If your home has a garage attached, you’re going to need a way to open it. Enter the garage door opener. Because there are different models of garage door openers, it can be hard to decide which one is the best fit for your home. Depending on your budget and garage layout, there are several different models of garage door openers that can fit your needs!
AC Motor versus DC Motor
For many years most garage door openers used AC or alternating current motors. AC motors were dependable and in common use. However, DC or direct current motors have become much more popular in garage door openers because they offer many advantages. DC motors are generally quieter, lighter, and smaller than AC motors. In garage door openers DC motors have the ability to have a soft start and soft feature that allows much smoother and quieter operation and also less wear and tear on the garage door. Many garage door openers with a DC motor have a built-in battery backup that allows the garage door opener to operate for several cycles when the power is out. When looking for a garage door opener with a DC motor please keep in mind that DC motors are available in 12-volt, 24-volt, and 130-volt models. The higher the voltage the more consistently the garage door opener is able to raise and lower the garage door.
Chain-Driven
This is the original model of a garage door opener. It operates with a chain that pushes or pulls a trolley that connects to a metal bar, which brings your garage door up and down. The major caveat to these kinds of openers is that they vibrate a lot, so if your garage is under a bedroom, you might not want to invest in this kind. The silver lining to their heavy vibrations is that because the chain-driven model is the original model of garage door opener, it is the least expensive option to install and repair.
Belt-Driven
These are similar to chain-driven models, but they have a belt system instead of the chain pulling or pushing the trolley. This belt makes the opening and closing of the door quieter, making it a better option for those that have a built-in garage. The belts are made of fiberglass, polyurethane or steel-reinforced rubber, making them very durable. The downside to the ease of the belt is that it is can be more expensive to install and replace than the normal chain-driven model.
Screw-Driven
Screw-driven models are a combination of belt and chain-driven models. Instead of the belt, this model has a screw that spins that the trolley travels on, all of which is motorized. This model has fewer “moving parts” than the other two models. However, because the design is focused around a screw, it can make a lot more noise when the door is opening or closing.
Jackshaft
This is the only model that mounts to the wall right next to the garage door. A motor drives a torsion spring and shaft system that helps raise and lower the garage door. This shaft-driven system allows the door to be opened and closed in a quiet manner and allows for overhead storage because the motor and system is on the wall. Although jackshafts work in both high and low ceiling garages, they are the most expensive.
Ask a Professional
When in doubt, ask a professional to help you decide what model of garage door opener is right for your home. At Hollywood-Crawford, our professionals are trained to know the ins and outs of each kind of garage door opener and how they can benefit you and your home’s specific needs.
For more information on how to choose the right garage door opener for your home, contact Hollywood-Crawford Door Co. for seamless door opening.
