When it’s time to invest in a new garage door opener, there are several factors to consider before you choose the right one for your needs. Your garage door installation company in Wyckoff can offer extensive advice to help you select the right opener. As you weigh your options, keep these factors in mind.

Drive Type

There are four main types of garage door opener drives:

• Chain
• Screw
• Belt
• Torsion

There are pros and cons to each type of drive. Chain drives tend to be the least expensive, but they require more maintenance and are usually noisier than other types of drives. Screw drives are a step up from chain drives in that they require less maintenance and are less noisy, but they are also slightly more expensive. Belt drives rely on a rubber belt, so they are very quiet. They are more expensive than chain and screw drives. Torsion drives are the most expensive of the drives, but they are also extremely quiet and can work in garages with low ceilings.

Speed

For some people, the speed at which a garage door opens is significant, while others are less concerned. Speeds can vary greatly from opener to opener, so test the models you are considering before buying. If you find that you are frequently in a rush or you simply like to get out as quickly as possible, choose the fastest speed you can find.

Safety

Your garage door opener should have safety mechanisms that protect your family from injury and that also protect your home from intruders. Your garage door opener should have an eye sensor so that it stops automatically if it senses something under the door. This helps to stop the door from lowering on children or pets if they try to run through a door in motion. A lighting feature, which triggers a light anytime someone is in the garage is also helpful because it makes the driver aware.

Keyless entry and remote entry systems help to protect your home. Consider choosing a newer model with a remote access code that changes with each use. You can also opt for a garage door opener that can be programmed to not open on certain dates, such as when you’re on vacation.