Types of Garage Door Openers
Standard garage door openers have a similar design. A motor drives a trolley or carriage along a rail. The trolley is connected to the garage door, and as the trolley moves, it pulls the door open or pushes it closed. The main difference between garage door opener models is how the motor moves the trolley.
- A chain-drive garage door opener uses a metal chain to drive the trolley and raise or lower the door. Chain-drive systems are economical choices but tend to create more noise and vibration than other types. If your garage is detached from the house, noise may not be a concern. If the garage is under a living space or a bedroom, you may want to consider a quieter option.
- A belt-drive garage door opener functions similarly to the chain-drive system but uses a belt rather than a chain to move the trolley. This belt provides quieter, smoother operation, making it a good choice for homes with living or sleeping spaces above or adjacent to the garage. Belt-drive systems have fewer moving parts, resulting in fewer maintenance needs.
- A direct-drive garage door opener also offers a quiet mechanism. The motor itself functions as the trolley and travels along the track, raising or lowering the door. This means the system has a single moving part — the motor — resulting in reduced noise and vibration as well as fewer maintenance requirements.
Horsepower
Look for horsepower (HP) ratings to compare the lifting power between garage door opener models. Ratings ranging from 1/2 HP to 1-1/2 HP are typical for residential models. If you have a sectional double-car garage door, a 1/2-HP motor should be sufficient, but a higher-power model will operate with less effort and less wear and tear on the motor. If you have a heavy insulated garage door, wind load garage door or oversized garage door, it's recommended that you have a 3/4 HP or larger garage door opener to ensure efficient operation. Heavier or one-piece doors may require higher-horsepower openers. Read our Garage Door Buying Guide to learn about different types of garage doors.
Garage door openers with DC motors may use ratings such as horsepower similar (HPS) or horsepower comparable (HPC) to help you compare power options.
Garage Door Opener Features
Standard garage door openers share common components:
- A garage door opener remote, wall-mount buttons or keypad opens the garage door.
- A manual release allows you to disengage the opener from inside the garage and raise or lower the door manually.
- A security light activates when you operate the system and turns off automatically after a set period of time.
- Rail segments are typically sized for garage doors up to 7 feet tall.
In addition, look for other features:
- Miniature keychain remotes fit in a pocket.
- Home-automation-system connectivity allows you to control your opener remotely.
- Built-in Wi-Fi connects the opener directly to your home wireless network and lets you operate the door from a mobile app without the need for an automation system.
- Smart-device compatibility — built in or available with an optional accessory for some models — allows you to operate and monitor the opener from a mobile device.
- Vehicle compatibility allows operation of the opener from controls built into some vehicles.
- Auto-close functionality lowers a garage door automatically after a preprogrammed period of time.
- Locks give you the option to prevent remotes from opening the garage door.
- Soft-start/-stop motors reduce wear and tear on the opener and make operation quieter.
- Battery backup lets you operate the opener in the event of a power outage.
- Included rail extensions make the opener compatible with 8-foot-high doors.
- Motion-sensing security lights operate automatically.
Many remotes, wall-mount buttons and keypads can control more than one garage door opener. This is useful when you have multiple garage bays with separate doors.
Check the product information to make sure the garage door opener and features are compatible with your garage door and suit the height of your garage ceiling.
Safety and Security Features
If you have an older garage door opener (manufactured before 1/1/93), consider upgrading the device to take advantage of safety features. Modern openers are designed with safety sensors, required by law, which will stop a garage door if a person, animal or object is in its path. Manual release is another essential safety feature, which allows you to open a garage door manually in case of an emergency. You might also want to consider a garage door opener with battery backup. This feature ensures your door will open properly during a power outage.
Newer garage door openers can also improve security. Remotes transmit a unique code to activate the opener. Look for a rolling-code feature to prevent code theft and ensure that a neighbor’s remote control won’t open your garage. Each time you open the door remotely, a new, random code is automatically generated. The garage door opener will accept the new code the next time you operate the remote.
Smart-Compatible Garage Door Openers
Some garage door openers are designed with smart technology allowing homeowners to monitor and automate their garage doors via a smartphone or smart home system. Some models are standalone systems while others work with smart-compatible garage door opener accessories, transforming a traditional garage door into a smart-compatible garage door. Below are common features of smart garage door openers:
- Wi-Fi compatible openers allow for garage door control from anywhere via a smartphone app. For homeowners who travel often or receive packages regularly, this is an essential feature.
- Automation and scheduling gives homeowners the ability to set a schedule for their garage door to open and close automatically, based on personal preferences.
- Built-in cameras allow for live video and two-way communication, like the technology offered by smart doorbells. Garage video security cameras offer peace of mind, allowing homeowners to see that loved ones have arrived home safely.
- Smart home integration makes garage door openers compatible with popular systems like Alexa, SmartThings, Google Assistant and more.
- Notifications or alerts let homeowners know when their garage door is opened or remains open after use.
Garage Door Opener Installation
Chain- and belt-drive garage door openers are easier to install compared to direct-drive or smart garage door openers. No matter which model you choose, we can help you install it. Simply choose your garage door opener and then add installation at checkout. Installation comes with a one-year labor warranty from Lowe’s, plus the manufacturer’s materials warranty.