We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
WiseGeek

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

What Should I Consider When Buying a Garage Door Opener?

Diana Bocco
By
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGeek is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGeek, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

There are several aspects to take into account when choosing a garage door opener. The most important is the type of drive system you want. A chain-drive system is the most common and the cheapest, averaging 150 US dollars (USD). A garage door opener with a screw-drive system runs along a threaded steel rod or plastic-lined track. This model is slightly more expensive, but produces less noise and requires very little maintenance.

The third most common drive system for a garage door opener is a belt drive mechanism, which uses flexible rubber belts. These garage door models start at 200 USD and are the quietest option. More complicated models may require professional installation, which can add up to 150 USD to the total price.

The next consideration when choosing a garage door opener is the amount of power you need. A single door will probably work fine with the smallest motor, but a double door will require at least ½ horsepower. A direct current (DC) motor uses less electricity than other models and allows for better control of speed and noise.

If safety is important, consider choosing a garage door opener with a safety mechanism. This usually consists of an electronic beam that stops the door from closing completely if anything crosses its path. Another safety feature is a rolling code, which changes the opening signal each time the door is activated. This protects the security code and prevents crossed signals with neighboring doors. Some garage door openers can be turned off if you go away for an extended period of time.

It is standard for a garage door opener to include an electric remote control and a manual release in case the power is ever out in the house. Some remotes are small enough to fit on a keychain. Others include a second button that triggers a light inside the garage. Another type of garage door opener consists of a fixed keypad that can be mounted to the wall. This is usually sold as an accessory.

Always look for the simplest garage door opener model that fits your needs. Fewer parts mean less maintenance and lower prices.

WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Diana Bocco
By Diana Bocco , Former Writer
Diana Bocco, a versatile writer with a distinct voice, creates compelling long-form and short-form content for various businesses. With a data-focused approach and a talent for sharing engaging stories, Diana’s written work gets noticed and drives results.
See our Editorial Process Share Feedback

Related Articles

Discussion Comments

By Drentel — On Jan 22, 2015

@mobilian - You have heard correctly. Garage door openers are much safer than they were in 1980. The main problem with those earlier openers was that they closed regardless of what was in their paths. They closed right on top of an object or a person in the way.

I don't remember the exact dates, but in the early 1980s, around 1982, makers of the doors started installing automatic reverse features on the doors so they would stop and retract when they sensed something in their paths. This feature became mandatory in the early 1990s, so all of the later model doors should have this feature, and this makes them much safer.

By mobilian33 — On Jan 22, 2015

I don't trust garage door openers in general. I can remember in the 1980s when so many people seemed to be getting injured by the closing doors. In most cases, it was children who were being injured by the doors. Because of this I have always gone with the manual garage doors and opened and closed them myself. This is a little more inconvenient, but when I was younger I didn't mind.

Now I am at a point when an automatic garage door opener and closer would be a big help. I have heard that they are much safer now than they were years ago.

By Animandel — On Jan 21, 2015

Our neighbors across the street must have the chain operated garage door opener. I was sleeping the other night when I was startled awake by a loud clicking. I finally figured out that someone across the street had come home and opened the garage door. The door is always loud, but during the day when I am fully awake the sound is not so intrusive and annoying.

I think there should be a limit placed on the amount of noise a garage door opener can make, especially when it is going to be used in a neighborhood where the houses are relatively close to one another.

Diana Bocco

Diana Bocco

Former Writer

Diana Bocco, a versatile writer with a distinct voice, creates compelling long-form and short-form content for various...
Learn more
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.