These days, a garage door often has an automatic garage door
opener. Many homeowners have already made the upgrade. Still, if your garage
door is not connected to an automatic opener, you're missing out on a variety
of features that could improve your garage door's safety and functionality.
If you're interested in buying a garage door opener for your
home, you have many factors to consider. Here's what you need to know about
buying an automatic garage door opener.
Safety and Security Features
Garage door openers are required to come with certain safety
features. These features include a photoelectric eye at the base of the garage
door, so as to prevent the door from closing on anything laying in the doorway.
Modern garage door openers also feature an automatic reverse function that
prevents the door from closing on anything that steps in its path.
You can expect your garage door to come with these features
because the federal government requires them, but, of course, you should double
check on the product information before making your purchase. While you look,
watch for other safety features that could make your garage door even more
secure.
Some doors come with a timer that causes the door to shut
promptly after the door has been open for 5 or 10 minutes. In addition, the
most modern garage door openers feature rolling-code technology that makes the
garage safer and more secure.
The way rolling-codes work is that the remote control sends
a brand-new code to the garage door opener every time the button is pushed.
This prevents intruders from using a device called a code grabbe
r to
open your garage door without your permission.
Never buy a used garage door opener. If the garage door
opener is old enough, it may not include the federally required safety features
that can keep you and members of your household safe. Even if it is a modern
garage door opener, the safety features could have maintenance problems that
could lead to accidents. Buy your garage door opener new to ensure that it's in
proper working condition.
Door Replacement
One of the questions that people ask when they install a
garage door opener for the first time is whether they must also replace their
garage door. Not all openers will work with all garage doors, especially if the
garage door is quite old.
If you want to preserve your garage door and aren't sure
whether you can, talk to a garage door installation professional. Your garage
door professional will need to examine the door and provide you with options
that are compatible with your model.
Your garage door installation professional will also need to
test your garage door spring functionality. Even if your garage door is in good
condition and can attach to a garage door opener, the spring must be balanced
before the opener can be installed. If the spring is not balanced or if it is
in need of replacement, this could cause your garage door opener to burn out
quickly.
Battery Backup
Battery backup is a convenient feature that some modern
garage door openers have. In the event of a power outage, battery backup
enables you to easily open or close the garage door at the push of a button.
Power outages may be more common in places that frequently experience severe
weather.
If your home frequently experiences power outages, look for
a garage door opener with battery backup functionality.
Smart Features
Smart features are another convenience in modern garage door
openers. Smart features link the garage door opener to the user's cell phone,
desktop, or tablet, so the user can control their garage door the door at the
push of a button. Smart features are convenient and also provide a level of
safety.
Homeowners who are concerned that their garage door may be
open while they are not at home can check the status of the door and close it
if need be. Not all modern garage door openers come with smart features, so
talk to your garage door installation professional if this is important to you.
Noise Levels
Some garage door openers are quieter than others are. If
you're a light sleeper, live with people who come home at all hours of the
night, or just don't like your garage door to disturb you when you go about
your day, look for a belt-driven, low-horsepower opener.
Fit the horsepower to the size of your garage door. If the
horsepower is too low, this could have an impact on the opener's ability to
function. Talk to your garage door opener installation professional to find out
how much horsepower is just enough for your door.
Contact Your Garage Door Professional
If you're a homeowner hoping to install a garage door opener
on your garage door, contact Edgemont Garage Doors.
As garage door installation and repair professionals, we're happy to answer
your questions and guide you through the process of purchasing your first
garage door opener.
