Top 10 Garage Door Opener Questions
Do you have questions about your garage door opener or an opener you plan to buy? The following are 10 of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to these openers when preparing to purchase a garage door opener. If you have questions, we should answer many of them in the following questions.
What types of garage door openers are available today?
When it comes to trolley garage door openers, you’ll find that there are two models available. They are chain drive and belt drive. A chain drive opener may have a combination of a chain and metal cable, or it could be a complete chain system. Systems that are chain only are going to be of higher quality.
The belt drive model has a metal reinforced rubber belt. This type of opener tends to be a bit quieter and works well for those who have a bedroom located above the garage.
What are the motor sizes?
Two size motors are available today. They are the ½ and ¾ horsepower motors. There are also European models that have 500 or 700 Newtons of power. However, this is the same equivalent as the ½ and ¾ HP models, respectively.
It is important to note that a properly balanced garage door should weigh between 8 and 10 pounds (3.5 and 4.5 kg). Electric door openers will replace the force you would need to lift the door with one hand. However, the ¾ HP models can lift up to 350 lbs. (160 kg) and push down with the same amount of pressure and weight.
Where should you buy the opener?
In some cases, you may be able to purchase a garage door opener at a hardware store. However, they are only going to have openers with a cart that pulls a door that is made up of three sections. Those who rarely use the garage door may not see this as a problem. However, those who use the door on a daily basis, or several times a day, will probably want to choose a garage door opener that has a one-piece carriage mechanism. They tend to be more durable and can last quite a bit longer.
The best option is to speak with a specialist who understands the different types of openers and can install and repair them. They can provide recommendations that meet your needs and your budget.
Is it possible to install the garage door opener by yourself?
As long as this is a simple and typical installation, most people will be able to handle the installation on their own. However, the best option is to work with a garage door technician who has the experience to handle the installation quickly and can make sure it works properly.
Can someone open my garage door if I’m outside?
Whether you’re going to be out of town for a day or two for work, or spending some time on vacation, you need to make sure that people can’t get into your garage. With some of the garage door models, you will have a control panel that may allow you to block the use of remote controls on your door. You can also unplug the garage door opener if you will be away for an extended period.
How do I reprogram after a power outage?
Most of the time, it’s simple to reprogram a remote. You can get a stepladder to go up to the back of the housing for the opener, and this will have the reprogramming instructions on it.
Why does the door go back and not close?
Since 1993, all garage doors in North America have been required to have two automatic reversing systems. One of them is mechanical and the other uses photocells. These help ensure safety for you and your family. If the photocell beam becomes misaligned, the gate will not close fully and will reverse. You can simply adjust the sensors to make sure they are aligned and it should work correctly.
Are there battery backups?
Some of the openers will have built-in backup batteries. This is the case of the LiftMaster model 8550W. These backups can give you about 20 more hours of openings and closings.
What is the MyQTM app?
Internet applications are capable of doing many things today, and that includes allowing you to open and close your garage door. When you install the app on a laptop, tablet or smartphone, you can open and close your door from anywhere in the world.
What is the cost?
The cost of a garage door opener will vary depending on the model. A ½ HP belt drive model, without the installation, will typically cost between $350 and $400. Installation cost tends to be between $100 and $125 if installing the opener when installing a new garage door.
More questions?
If you have any further questions, you can contact us at 832-836-0706. We can also provide you with a quote by email.