Garage Door Opener Basic Specifications

09/03/2013 Back To Blog

When buying your next garage door opener, you will probably be faced with a lot of options in front of you. Because of the tremendous growth of the garage door industry, there are many different brands, features, and functionalities to choose from. It can become quite confusing. There are basic specifications to keep in mind that will help guide you towards the right decision, based on your needs and preferences.

Chain Drive

Garage door openers are operated by three different types of drives: chain, belt, and screw drive. Chain driven openers are considered the most old fashioned of the types. Although they are rather loud and do not open quite as smoothly, they are a great value to many who still use these dinosaurs for their current garage needs.

Belt Drive

The belt driven garage door opener operates in a similar fashion as chain driven openers except they are powered by rubber belts. This type of opener has the least output of noise and requires less maintenance out of all three types. Because of this benefit, the belt driven opener is a bit more expensive.

Screw Drive

The screw drive opener is considered the medium in price and noise output. Many consumers suggest that the installation of this kind of opener requires the least amount of effort due to it having the least amount of moving components.

Capacity

Garage door openers have the capacity to lift smaller and larger doors. Most doors only require the capacity of 1/2-horsepower. For larger and heavier doors, garage door repair Chicago recommends 3/4-horsepower or greater.

Motors

Most people use the AC motor for their opener which delivers a not-so-subtle start and stoppage. It is more of a jolt when making sudden midstream operations which could potentially loosen garage door parts or possibly pull the door off track. If your garage door usage commonly consist of sudden starts and stops, the DC motor would probably be best. It provides a much softer start and stoppage which could result in less maintenance.