If you have an automatic garage door, you will need a reliable opener to keep it functioning properly. You can purchase an opener at most home improvement stores or online retailers. Be sure to select an opener that is compatible with your door and read all instructions carefully before installation.
How Will I Know What Type of Garage Door Openers to Buy?
There are three main types of automatic garage door openers: chain-drive, screw-drive, and belt-drive.
Chain-Drive
Chain-drive openers are the most common and most affordable type. They use a metal chain to lift and lower your garage doors.
Screw-Drive
Screw-drive garage door openers are also fairly common and somewhat more expensive than chain-drive models. They use a threaded steel rod to lift and lower your garage doors.
Belt-Drive
Belt-drive garage door openers are the quietest type but also the most expensive. They use a rubber belt to lift and lower your garage doors.
Why Is My Automatic Garage Door Opening and Closing by Itself?
There are several reasons why your automatic garage door might be opening and closing by itself:
Faulty Transmitter
The first possibility is that the remote control transmitter is faulty and needs to be replaced. This is pretty rare, but it is a possibility. If you’ve inspected your garage door, tested other garage door openers, and can’t find a logical explanation as to why your garage door keeps opening and closing on its own, a faulty transmitter is likely the culprit.
Blocked Sensors
Another possibility is that there is something blocking the photo eye sensors that are responsible for detecting obstacles in the path of the door. If the sensors are blocked, the door will open and close until the obstruction is removed. This is the most common reason for garage door malfunctions.
Malfunctioning Garage Door Opener
Finally, it is also possible that the automatic garage door openers themselves are malfunctioning and will need to be replaced. You can try swapping out the batteries first, but you’ll likely end up having to replace the whole opener.
What Happens If I Lose My Garage Door Opener?
If you lose your garage door opener, you can usually purchase a replacement at any home improvement store or online retailer. Be sure to bring along the make and model of your garage door opener so that you can get the right replacement. You will also need to reprogram the opener with your garage door’s code. If you don’t have the code, you can usually find it in the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the garage.
What Else Should I Consider When Buying an Opener?
In addition to opener type, you will also need to consider power (measured in horsepower), warranty, and features.
1/2 horsepower is the most common power level for residential garage doors. If you have a heavier door or if you plan to use your opener to lift particularly large or heavy items, you may need a 3/4 or 1 horsepower opener.
Most openers come with a basic warranty of about 1-2 years. Some manufacturers offer extended warranties for an additional cost.
Some popular opener features include remote controls, timer-to-close (which automatically closes your door after a set amount of time), soft start motors, and battery backup (in case of a power outage). If you buy a new garage door, there are all sorts of upgraded garage door opener technologies to create more convenience for the homeowner, but these are the standard features.
Installing Your Garage Door Opener
Once you have selected the perfect garage door opener for your home, it is time to install it. This is a fairly straightforward process, but be sure to read all instructions carefully and take all safety precautions before beginning. We also suggest watching some videos. Having a moving visual can help.
If you are not comfortable installing your opener yourself, or you can’t quite figure it out, you can hire a professional garage door installer. This is the preferred installation method we recommend for homeowners. It will save you time and energy. Plus, they’ll do the job right the first time so you can move on to other, more important, things in your life.
What to Look for in a Professional Garage Door Repair Company
If you have a problem with your garage door or opener, it is important to hire a reputable and experienced garage door repair company like LexD to fix it. Look for a company that offers same-day service, quality parts, and free estimates. Be sure to read online reviews before hiring any company.
To find a local repair company where you can get new openers, do a Google search or ask friends and family if they have any recommendations. Garage door openers are not hard to find, but you need to make sure you get the right one, and you’ll need to program it.
Good Luck With Your Search for Garage Door Openers!
When selecting a new garage door opener, be sure to consider power (measured in horsepower), warranty, and features. If you have a problem with your garage door or opener, it is important to hire a reputable and experienced garage door repair company to fix it. Look for a company that offers same-day service, quality parts, and free estimates for automatic doors and repair services.
If your garage door keeps opening and closing on its own, there are several potential causes, and you’ll likely have to call a professional to diagnose the problem. You’ll also likely need professional assistance if your automatic openers go missing.
LexD is a local garage door repair company proudly serving the Puget Sound area. They offer a full range of services and a personal guarantee of complete satisfaction. With LexD, you can be sure your garage door opener issues will be professionally handled in a timely manner.
By following these simple tips, you can be sure that your garage door will provide years of trouble-free operation.
