Published on September 13, 2022
The popularity of garage door openers has exploded in recent years. This is likely due to the many benefits that they offer. Not only do they make it easy to get in and out of our garages, but they also keep our garages protected from the weather and intruders. But how do these garage door openers work? Let’s take a look!
How Do Garage Door Openers Work? What Are the Components That Make Them Up?
So, how does a garage door opener work? It consists of four main components:
- The Transmitter: this is the remote control that you use to open and close the door.
- The Receiver: this is the component that receives the signal from the transmitter and activates the door.
- The Motor: this is the component that opens and closes the door.
- The Sensors: these are used to detect whether the door is open or closed and to prevent the door from closing if there is an obstacle.
These four components work together to open and close your garage door automatically.
Types of Garage Door Openers
There are two types of garage door openers: chain-driven and belt-driven.
- Chain-driven openers are the most common type. They use a metal chain to move the garage door up and down.
- On the other hand, Belt-driven openers use a rubber belt to do the same thing.
Both types of garage door openers have several key components. These include a motor, a trolley, and a track.
- The motor is responsible for powering the opener. It is usually located above the garage door.
- The trolley is connected to the motor and moves along the track.
- The track helps guide the trolley as it moves up and down.
What Type of Garage Door Opener Should You Choose?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a garage door opener.
First, you must decide whether you want a chain-driven or belt-driven opener. Both types have their own set of pros and cons. For example, chain-driven openers tend to be more durable, but they are also louder. On the other hand, Belt-driven openers are quieter but not as durable.
Second, you need to decide what type of motor you want. There are three types of motors: AC (alternating current), DC (direct current), and battery-powered.
- AC motors are the most common type and work well in most situations. However, they can be noisy and require a lot of maintenance.
- DC motors are quieter and require less maintenance but are more expensive.
- Battery-powered motors are expensive but offer the most convenience since they don’t require an electrical outlet.
Third, you need to decide what size opener you need. Garage door openers come in various sizes, so choosing one powerful enough to lift your garage door is essential.
If you have a standard single-car garage door, a 1/2 horsepower opener should be sufficient. However, if you have a heavy or double garage door, you may need a 3/4 or 1 horsepower opener.
Finally, you need to decide on what features you need for your garage door opener. Some common features include wireless remote controls, keyless entry, and timers.
- Wireless remote controls allow you to open and close your garage door without being in range.
- Keyless entry systems let you into your garage without using a key.
- Timers allow you to automatically set your garage door to open and close at specific times.
Conclusion
Choosing the right garage door opener can be tough, but ensuring you get one right is essential. Consider the types of garage doors you have, the size of your garage, and what features you want before making your final decision. For more information on garage door openers, please get in touch with Active Door, garage door experts in Hamilton, Oakville & Burlington.