Garage door openers are available in several different basic types. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Consumers should choose based on the type of door, the price and the most important features. Basic features to consider are the drive, the type and power of the motor, speed, security features, and retail vs. professional model. Safety features are similar for most garage door openers.
Drives
There are four basic types of drive - chain, screw, belt, and torsion.
Chain drives use a chain on a track to open and close the door. They typically cost less than the other options, but are usually noisier. Additionally, the chain links can stretch over time, requiring periodic adjustment.
Screw drives cost a little more, but are low-maintenance, reliable, and durable, and make less noise than chain drives. Screw drives operate by turning a threaded shaft connected to the door opening mechanism. The top of the door is pulled horizontally by the threads as the shaft turns.
Belt drive openers are a good choice if noise is a major concern. They use a rubber belt attached to the door to open and close it. They usually cost more than chain drive and screw drive openers.
The torsion drive opener is a relatively new type that uses garage door's torsion spring to open and close the door. Rather than mounting on the ceiling in the center of the garage, torsion drive openers mount directly above the door. If the garage has a low ceiling that would make mounting one of the other types inconvenient, a torsion drive opener would be a good choice. Torsion drive openers are also quieter than chain drive and screw drive openers.
Motor
Both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) motors are available. Both work fine, but DC motors are quieter and more efficient.
Consumers also have choices in the power of the motor. Standard motors are 1/3 horsepower, 1/2 horsepower, and 3/4 horsepower. The size and weight of the door should be the main guide in selecting the power. For single-width doors, 1/3 horsepower motors are adequate. However, for a double-width garage door, at least 1/2 horsepower is recommended.
Speed
Not all garage door openers open at the same speed. Consumers should compare the speed of different models when shopping.
Security
Openers now come with rolling access codes, so that the code changes each time the remote is used. This important security feature prevents others from detecting the code and using another remote to gain access. Some openers also come with keyless entry pads that allow the consumer to open the door without a remote, as well as features such as vacation periods, which will prevent the door from being opened between programmed dates. Others have settings to allow the door to be set to a small opening so that pets can get in and out of the garage while owners are away.
Retail vs. Professional Model
The biggest difference between retail and professional models for the chain, screw, and belt drive openers is the rail or track that runs from above the door to the motor in the center of the garage ceiling. In the retail models, which are packaged to fit in the trunk of a typical car, the rail comes in sections that must be assembled. Although this is not difficult, they are not as strong and rigid as the one-piece rail of the professional models. If the consumer intends to have a professional install the opener, the professional model is the better choice. However, if the consumer intends to install the opener himself or herself, the professional model may be difficult to transport.
Safety
All models are now required to have electronic eye sensors near the bottom of the door that prevent the door from closing on an object (such as a child or animal). In addition, garage door openers should have adjustments to control closing force, and automatic reverse if the door closes on an object.
Lighting
Most openers have a light that turns on for a fixed period of time when the door is opened or closed. Some openers also allow the light to be turned with an extra button on the remote control, even if the opener is not being operated.
