The Ultimate Guide to Upgrading Your Garage Door Opener
Your garage door opener is essential to your home’s security and functionality. As technology advances, the decision to upgrade your garage door opener brings numerous benefits that can enhance your daily life. Modern openers are quieter and offer enhanced security with rolling code technology, improved safety features such as auto-reverse mechanisms and increased convenience through smart home integration. You’ll also enjoy improved efficiency with LED lighting and battery backup options.
This detailed garage door opener buying guide will walk you through the process of upgrading your garage door opener, helping you make an informed decision and enjoy the latest innovations in garage door technology.
How to Choose a Garage Door Opener
When it’s time for a garage door opener replacement, it’s crucial to assess your specific needs and consider various factors to ensure you select the best option for your home. Consider the following before you upgrade your garage door opener:
- Weight and size of your garage door: The size and weight of your door will determine the model of opener you will require. Heavier doors require more powerful motors.
- LiftMaster, the trusted name in garage door openers: LiftMaster is the best-of-the-best when it comes to garage door openers. The alternative is the “box store” brand called Chamberlain. The main difference is LiftMaster doors supplied by us will come with a solid “T” rail rather then a clip-together rail system that you get when purchasing a Chamberlin opener. The components in a LiftMaster have also been upgraded to get the longest life out of your opener.
- Power ratings: Modern openers no longer refer to horsepower but rather the weight of your door, motor specs, gearing ratios and opening/closing speed. Most residential openers are rated to an equivalent ½ horsepower for standard single doors, ¾ horsepower for heavier doors and 1+ horsepower for oversized or custom doors. Selecting the correct unit ensures smooth operation and longevity of your operator.
- Opener options: There are two options for garage door openers, ceiling mounted trolley opener that attaches to the top section of your garage door and pulls your door open. The other options is a wall-mounted or JackShaft opener that attaches direct to the drive shaft of the door, most commonly used for high-lift garage doors.
- Safety features: Look for openers with photo-eye sensors and auto-reverse features. These features prevent the door from closing if an obstacle is detected, ensuring the safety of your family and pets. “Posilock” protection from LiftMaster electronically protects against forced openings of the door. Security+ 2.0 from LiftMaster safeguards garage access by sending a new code with every click of the remote.
- Noise levels: Consider your home’s layout and choose quieter options if needed, particularly if you have living spaces above or adjacent to your garage. Belt drive units provide the quietest operation, along with a lifetime warranty on the motor and belt, you can’t go wrong!
- Remote control range and reliability: Ensure the opener’s range meets your needs, especially for larger properties. Some modern openers offer extended ranges.
- Smart capabilities: Decide if you want features like smartphone control or smart home integration. These can add convenience and enhanced security to your daily routine.
- Camera: Models that feature a camera will provide you 130º wide angle camera that will let you see and hear whats happening in your garage through the MyQ app.
- Integrated LED Lighting: New models feature dual or corner-to-corner LED lighting systems. The old style incandescent lights are not only difficult to find but the alternative LED lights might interfere with signal transmissions from your remotes or keypad, making opening and closing your door a hassle.
- Budget: Balance your desired features with your budget constraints. Investing in a high-quality garage door opener replacement can save you money on future repairs and replacements.
Types of Garage Door Openers
Understanding the different types of garage door openers is crucial when considering an upgrade. Each type has its advantages and ideal use cases. There are six main types of garage door openers:
Chain Drive
Chain drive openers employ a metal chain to move the trolley that raises and lowers the garage door. The chain is connected to a gear on the motor, which drives the system.
These openers are affordable, reliable and strong, making them suitable for heavy doors. However, due to the metal-on-metal contact, chain drive openers can be somewhat noisy, making them best suited for standard residential garages where noise is not a major concern.
Chan drive systems also offer the most robust trolly openers for commercial/industrial applications.
Belt Drive
Belt drive openers operate similarly to chain drives but use a reinforced belt rather than a chain. This steel-reinforced rubber belt runs on a pulley system to move the trolley. The result is a nearly silent and smooth operation, ideal for homes with living spaces that share a wall with or are above the garage.
While slightly more expensive than chain drives, belt drives require less maintenance due to reduced metal-on-metal friction. To offset that extra cost most belt drive operators feature a lifetime warranty on the motor and belt for future savings.
Jackshaft
These are also known as wall-mount garage door openers. Unlike the other types that mount on the ceiling, jackshaft openers attach to the wall beside the garage door. They use a motor to turn a torsion bar, which rolls the garage door up and down.
This space-saving and quiet system is perfect for garages with high or cathedral ceilings or where you want to keep the ceiling clear. Doors with a high-lift system where the door runs up the wall towards the ceiling will require a jackshaft opner.
Direct Drive
The only moving part in direct drive openers is the motor. It travels along a stationary chain embedded in a steel rail, pulling or pushing the door open or closed. This design results in a hushed operation and minimal wear and tear, making it reliable and easy to maintain.
While they can be more expensive, direct drive openers are ideal for those who want quiet operation and long-term reliability.
Screw Drive
Screw drive openers use a threaded steel rod to move the trolley. As the rod rotates, it moves the trolley up and down, lifting or lowering the door. They operate more slowly and noiser than other types and are the least used option in the garage door industry.
It’s recommended that screw drive openers not be used in regions that experience major fluctuations in temperature as the units are sensitive to temperature.
Smart
All garage door opener types can be fitted with built-in Wi-Fi, allowing them to connect to your home network and making them smart openers. The added technology enables features like smartphone control, voice assistance, compatibility and integration with other smart home devices. Some advanced models even include cameras allowing you to see your garage in real time.
While they are pricier and require Wi-Fi connectivity, they offer unparalleled convenience and are ideal for tech-savvy homeowners.
Top Garage Door Opener Models
When it comes to a garage door opener upgrade, it’s crucial to pick the best model for your needs. Stouffville Garage Doors offers a range of top-quality LiftMaster garage door openers to suit various needs and preferences. Some of our most popular models include the following:
- LiftMaster 81600 (chain drive): The 81600 is a more budget-friendly option. It offers improved Wi-Fi connectivity and supports the latest myQ features. It allows you to set schedules for closing your garage door and controlling your lights. It features a quiet and durable DC chain drive motor system.
- LiftMaster 84505R (belt drive): This model features an integrated camera with a 2-way audio communication via the myQ® app, allowing you to control and monitor your garage from anywhere. It offers a 360-degree light ring, providing 2,000 lumens of LED lighting. The battery backup ensures you can use your garage door even during power outages. It’s compatible with Amazon Key, enabling secure in-garage package deliveries.
- LiftMaster 87504-267 (belt drive): This advanced model offers an integrated HD camera with a 360-degree view and two-way audio. It also has a powerful LED light ring producing 2,000 lumens and battery backup for uninterrupted operation during power outages. It comes with a lifetime motor warranty and a five-year LED and parts warranty, providing peace of mind and reliable performance.
- LiftMaster 98022 Elite Series (jackshaft / wall-mount): This sleek, modern design frees up ceiling space in your garage. It offers fast, smooth operation, even for tall and heavy doors (up to 850 lbs.). The 98022 operates silently, perfect for those with living space above their garage. It includes built-in Wi-Fi for easy connectivity and comes with a lifetime motor warranty.
- LiftMaster 98032 Elite Series (jackshaft / wall-mount): Another option designed for tall, heavy doors (up to 1100 lbs.), this model offers ultra-quiet and vibration-free operation. The 98032 comes with battery backup and a timer-to-close feature. This heavy-duty opener includes several accessories, such as an automatic garage door lock and smart control panel.
Upgrade Your Garage Door Opener With Stouffville Garage Doors
When upgrading your garage door opener, professional installation ensures that your new opener functions correctly, safely and efficiently. Stouffville Garage Doors offers unparalleled expertise, with over 36 years of experience and more than 40,000 installations. We provide top-quality garage door openers, exceptional customer service and comprehensive warranties to Stouffville and the surrounding areas. With our transparent pricing, you will always know what you’re paying for.
Experience the difference of choosing local experts dedicated to your satisfaction. Call Stouffville Garage Doors at (905) 642-3217 or contact us online to schedule your professional garage door opener upgrade.