If you have a garage, and that garage has a door, then you might want to invest
in a garage door opener. This way, you don't have to worry about opening and
closing that heavy garage door by yourself. Not only are garage door openers
convenient, but they also provide safety. You can just drive into your garage
and have the door close automatically behind you.
Types of Garage Door Openers
You can find a wide variety of garage door openers, with many
different features. Consider the following door opener options and determine
which you would like to have:
- Automatic Safety Reverse - If anyone or anything (child, pet, random object,
etc.) is in the way of the door going up or down, it will immediately stop or
reverse its direction.
- Light Display - You can find garage door openers with built-in lighting.
This lighting fixture will turn on when you open the door and turn off
automatically after a desired amount of time.
- Remote Control - With a remote control, you can open or close the garage
from your car or anywhere else inside or outside of your home.
- Wall Control Panel - A control panel serves as more than just a button to
open or close the garage door. It will also allow you to easily change the
settings of your garage door, such as how long the light will stay on. Many also
allow for a locked mode, in case you are going away for a while.
- Emergency Release - This important feature allows you to manually open and
close the door in case of power failure.
- Security Codes - Most garage door openers have a security code to open or
close them. Try to find a system that allows you to create and change your code.
Did You Know?
There are three main types of
garage door openers: chain driven, belt driven, and screw driven. If you have a
preference for one of these, make sure you get one with the above features you
like best.
Installation
Once you have selected the type of garage door
opener you want, you can get to work on installing it. Of course, the actually
method for installing it will vary based on the many different models available.
Thus, the manufacturer's instructions should be followed precisely. That being
said, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the garage door is in good working order. You don't want to have
the opener installed onto a door that doesn't open or close correctly in the
first place.
- You shouldn't worry about the springs or cables attached to the garage door.
Doing so can cause damage to the door or injuries to you.
- Remember to undo any existing locking mechanism. If you try to operate the
garage door opener when it is physically locked, you can cause permanent damage
to the door.
- The disconnect cord (which will allow you to manually shut off the opener)
should hang about six feet from the floor so it can be easily reached by any
adult.
- The control panel should be installed about five feet from the floor so it
is out of reach of small children.
These are the basics of installing
a garage door opener. Despite what you read here, the manufacturer's
instructions for your particular model should always take precedence. But,
however you install it, your new garage door opener is a helpful tool that will
make your life more convenient.