When you’re ready to choose a new garage door opener, you may find yourself confused by the many choices. You must consider several location specific factors, especially if you have not previously had an automatic opener installed in your home. New technology means you have many choices and decisions to make. Here are some insider tips for deciding which type of garage door opener is best for you. Evaluating Power and Location Requirements for New Equipment Most automatic opener systems draw between three and five amps, depending on the lighting type they include. Each opener requires a grounded receptacle nearby and plugs in using a standard power cord. Extension cords are not allowed, per electrical code. You need ample clearance from the ceiling, as well as an electrician to run the necessary power. A dedicated breaker is recommended, with 15 amps for a one or two car garage and 20 amps for a three-car configuration. For the indoor hard-wired wall switch, installation should be high enough to place the switch out of reach of any children in the home. Automatic Opener Drive Types Automated openers come in four basic types: direct driven, chain driven, screw driven and belt driven. Chain-driven models, the original type, use a chain loop to move the door. Although this is the least expensive type, it is also the loudest when operating. Belt-driven openers utilize a reinforced rubber belt in lieu of a chain. This option costs more but is quieter than a chain drive. Screw-driven models use a threaded steel rod to open and close. Although this type requires less maintenance, it doesn’t do well in areas with temperature extremes. The direct-driven type uses a single part (the motor) and is extremely quiet. These are similar in cost to belt-driven systems. Which type is right for you? That depends on your budget, your tolerance for noise and how reliable you want your opener to be. Automatic Door Opener Options and Features The last things to consider when choosing your automatic opener system are which optional features are important to you and your family. Safety features, including an automatic reverser mechanism and optic beam, are required by code. The type of light your selection has is one of the most important considerations, with regard to desired brightness and the type of lamps (bulbs) it requires. Battery backup is not a standard feature, so look specifically for that option if it’s important to you. Without it, you will be unable to raise or lower the door during a power outage. Upgraded security features and keyless entry pads are both popular options and, of course, the remote control feature is ubiquitous. Other considerations are the type of warranty that’s important to you and whether you plan to install the system yourself. When choosing a garage door opener, trust a pro to steer you right. Most consumers do not realize that automatic garage opener systems come in do-it-yourself and contractor (professional) models. Although the home stores will endeavor to tell you they’re all the same, that’s not true. Pro models consist of a single-rail system (rather than multiple pieces attached together), making them much stronger than the DIY type. If you’re in the market for a new system, contact a local garage-door contractor before you make a purchase. Their trained professional technicians can help you select the style and features that are right for you and provide a hassle-free installation with a full contractor warranty. Professional contractors make choosing a garage door opener easy.
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