Which Garage Door Opener Size is Correct?
If you're considering upgrading to a new electric garage door opener, you might be seeking a model that offers modern features and operates quieter than your current one. Perhaps someone in your circle has suggested looking into recent technological advancements, such as smartphone connectivity.
If you're feeling unsure about where to begin your search for a new door opener, this blog post is here to provide answers to all your queries, empowering you to make the most informed decision. Keep reading to discover key factors to consider and important decisions to make for your next purchase.
Some Basic Garage Door Opener Information
When it all comes down to it, understanding the way that an electric garage door opener can make your life easier is important. This small device can create a situation where you don’t have to worry about running in the house through the rain if it’s pouring when you come home from work. Of course, a door opener can do a lot more, too. It also makes it a cinch to open or close your door without exerting physical effort.
In order for this to be possible, you need to have a door that is balanced properly using a torsion or extension spring system. These systems work as a counterweight to the deadweight of your garage door, which can be anywhere from 90 to 350 lb. (40 to 160 kilos). When you have a garage door that is properly balanced, it will feel like it weighs no more than 8 to 10 lb. (3 to 4 kilos), which should be a breeze for you to lift up manually whenever needed.
At this point, you might be curious about how you can determine whether your spring system is balanced or not. In order to do this, you want to close your garage door and then disconnect the door opener. After you’ve done that, open the door about halfway manually to about 4 feet (1.2 m). Once you do this, you should notice that the door stays in that position without any movement. If the door instead falls down or goes all the way open, that is an indication that the door is unbalanced and your spring system is not working the way it should be. At that point, it is recommended that you get in touch with a garage door specialist so your door can be fixed.
You might be aware that a garage door opener is capable of lifting a very large load, up to about 225 lb. (100 kilos). That is true, but you also need to keep in mind that it can push that same amount of weight down. That is why modern openers have safety systems including to prevent them from closing on people or objects that might be underneath the garage door.
Terminology You Should Know
Before delving into the specifics of motor sizes for garage doors, it's beneficial to familiarize ourselves with a few key terms. In discussions about motorized products, horsepower (often abbreviated as HP) is frequently mentioned. However, it's essential to understand that there are two primary types of electrical current used to power garage door opener motors: alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC).
While alternating current is typically measured in horsepower, direct current follows a different metric and is quantified in newton force (N). Despite their differing power measurements, there are comparative frameworks to assess both types.
The distinction between AC and DC motors lies in their operational characteristics. AC motors maintain a constant speed, whereas DC motors undergo a gradual acceleration, reaching peak speed before decelerating when stopping. When considering which option is superior, both types offer comparable technical performance, although DC models generally tend to operate with slightly less noise compared to AC motors.
Choosing the appropriate motor size
Now that you've grasped the fundamentals of current types, you're likely curious about the typical motor sizes available when selecting a residential garage door opener. For AC motors, options range from 1/3, ½, to ¾ horsepower, while DC motors are available in either 500 or 700 newtons. To equate the two, note that a 500 N motor is equivalent to a ½ HP motor, and a 700 N motor corresponds to one with ¾ HP.
It's essential to recognize that for industrial and commercial settings where garage doors are used more frequently and are larger in size, motor sizes can extend from ½ HP to 4 or 5 HP. However, the majority of residential garage door openers on the market typically feature 500 N or ½ HP motors.
With this understanding, let's explore which motor size suits your requirements. For a single door, typically measuring 9 x 7 ft. (2.7 x 2.1 m), a 500 N or ½ HP motor will suffice. However, if you have a double garage door, usually measuring 16 x 7 ft. (4.9 x 2.1 m), or if you're using a solid wood door, opting for a motor of 700 N or ¾ HP is advisable.
While motor size is a crucial consideration, it's also important to assess the motor life of the chosen door opener. Determine whether you prefer one that lasts around 7 years or one with a lifespan of up to 15 years. Additionally, if the door opener you're considering is pricier than average, ensure you understand the reasons behind the price difference.
Lastly, consider what optional accessories you might want with your door opener, such as a remote light switch or a garage door monitor. Some budget-friendly options may not include all the desired accessories, so it's essential to have all available options explained to you based on the quality of the door opener and the size of its motor.
Deciding whether you want smartphone connection
Another important factor to consider when making your selection is the availability of built-in Wi-Fi connectivity or compatibility with special accessories for many of the door openers, regardless of their size. This feature enables you to conveniently control and monitor your garage door using a smartphone or tablet from anywhere.
If you choose to visit us at lynoka garage door services, our team can provide a comprehensive explanation of all these features. While you may not currently require or utilize these capabilities, having the option for future use through compatible accessories is always beneficial. However, it's worth noting that lower-end models may lack these accessory options.
Things to be aware of with safety in mind
To ensure complete peace of mind, it's crucial to confirm that your door is always appropriately balanced, allowing you to effortlessly lift it with just one hand. Below, we'll outline how to assess this:
1. Begin by pulling on the red cord, which serves as the emergency release, to disengage the door opener.
2. Next, lift the door using the lift handle located either on the bottom section or the second from the bottom. Remember to bend your knees as you lift.
3. When the door is approximately 4 ft. (1.2 m) from the ground, hold it steady. It should remain stable at this height if properly balanced.
4. If everything appears to be in order, it's time to reengage the door opener. Move the trolley that operates the door back into position, then reconnect all components from your remote to operate the garage door.
5. However, if you notice any issues during this assessment, it's advisable to contact us to arrange a meeting with one of our technicians who are knowledgeable about garage door systems. They can effectively diagnose and address any problems that may arise.
Why Trust Lynoka For Your Garage Door and Opener Needs?
Lynoka proudly boasts the most 5 star reviews of any local company on google. We’re also the only company who puts our pricing online and does video chat quotes for repairs. So, for potential customers in Braintree Ma, and the entire eastern Massachusetts service area we humbly ask you to consider us!