- Choosing a Garage Door Opener and Understanding the Various Features
- Garage Door Opener Types
- Where to Buy Garage Door Openers in Oregon
If your Oregon home has a garage, you probably rely on an opener to raise and lower the door. You can operate this device via a wall switch or a remote control unit in your vehicle, preventing the need to open or close the door manually.
Like most mechanical devices, a garage door opener won’t last forever. The average service life of an opener is 10-15 years, although heavy usage and other factors can shorten the time frame.
If you’re like many homeowners, you may only purchase a garage door opener once or twice in your lifetime. With so many options available on the market, selecting the right device for your needs and budget can be challenging. Valley Overhead Door has prepared the following garage door opener buying guide to simplify the process.
Choosing a Garage Door Opener and Understanding the Various Features
If it’s been a few years since you’ve purchased a garage door opener or you’re a first-time buyer, you might be surprised at the wide range of product features available today.
While numerous options are available, these features typically deliver the maximum value and convenience to most homeowners.
Keypad Functionality
While you may use the opener’s remote control unit to operate the door, there may be times when this device isn’t accessible or practical. Installing an exterior wireless keypad next to the garage door enables you and other members of your household to raise or lower the door without the remote by entering a secure code. You won’t have to worry if you lose the remote or don’t have it in your vehicle for any reason.
Battery Backup
If you currently have an older opener model, you may experience the hassle of disengaging it and opening or closing the door manually whenever a power outage occurs. If you upgrade to a newer opener with a built-in battery backup system, your door will continue to function without interruptions.
Rolling Code Technology
Did you know that an enterprising thief can use a device that mimics the code transmitted by your opener’s remote control unit to break into your garage? Fortunately, rolling code technology automatically changes the code every time you open or close the door, significantly reducing this risk.
Smartphone Compatibility
You may already use your smartphone to lock and unlock your home’s exterior doors, control the lighting and operate appliances. You can also purchase a Wi-FI-enabled garage door opener that allows you to open and close the door remotely from any location. If you suddenly realize you forgot to close the door when leaving for work, you can handle the task with a quick tap of a button on a mobile app.
Garage Door Opener Types
You can also choose from various types of garage door openers on the market:
- Jackshaft-drive: A jackshaft opener is a wall-mounted device that provides maximum security. It operates via a 24-volt DC motor that powers the cables and pulleys when raising the door. While these openers are more expensive, they’re also the most technologically advanced products available.
- Chain-drive: As the name indicates, these openers have a chain connecting the motor to a trolley that pulls an arm to open the door and pushes it when closing. While these openers provide the least expensive option, they also tend to be noisier due to the metal-to-metal contact and heavy vibration.
- Belt-drive: These openers are quieter because they include a rubber belt instead of a metal chain. Operating the opener triggers the movement of the belt, which raises and lowers the door by sliding the trolley. The belt does not require lubrication, making these devices easier to maintain than chain-drive models.
Contact Valley Overhead Door for Garage Door Openers
Do you own a home in Corvallis, Salem or Albany, Oregon, or the surrounding areas? Valley Overhead Door can meet all your garage door opener needs. We feature a wide selection of LiftMaster products that provide the ideal combination of convenience, security, safety and low maintenance. As a local company, we also handle installation and repairs.
Do you have questions regarding how to choose the right garage door opener? Contact Valley Overhead Door to learn more today!