If you are thinking of buying your very first garage door opener or just replacing your existing system, there are a few things you need to understand prior to making your selection and deciding which opener is best for you.
Be certain to know how heavy the door you want to lift is, and how much you are set to spend on the opening system. Keeping these points of their function and design in mind can help narrow down your options and enable you make the most informed decision.
There are 3 key types of systems that you should be aware of in order to pick out one that addresses your family needs.
These 3 types are called the Reinforced Rubber Belt, Screw Drive System and the Chain Drive System.
A chain drive is the most accepted option for residential use on one and two door garages. It uses a metal chain on a trolley and is usually uncomplicated to install. It may require tweaks as the metal chain can become wobbly from wear. If this does happen, it will only require the readjustment once or twice a lifetime. It is a bit loud for some people’s taste, but it does the trick. To help in reducing noise find a system that isolates the chains.
Another type of opening system is termed the belt – driven system. These are regarded by industry insiders as the best types of garage door openers. These systems are the most reliable of all opening systems. In addition, for those of us who are looking for systems that are not very loud, these opening systems are virtually quiet. They are, however, are more expensive than chain systems. If you are looking for something that is functional but is also hushed and are open to paying a bit extra for this convenience, a belt-driven set of doors may be for you.
Yet another accessible option is that of the screw drive system. This type is the least pricey. If you are in need of doors for the most affordable price and are able to accept a few drawbacks, a screw drive may be right for you.
Now that you’ve had a high level overview of the types of systems out there in the market, here are the top three 3 picks for 2011:
1. Genie 1022 1/2-Horsepower ChainLift Garage Door Opener
2. SOMMER Direct Drive 3/4 HP Garage Door Opener
3. Chamberlain WD822KD Belt Drive Garage Door Opener System
Selecting the best garage door opener is a matter of mechanism preference, budget, and suitability to your needs. Read the full review to help you make an informed decision and determine which is the best garage door opener for you.