One of the best investments anyone with a garage should consider is installing a smart garage door opener. Not only is it convenient, but it’s also a great way to ramp up your home’s security levels since you won’t have to get out of your car before safely driving into your garage and waiting for the garage door to close. For most of it, there are more benefits from installing a garage door opener than the minimal disadvantages, such as the time and expense you’re bound to incur. You can look up the pros and cons of garage door openers explained online to learn more about the multiple categories of garage door openers and their different working mechanisms.
This article will highlight some of the most crucial general aspects you need to know about garage door opener installation, whether you’re installing it by yourself or seeking the services of a professional.
#1: There Are Options to Choose From
The decision to install a garage door opener will lead you to 3 options to choose from. It’s paramount to understand how each works and base your selection on whichever you deem best from their various characteristics. Below is a brief description of each of them:
- Chain-driven garage door openers: Openers in this category employ a wheel system to lift and lower the garage door. Chain-driven garage door openers are affordable and durable, but their main downside is the loudness.
- Belt-driven garage door openers: These openers share many similarities to the chain-driven openers in their working mechanism, only that they use rubber belts instead of chains. This makes them a lot quieter as compared to their chain-driven counterparts. The main disadvantage is their comparably low power and need for frequent maintenance, which can be costly.
- Wall-Mount garage door openers: These openers are installed on the wall above the garage door and are operated by spinning rods. They are the most popular category due to their perceived high level of safety by many homeowners. They also have a great aesthetic appeal and are low on maintenance costs.
#2: Determine the Horsepower Required
For your garage door opener to work efficiently, you need to determine the horsepower required for your particular garage door type. Horsepower is the driving force that controls the opening and closing of the garage door. Most garage door openers use a force ranging from ⅓ HP to 1 ½ HP depending on the model type and size. You can check your garage door opening force and fine-tune it by testing its resistance with your foot.
#3: Research on the Various Added Features
Your garage door opener is just one among many functioning parts such as door coils, hinges, and springs working in collaboration with each other. Besides all these, garage door systems come with a myriad of newly added features and gadgets that you should familiarize yourself with for the best experience. They include smartphone access, security lights, and a tone of other safety features. It’s essential to research and understand them before the installation process.
#4: Make Quality Your Priority
Many homeowners are often limited to price and aesthetic value when shopping for garage door openers, leaving out quality, arguably the most critical aspect. While it’s tempting to opt for a cheaper alternative, it might end up costing more in the long run due to regular repairs leading to high maintenance costs. Cheap garage door openers may not effectively distribute weight during the opening and closing process, significantly shortening their life spans and increasing the probability of frequent and costly repairs.
#5: Inquire About the Warranty
It’s vital to inquire about warranty terms before opting for a particular garage door opener. Various garage door opener manufacturers offer different warranty terms, and the best way to ensure you get the best deal is to inquire and make comparisons. A warranty will save you money if the garage door opener you purchase needs to be repaired or replaced before the lapse of the warranty period. Warranty conditions differ, and it’s good to be in the know of what is covered when you purchase your garage door opener. Some warranty conditions may come with separate terms for the installation process.
There are many crucial factors to consider about the overall garage door installation process, and getting the best deal for your needs should be your topmost priority. These factors will inform which type of garage door opener to install and whether or not you should hire a professional or DIY. Keep in mind that an average garage door system in the US is opened more than 1000 times a year. Ensuring a perfect installation process is paramount to the efficiency and longevity of your system of choice.
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