Did you know that nearly 13,000 Americans were injured in 2007 by a faulty garage door? That’s because a garage door is the largest moving object in a property, and it can exert deadly force if not operated correctly.
Luckily, you can prevent such unfortunate accidents by installing the best garage door opener. This system will open and close the door automatically for you and gives more peace of mind when working in the garage.
Here are some of the most important tips to remember when shopping for a universal garage door opener.
- Consider the Drive System
There are 2 main drive systems available for garage doors – belt drive and chain drive. Both are good and have their advantages. For example, a belt drive is made from a rubber band reinforced using steel alloy. This drive system is very quiet and it’s ideal if you have bedrooms located next to your garage.
On the other hand, the chain drive system uses a heavy-duty chain similar to the one used on a bicycle. This chain is slightly louder when operating, but it’s more durable and it can be used for a wide variety of garage doors. It’s also more affordable, so if you’re on a tight budget, go with a chain drive system.
- Decide Upon the Lift Power
Your garage door will be lifted by an electronic device with a power output measured in horsepower (HP). If your garage door is really heavy and you live in a place with extreme weather conditions, go for an opener with at least 1 HP. This mechanism will be able to lift even the heaviest doors without problems.
On the other hand, if you have standard aluminum garage doors, you can go for a mechanism with a power output of 0.5 HP. This device is also smaller, more affordable, and easier to maintain.
- Consider A Battery Backup
Power outages happen, whether we like it or not. However, this shouldn’t stop you from opening your garage door. A modern garage door opener comes with a battery backup as standard. This battery allows you to open the door multiple times during a power outage. When the power is back on, the battery will be automatically recharged without your intervention.
Having a battery backup is essential. It allows you to get your car in and out of the garage during a power outage without having to pull the emergency release cable and manually open and close the door.
- Add A Safe Lighting System
Another crucial accessory to your garage door opener is a safe light. This lighting option is independent of all other lights in your garage or driveway. If it’s coupled to a motion sensor, it will automatically turn on when you get close to your garage door. The light will also help you find your way through a dark garage at night, so you don’t have to blindly look for a light switch on the wall.
Now You Know How to Shop for the Best Garage Door Opener
As you can see, it’s not that hard to find the best garage door opener if you do your homework and put these tips into practice. The next step would be to set a budget and then start shopping for the ideal opener for your garage!
For a quick selection of high-quality products, check out the garage door openers we offer, designed for both residential and commercial properties.
If you have any other questions, we’d be glad to assist. feel free to contact us today!
