What Garage Door Opener Do I Need?

And now, let’s get to the longer answer. The days are gone when you had two or three opener brands, such as Stanley, Overhead Doors, or Craftsman, competing in this segment with their chain drive units. Today, you have a wide range of garage door operators to choose from, and they offer a plethora of technology features that will satisfy even the most hardcore nerds. So “what garage door opener do I need” is the question most homeowners will ask when shopping for a new unit. 

With built-in 360 cameras, backup batteries, wi-fi connectivity, flashlights, fans, and extension cords that some garage door opener manufacturers outfit their operators with, it’s easy to forget the most crucial task your unit needs to do well. It’s lifting and lowering your garage door and doing so safely. Therefore your number one priority should be choosing the right brand and then narrowing it down to a specific model. 

You can go to your local retailer and find a very cheap slick-looking garage door opener, which will look like a good deal at the time, but don’t be so fast to pull the trigger on that purchase. Even a fairly basic Liftmaster opener will last two to three times longer compared to some other brands, so if you’re looking for a long-term solution and not a quick band-aid, we suggest choosing one of the reputable brands. They typically offer better customer service, technical support, and warranty service compared to less known cheaper brands.

Speaking of safety, this should be your number one priority, as an average garage door weighs around 200 pounds and may cause serious damage to your property, injury, or even death. Therefore, you must ensure your garage door is well-maintained, balanced, and operates smoothly by hand. 

Every garage door manufacturer sets weight limits for different garage door opener models, and it is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your door’s safe and smooth operation. Once you’re set with how powerful your garage door opener should be, you may consider other factors:

1. How easy is it to get technical support?
2. How simple is it to source additional remotes or keypads?
3. Do you need app connectivity?
4. Do you require a backup battery?
5. Would you like to have a security camera?
6. How much noise can you tolerate?
7. Are you looking for a chain or belt drive?

All these factors will affect the price of your garage door opener while offering a great deal of convenience in return.