It can be difficult to find out what kind of garage door opener is the best fit for your garage door when there are different types of models and variants out there in the market. Here are some factors you should keep in mind when purchasing a new opener.
- Does it have quiet movement?
- Is it in my budget?
- Is it strong enough for my garage door?
- Does it need a lot of maintenance?
Which opener is right for you? It depends on your preference and budget. Each type of opener has different advantages and disadvantages over each other.
Garage door openers have a horsepower rating (HP) for the power of their lift. 1/2 to 1 1/2 horsepower is usually sufficient for residential garage doors. The higher the horsepower, the smoother the movement will be. Higher horsepower models are recommended for heavier and larger doors.
Let’s compare the different types of openers:
Chain-Drive
Chain-drive garage door openers are popular because of their affordable cost. They use a metal chain to move the door, which causes a lot of noise when opening and closing the door. These openers are the most common and best option if you don’t care about quiet garage door movement or need something cheap.
Belt-Drive
Belt-drive garage door openers use a belt instead of a chain. This reduces noise and improves smooth movement a lot. These openers have fewer moving parts, so they need less maintenance. These are recommended if you want a noiseless garage door and have a larger budget.
Screw-Drive
Screw-drive garage door openers use a threaded steel rod instead of a chain or belt. They are quiet in operation. These openers also have fewer moving parts, requiring less maintenance. Screw-drive openers would be right for you if you need something simple that will be very reliable. They are more expensive than chain and belt drive openers.
Direct-Drive
Direct-drive garage door openers use a motor that travels along the tracks to move the door. They have a single moving part. These openers are quiet and vibration-less. They are recommended if you need something that is quiet and rarely needs maintenance. Direct-drive openers cost about the same as belt-drive openers.