A garage door opener is not only great for avoiding the cold, rain, and snow, but it also provides enhanced security for you and your family. You can remain safely inside your vehicle while the opener opens the garage door and turns on an interior light. It will also close the door before you get out of your vehicle once you are inside the garage.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a garage door opener. The first thing to consider is the type of drive system. The least expensive openers use a chain drive system. A step up from a chain drive system is a screw drive system. These openers are only a little more expensive than chain drive units, but they are much quieter to operate and need less maintenance. Belt drive systems are the quietest and virtually maintenance free, but they are also the most expensive.
Next, you will need to decide how much power your opener needs. Garage door openers are measured in horsepower (hp). The smallest are only 1/4 hp and are suitable for opening a lightweight single door. You will need at least 1/2 hp for a double garage door. When it comes to power, more is better. If in doubt, choose the larger size opener. An underpowered opener will work too hard which will shorten its useful life.
Be sure the opener has a safety sensor mechanism that stops the door from closing if anything gets into its path, and look for an opener with a rolling code to prevent the remote control signal from being intercepted.
