. This ensures the smooth operation of opening and shutting down. You can use it exclusively for your garage as the brand provides extreme durability and years of reliability. The belt drive is made up of advanced quality material for its built. It provides a calm and quiet performance.
Another exclusive feature of these doors is the Lift Power system. This brings the most considerable lifting capability in regards to the ½ power class. The product is safe and secured for everyone. A Triband security technology is induced to increase the range up to 1500 feet for rapid entry and exit purposes.
You can use your smartphone device as a remote control to get the exact status of your garage. Tracking the opening-closing of the garage from anywhere smoothly. If you want, buy an upgradeable smartphone control along with Smart Garage Hub (MyQ-G0301 is needed and sold separately). The 100 Billion code encryption gives you protection from hacking and theft. This also provides the guarantee that if your garage is locked, it will stay closed.
There are also safety sensor protectors that can throw invisible light beam rays on the doors while opening. If anything blocks the way while the door is shutting off this sensor, technology can reverse the door automatically. If any damage happens to the infrared beam of the Protector System, the safety light will automatically turn on. This acts as an indicator too. In addition to the product, the builders have given 10 Year motor warranty, 15 Year for the belt, and a 1 Year guarantee on parts & other accessories.
Key Features
- Robust steel
- Easy operation
- Advanced quality material used
- Remote control
- Smartphone connection
- Light beam
- Sensor technology
Pros
- It is effortless to install
- Smart design
- The user guide is beneficial for giving step by step instructions
- The range of the remote is fantastic
- An advanced belt drive with a cool feature without creating any vibration is also one of the best functions.
Cons
- Few users have opined that the rails tend to bend down at the joints sometimes
- The trolley used in the built is made up of plastic; hence, durability can be a disadvantage of this one.
9 – Lift Master Sentex Chamberlain Door Garage Openers
It is one of the highly demanded jackshaft (3800) garage door opener models. The battery backup is superb, which makes the device highly ideal for all consumers. Door operation can be done very smoothly without any annoying noises or vibrations. However, while the doors are shutting down, you can get audible signals.
There is a presence of red led lights that can be charged when it is operating. Batteries used in the build are all replaceable. The device is elementary to install without hiring any professional for this purpose. The safety and security of the customers was the prior thing kept in mind while constructing this device by the manufacturers.
There are three buttons operating control which you can use in case you have forgotten to lock the garage door. It is a small and compact design that can fit inside your purse or keychain and can be regulated from anywhere. Connect your smartphone using the MYQTM so that you can easily access the door operation just by commanding Google Assistant or Alexa. A rolling code technology is induced to remove signal interference, and it sends new code after every use.
Key Features
- Jackshaft (3800) motor
- Amazing battery
- Smooth door operation
- No noise
- A smartphone can be connected
- Amazing battery power
- Compact design
- Safety features
- Straightforward installation
- Sounds come out under battery power consumption
Pros
- Strong and durable product
- The emergency light mechanism is brilliantly built in this device, which can benefit you when the power supply goes off.
- It is straightforward to install and operate
- Mounting can be done with two lag screws, and that can be plugged in the wall.
Cons
- Few consumers have opined that the durability of the battery system was not enough and that’s why the device had lasted for two to three years only
10 – Chamberlain Group C410 Chain Durable Garage Drive Opener For Door
The most durable and reliable garage door (C410) manufactured by the builders. It enables smooth and easy door opening and shutting down method very safely. Chamberlain’s Lift Power System (Med Power) provides a long-lasting drive chain door opener for your garage. The lifting capacity is more than the regular door openers. Sturdy steel is reinforced in the drive belt for the long run.
There is a presence of Tri ban Technology with two buttons for security purposes. The remote ranges up to 1500 feet for a rapid exit and entrance. You can stay assured if you have locked the garage door; it will stay closed no matter what. You can easily connect your smartphone with this device for detecting the door opening and closing operations sitting anywhere. Lithium battery backup is used for regulating this long-lasting, advanced door device. With 26 watt CFL light bulbs can supply power the tool as well.
The door device is elementary to install with the guided instruction in the manual, along with the professional support care. These doors are ideal for 7 ft garage doors, and an extension kit is also provided for 8 ft and 10 ft garage doors respectively.
You can use an upgraded smartphone to connect this device (MyQ) so that you can easily command Google assistant to operate your door. For this, you can even invest in a Smart Garage Hub for rapid action.
Key Features
- Durable steel incorporated
- Brilliant design
- Reliable performing capability
- Med Lifting Power system
- Tri ban technology
- Remote range till 1500 feet
- Lithium battery
- Installation smooth
- Door regulation smooth
- Installation is rapid
- Safe and secured
- Upgraded phone connectivity
Pros
- It is super quick to install and operate. The remotes are pre-programmed, and the rail system is also very smoothly designed.
- Hacking and thefts can be prevented due to security +2.0 feature in the device
Cons
- Few consumers have opined that for this device you can’t use universal remote
Best Garage Door Opener Buying Guide
The best garage door opener suited for your garage door must be purchased after enough research to make sure you buy the best product for you. This research should be based on your list of requirements for the garage door opener.
When you have a garage door, you already know the benefits of it. You can drive your car into the garage without touching it. We often think of investing in an automated garage opener but because of various varieties and functionalities, our confusion increases. Before purchasing you should keep in mind, quiet and quick door openers are favorable with advanced features and superb network compatibility features. The essential function of the automated garage door is to provide the utmost security. Easy clicking and pushing buttons can give you maximum relief from lifting those big and heavy garage doors.
The advantage of using a good garage door opener is that it makes the opening and closing of the garage door extremely quiet and hassle-free. The garage door openers can be operated through the switches, which are installed on the garage walls. They also come with remote control, which can be used to command the door openers through a short distance.
As per the technological advancement and increasing market competition, there are numerous garage door openers on the market, and it might be hard for you to decide which one to buy. To avoid the confusion, it is vital to know, specifically, why and which type of garage door opener you are seeking for. Once gaining clarity about the requirements, you can go through various types of garage door openers. After finalizing the model, you can decide the horsepower of the door opener. It all might feel overwhelming to you now, but we have broken the topic into sub-parts, which will help you with your decision.
The Mechanism Behind Garage Door Opener
The Garage Door Opener works with the help of an electric motor, which only provides a push to get the system started. The power unit, incorporating the electric motor within, is connected to the tracks. Also, attached to it is the Trolley, which has torsion springs within it. The trolley is also attached to the upper end of the door. Thus, when the electric motor is switched on, torque is applied through the torsion springs, to the trolley, which moves the garage doors.
There are different ways to pull the trolley along the tracks. It can be done through either a chain, screw, or a belt. Also, the garage door opener is incorporated with an instant release mechanism. This mechanism helps the owner to open or close the doors during a power failure or in any emergency.
Types of Garage Door Openers
There are different types of garage door openers based upon the parts used while assembling them or the power of the components used. We will elaborate on each kind of Garage door opener to make the best selection for you.
Firstly, we will categorize the Garage door openers based on the parts used in them. Based on the categorization, there are five types of garage door openers, which are mentioned below:
Chain Drive Opener
The Chain Drive garage door openers constitute a metal chain attached to the Trolley. This metal chain pulls the trolley to move the gates.
Advantage: Chain-driven openers are the most common type of Garage door openers. Due to their lower cost, they are quite popular.
Disadvantage: Though lower in price, chain door openers make a lot of noise due to the severe drifting of the metal chains. Thus, they can cause discomfort to the noise-sensitive people. Also, to enable a smooth motion of the strings, regular maintenance and service are required for these door openers.
Recommendation: This drive garage door opener can be used in the garages which are located outside the house. These are a little clumsy when used in the garages located inside or in the basement of the house because of all the noise produced by them.
Belt Drive Openers
In the belt-driven door openers, the trolley is pulled using the rubber belt, which helps the door to open or close.
Advantage: Belt-driven openers are more efficient to use as the rubber belt slides the trolley, thus, reducing the metal on metal impact. This not only reduces the noise but also lowers the vibrations produced, which results in fewer maintenance requirements.
Disadvantage: The only drawback for the belt-driven garage door openers is that they are more expensive as compared to the chain-driven garage door openers.
Recommendation: This type of garage door opener is recommended explicitly for the garages built inside or in the basement of the house.
Screw Drive Openers
A screw-driven garage door operates as per the movement of a steel rod. The threaded rod rotates, thus, causing the trolley to pull the door across the track.
Advantage: The screw driven door openers are the quietest ones. They have a lower number of parts that are moving as compared to any other type of garage door opener. This is because these door openers use the movement of a rod to open and close the door. The lower amount of parts make it smoother to work with and reduce the maintenance requirement significantly.
Disadvantage: The quiet and smooth movement of Screw driven garage door opener comes with a price. Accompanying the lower noise, these door openers have lower speed as well, which means they take their time while opening or closing the door.
Recommendation: These garage door openers are also appropriate for the in-house garages. They are best to be used mainly in houses where the sleeping area is nearby the garage.
Direct Drive Openers
Directly driven garage door openers neither use a chain nor belt or screw to carry out the process of opening or closing the garage door. Instead, it uses the electric motor and a gear wheel to pull the trolley into motion.
Advantage: These garage doors have the least complicated mechanism involved. Since they don’t use any of the chain, screw or belt to run them, their mechanism is quite simple and thus, is smoother during operation. Also, they are noise-free and require less maintenance.
Disadvantage: The only drawback of these garage door openers is that they are costlier than the other garage door openers.
Recommendation: Due to their swift motion and less noise, these garage door openers can be used anywhere on any property.
Jackshaft Openers
In the Jackshaft garage door opener, the electric motor is directly linked with a torsion rod. One can move the garage door by gently spinning the torsion rod.
Advantage: These garage door openers consume lesser space as compared to the other garage door openers. They also work efficiently during the power cut.
Disadvantage: The Jackshaft garage door opener must have a rod linked to the electric motor. Also, in houses, this door opener requires some extra components to be installed to work correctly.
Recommendation: These garage door openers are more popular and successful in commercial properties.
Significance Of Horsepower In Garage Door Openers
Horsepower can be described as the unit, which helps us determine the power of the electric motor. It can be referred to as the driving force which is responsible for the movement of the garage door. It helps us examine the lifting power of a garage door opener.
Also, while working with the electric motor, two types of currents flow through the circuits: Direct Current (DC) or the Alternating Current (AC). The electric motors should be, preferably, run on Direct current because the DC motors have smoother performance and also are small in size. Other than that, DC motors can also turn AC power into DC power.
Now, based upon the amount of horsepower needed by the electric motor, the garage door openers are categorized as:
1/3 Horsepower
1/3 Horsepower is the lowest and smallest horsepower used in the garage door openers. The garages with the storage capacity of a single car can have the garage door openers with 1/3 Horsepower. This horsepower also exerts an extra amount of strain on the door opener.
½ Horsepower
½ Horsepower is the most commonly used garage door opener. This garage door opener can be used at ordinary houses with the garage storage capacity of two cars. This provides an ample amount of energy to carry the opening and closing movement swiftly.
¾ Horsepower
¾ Horsepower motor is appropriate for the garage doors that are more substantial and insulated. These can be used at high-tech garages. This motor is more efficient and is faster compared to the other garage door openers. Due to its efficiency, it has a longer lifetime compared to the two garage door openers mentioned above.
1 Horsepower
The motors with 1 Horsepower are the most powerful ones and are used in the garages with either very heavy or wooden doors. The power to efficiency ratio provided by these motors is the best and have a higher speed as well.
Types Of Mode Of Operation
The garage door openers can be operated through different modes. While installing a garage door opener, you must consider all different patterns and select what the need of the moment is. These different types of designs are elaborated below:
A. Switches: The most common model involves installing the switches on the wall of the garage. These switches are directly linked with the power unit and can be used to open and close the door.
B. Remote Controls: Almost all garage door openers come with remote control access. The owners can carry these remote controls, and the garage door openers can be operated through a short distance using these remote controls.
C. Wireless Keypad: Some of the garage door openers come with an automatic wireless keypad, which can be used to operate the doors. These keypads can have password, eye or finger sensor and are perfect from the security point of view as well.
D. Smartphone Apps: The advanced garage door openers come with a kit, where an app can be installed in the Smartphone of the owner. The owner can access the functionality of the garage door opener through that app.
Essential Attributes of a Garage Door Opener
As per the technological advancement, various attributes have been incorporated into the garage door openers as well. There are multiple features in a garage door opener which, if installed, can make the user experience more convenient. These features can be available in the assortment while installation or the owners have to request for them.
Here is a list of such attributes that will make your experience worthwhile.
1. Manual Release: Manual release is a very beneficial feature. It allows you to operate the garage door even when the power is out. This feature helps you to disconnect the garage door from the electric motor and allows you complete access to the door.
2. Remote Controls: If not provided during the installation, kindly request for remote control as it is one of the most convenient features offered. It allows you to access the garage door from a distance and, thus, saves you time when you are occupied.
3. Home Automation System: These modernized features help the owners to operate the garage doors by merely using a voice request. That way, you can access the garage doors from inside the house as well.
4. Security Lights: Security lights are an essential feature of the safety point of view. It allows you to govern the door even when there is a shortage of light and provides you with better visibility.
5. Wi-Fi Incorporation: Incorporating Wi-Fi into your garage door opener helps you to access the garage door from anywhere with just one click on your Smartphone. This feature also helps you to monitor the garage doors even when you are not at home.
6. Autoclose Function: This feature allows you to schedule the closing of the garage doors. You need to set the timer, and the garage doors will close automatically.
7. Soft Motors: The mild activation motors allows smooth and noise-free working of the garage door opener. It reduces the wear and tears process of the garage door opener, making the operation more comfortable and hassle-free.
8. Led Lights: This feature involves the installation of LED lights over the garage door and linking them directly to the garage door opener. So, if any problem arises with the garage door opener, the LED Lights will activate. This will help you to solve the problem at the earliest and not face any problem.
9. Battery Backup: This feature acts as a boon during a power failure. Though there are other means to operate the door during the power failure, this feature helps garage door openers to have a battery backup. This battery backup can be used in the time of need, and you can stay tension free.
10. Rail Extensions: This feature helps you if you have the doors that are taller than the average ones. The extensions can be installed, and you are good to go.
Rail Extension Kits
The garage door rail extension kit includes the extensions that can be used while installing the garage door openers on the garage doors that are taller than the regular doors. The standard door size is around 7,” and these extension kits allow you to increase the length up to 1”. Thus, these kits can be installed on the garage doors with around 8” of height.
Insulation Kits
Garage door insulation kits have various advantages. They not only make your garage more comfortable but also help reduce electricity consumption. They also help to reduce the noise coming from outside sources, thus, providing you a relaxed atmosphere. But, it is equally important to choose the right insulation kit for your garage door. There are various types of Insulation kits, and they must be purchased after examining specific vital points.
Following are the different types of Insulation kits available in the market:
1. Panel Insulation Kits
2. Reflective Foil Insulation Kits
3. Polystyrene Insulation Kits
The following things should be kept in my mind while purchasing the Insulation Kit:
A. Weight: The weight of the insulation kit adds on to the garage door. Higher the weight of the insulation kit, the more problems the door will face while operating.
B. R-Value: It refers to the resistance quotient of the material used in the insulation kit. Higher the R-value, more resistant is the material to the heat flow and more efficient is the Insulation Kit.
Important Safety Features for Garage Doors
Safety is the most crucial attribute for any garage door and garage door opener. Now, will all the technological upgrades, you can have a better security system during the garage door opener installation. Following are the must-have features when it comes to the safety for the garage doors:
Rolling Code Program: Recent improvisation in technology has resulted in the formation of a new program. This program helps the garage door openers to roll the code every few seconds. This means that every time you open the door, there will be a new code in your key. This program has taken the safety features for the garage doors to another level and has reduced the theft cases considerably.
Motion Detectors: Motion detectors detect any movement under the garage door and automatically stop the garage door from closing. While upgrading the motion detectors, a laser is installed at the head of the garage door. Every time the door opens, the laser scans the area beneath the garage door, and a similar protocol is conducted while closing the door. This feature helps to prevent any mishap while closing the garage doors.
Locks: While remotes are the convenient option to control the movement of the garage doors, a locking feature must be installed in the doors. This feature helps you to access the garage door when you are unable to find the remote. This feature also helps in reprogramming the access code in case you misplace the remote, or it gets stolen. This feature will allow you to be confident about the safety of your house.
Force Guard Control: This feature ensures the safety of the garage doors. It reduces the energy consumed during the movement of the garage door and decreases the force of impact during the closing procedure. This prevents your garage door from the wear and tear and increases the lifespan of the garage door and garage door opener.
Holiday Settings: This feature enables you to lock the door completely so that you will have one less thing to worry about during your stay away from home. This feature works by deactivating all the sensors within the garage door and shutting it completely.
FAQs On Best Garage Door Openers
There are various other facts related to the Garage door openers that are knowledge worthy and are included in the following FAQs:
Both the chain garage door opener and the chain drive garage door opener have their pros and cons. However, the belt drive garage door opener is said to be more beneficial in terms of installation, strength, and other factors. Moreover, belt drive garage door openers are advantageous in terms of the lifetime warranty. So, let’s considered what makes a real difference in both these garage door openers.
For instance, in terms of strength, a belt-driven is considered more powerful but not that safe. With the durable construction of great strides, you can also notice the fact that it is also used on motorcycles. A lot of noise is also eliminated in belt-driven garage door openers, while the chain-driven systems are noisy and require a lot of maintenance comparatively.
Thus, it ultimately depends upon your personal choice to select the one. If you want reliability in a system that can handle even harsh weather conditions, then going for chain drive garage door openers are better. And, if you want a quiet, smooth, and fast operating door opener, the one with belt drive garage door openers are best to go with.
Both types of garage door openers may not last for so long. They can last for about 10-15 years on average. And, if you buy cheap quality garage door openers, they may even have a shorter age than the average lifespan. But, to maintain and enhance the lifespan, you are required to use proper garage door lubricants. You can also follow a professional kind of maintenance to do the same. Such maintenance includes a visual inspection of rollers, cables, springs, and pulleys along with regular lubrication of its moving parts.
However, a garage door insulation kit is indirectly concerned with regular maintenance. It is advised that if your garage door is attached to the home and visible from an outsider, then investing a kind of money on insulation is somewhat necessary.
A garage door opener itself can cost you around $100-$300 depending upon the quality and type of material you are choosing. And, for its installation purposes, you further require an investment of approximately $120-$200. So, a garage door opener’s overall cost can even jump $500. Still, these are just estimates and not exact amounts we are telling you. So, the scenario differs as per your decision to choose a particular product.
For installation purposes, you can check out the process of Chamberlain B970 available on YouTube. It can get you an idea of how it is hard or simple to install a garage door opener. In terms of time consumption, it almost takes your 6-7 hours to complete. The job may take longer, especially for the first time. It also depends upon the circumstances that whether you are replacing existing the old ones or installing a wholly new garage door opener. For instance, if you are doing the replacement, the time may cut down on some procedures. In this case, you will be using the old supports but not the electrical devices at all. It is recommended to use new electrical devices as they are comparatively more efficient than the older ones.
It is based upon the lifespan of your existing garage door opener. In case you are unsure of its average lifespan, some symptoms can also be seen that directs towards replacement. However, it is necessarily required to replace every 10-15 years. But, it doesn’t mean that you can’t replace it before. This mainly occurs when you have bought a cheap quality product or didn’t take regular maintenance for it.
The height of your garage door directly impacts the purchasing decision of a garage door opener. Well, in some cases, you are also required to buy an extension kit. Mostly, an average garage door opener can handle the door of height approx. 7-foot-high and without modification. And, extension kits are necessary in case of taller doors. You have to pay extra for that. In general, garage door opener height is the distance from the floor to the garage’s top door opening. So, other common factors also come into places such as side room, depth, headroom, and the highest point of travel, etc.
Conclusion
There are various options for you to choose from and decide the best garage door opener for your garage. The numerous innovations and the safety features do add to the importance of the best garage door opener. With the various types involved and the variety of HP lifting power levels, it may be confusing to choose the best garage door opener. We have tried to simplify the procedure for you, and we hope that the guide will help you make the right decision and make your home a smart home.
James has been working with lot’s of power tool brands like Husqvarna, Makita and WORX for over 12 years. With his passion for power tools and gardening he is helping both consumers and businesses with his expertise. He now runs the editorial team at HomeGearExpert and loves to support local charities in his spare time.