What’s the Best Garage Door Opener?

When was the last time you had a new garage door opener installed? If it’s been more than ten years, you may be pleasantly surprised by the many features and upgrades newer openers have today. On the other hand, choosing the best garage door opener for your home can be difficult when there are so many different options to consider.

If you’re shopping for a new opener, Precision can help! Here’s what to know about different types of openers and how to choose the best opener for your home.

What Makes a Good Garage Door Opener?

The best opener for you will be compatible with your garage door, have perks that match your lifestyle, and make your life easier. Modern openers come with smart features like:

• Keyless entry
• Built-in cameras
• Automatic locks
• Smartphone notifications that alert you when the garage door has been opened
• Compatibility with Amazon Key
• Video Storage Plans available through the myQ app that allow you to see exactly what’s happening in the garage
• and more!

Your ideal opener really comes down to personal preference. If you aren’t sure where to start, a Precision technician can help you prioritize your needs and offer suggestions based on your budget. Aside from that, the most important part of choosing a new opener is considering the drive type.

The Best Garage Door Opener for Heavy Garage Doors: Chain-Drive Opener

Among the various types of garage door openers available, chain-drive openers are frequently the top choice for heavy garage doors. Their heavy-duty chains and powerful motors ensure the strength and stability needed to handle the weight of large, custom garage doors.

However, the downside to chain drive openers is that they can be noisy. It’s best to stick with a belt-drive opener for an attached garage unless your door is heavy enough to warrant a chain-drive opener.

It’s also important to routinely lubricate the opener chain, as elements like moisture and salt can cause the metal to rust or create too much friction. But never use WD-40! Only silicone- and lithium-based lubricants work for garage doors. Precision technicians take care of lubrication when you schedule your annual Tune-Up.

The Best Garage Door Opener for Attached Garages: Belt-Drive Opener

If your garage is an extension of your living area, the last thing you want is a noisy disruption each time someone uses it.

Belt-drive openers use a quiet, DC-powered motor and rubber belt instead of a chain. It makes them the perfect choice for homes with bedrooms, offices, or living spaces nearby. They’re the quietest garage door openers currently available.

Another one of the key reasons homeowners opt for belt drive openers is their low maintenance requirements. The absence of metal-to-metal contact – like in chain-driven systems – results in less wear and tear. This reduces the need for frequent lubrication and minimizes the risk of parts breaking or needing replacement. As a result, homeowners can enjoy a reliable and hassle-free garage door operation with minimal ongoing maintenance.

The Best Opener for Compact Garages: Wall-Mounted Opener

For homeowners with limited ceiling space in their garages, or for those seeking a sleek and modern look, wall-mounted garage door openers provide an excellent alternative to traditional overhead models.

These space-saving openers are designed to optimize storage and headroom, offering a range of benefits for those with a smaller garage area.

Wall-mounted garage door openers are known for their quiet and smooth operation. Similar to belt drive openers, these systems use a belt mechanism for lifting and lowering the garage door. The absence of a traditional chain or screw drive contributes to reduced noise levels, making wall-mounted openers another excellent choice for attached garages or living spaces located near or above the garage.

What Else to Look for When Choosing the Best Opener for Your Home

Having an opener with reliable safety features is important, especially if you have pets and/or little ones at home. At Precision, we install LiftMaster garage door openers, which all have safety sensors that prevent the door from closing when there’s anything below.

You’ll also want to ensure you aren’t trapped when the power goes out. Most modern garage door openers, like some of the LiftMaster models we install, come with battery backups and emergency release mechanisms that let you open the door without power.

Regarding installation, it’s best to work with a reliable company that offers an excellent warranty. We do not recommend installing a new opener yourself. Improper installation can damage your whole garage door system (and you’d be on the hook for any repairs needed to fix it). Professional Precision technicians know how to get the job done correctly the first time, but we also offer an industry-leading warranty for your peace of mind.