Installing a garage door opener is a moderately challenging task that can be accomplished in an afternoon using essential tools you probably already have in your home collection.
Chamberlain garage door openers are built to lift lighter doors—usually those below a height of seven feet—making them suitable for residential purposes. On the other hand, LiftMaster garage door openers are professional grade, specifically designed for lifting heavier garage doors—usually doors taller than seven feet.
Chamberlain myQ Smart Garage Hub Bundle
Chamberlain is one of the most popular garage door opener brands out there, not only because of the quality of the product, but also because it was one of the first companies to embrace and incorporate smart-home functions into garage door openers.
If you prioritize durability and affordability, then a chain drive garage door opener is the way to go. If noise is a concern for you or you want a quieter opening experience, then a belt drive garage door opener is the better option.
Disadvantages of Belt Drive Garage Door Openers
One disadvantage of the belt drive garage door opener is that it's slightly more expensive than a chain drive garage door opener. The belt may also stretch out over time and need to be adjusted to ensure the right amount of tension is constantly applied.
Evaluate your garage door size and how often you use it. 1/2 horsepower garage door openers work well with standard aluminum doors in a residential garage. If the garage is the main entrance to your home, have a one-piece or oversized door, choose an opener with the lifting power of a 3/4- to 1 1/4-horsepower.
The amount of horsepower you need depends on how heavy and large your garage door is. If your garage door is over 20′ in width, then you will need a 1/2 horsepower opener at the very least. Also keep in mind the speed at which your garage door will open and close based on the horsepower of your opener.
The average lifespan of a garage door opener is 10 to 15 years, and like your garage door, many factors contribute to its durability. You can keep your garage door opener functioning for a long time with proper care and attention, just like you should give to your garage door.
The roll-up style of garage door may be most common and the most popular. In this style of garage door, a series of panels roll up and down along a track. Roll up garage doors can mimic historic styles yet offer the convenience of a modern garage door.
Steel. Most new garage doors are made of steel backed by rigid-foam insulation. Panels made of 24-ga. steel are the strongest (26- and 28-ga.
The operator plays a big part in a garage door's noise level. You have two options: belt drive and chain drive. When talking about quiet operation, the clear winner is the belt drive. To take the silence to the next level opt for a DC motor on your belt drive operator, like the Liftmaster 84501.
Lowe's charges between $199 and $599 (CAD 270 and CAD 800) to fit both a new garage door and the opener.
A garage door opener installation costs between $220 and $550 for professional installation. The opener will typically run between $150 and $500 with another $65 to $85 an hour for labor, which can run between two to six hours.
Garage door opener installation isn't the most complex mechanical project, but there are times when it's best to hire a pro. For especially large, heavy-duty doors, or extremely tall models, it might be best to hire a company that can come in with the appropriate equipment and ample manpower to get the job done.
If you have a single door, commonly 9 x 7 ft. (2.7 x 2.1 m), then a ½ HP or 500 N motor will be sufficient. If you have a double garage door, 16 x 7 ft. (4.9 x 2.1 m), or a solid wood garage door, then a ¾ HP or 700 N motor is recommended.
DIYers are open-minded and always up for a challenge! However, it's crucial to know which projects surpass your skills. In the end, the DIY enterprise isn't worth the risk when installing a garage door opener. Professionals possess the skills to install the essential components correctly.
Although your new garage door opener may appear similar in design to your old opener, our recommendation is that you replace the entire opener. This includes mounting hardware, rails, wired door controls and wireless remote devices.
If you have a sectional double-car garage door, a 1/2-horsepower motor should be sufficient, but a higher-power model will operate with less effort and less wear and tear on the motor. Heavier or one-piece doors may require higher-horsepower openers.
3/4 HP: Certain garage doors, like those made out of wood, can be extremely heavy. These and oversized doors over 14 feet in width require a 3/4 HP opener in order for the component to function long-term. While it's the most expensive option, it's also long-lasting and durable with the maximum amount of power.
Some homeowners call them clicker, button, opener, but what it really is – it's a garage door opener remote. The simple answer to this question is no. Not all garage door remotes are universal.
Lighter models ranging from 1/2 horsepower to 1 1/2 horsepower are typically ideal for your home garage door and come at a reasonable price. If you have a double-car garage door, 1/2 HP will work. Models with more power, like 3/4 HP, are perfect for larger doors.
But even if yours is still working fine, there are good reasons to consider replacing it. Newer models offer increased safety, security, and convenience, and these advantages may well be reason enough to buy a new garage door opener.
The higher the horsepower, the more capable the opener is of lifting a heavy door. A garage door opener for an oversized garage door or a heavier garage door will need a higher-horsepower garage door opener.