Garages are a valuable part of your home or establishment. This area needs to be fully secured since you can use this area to keep your vehicles or other convenience. Therefore, having secure and quality garage door openers is a must-have. 

Garage door openers are electronic devices that can automatically open and close your garage doors. Some garage door openers are switches usually located on your garage wall. To keep your garage door opener system safe and easy to access, you can install any surface access doors with a hidden flange. These switches manage the door opener, and some come with a remote that you can easily navigate the garage door from a short distance.

But before you get to choose what type of garage door opener you should purchase, here are some things you need to consider:

- Garage door size and weight

This is an essential factor to consider when deciding on what garage door opener you need to purchase. For instance, if your garage door is heavy and oversized, a screwdriver will not be the right option, but a chain drive can do the trick. 

- Garage door material‍

You can choose from various materials such as PVC overlay, fiberglass, aluminum, steel, and wood. You can also choose to have an insulated garage door.

- Horsepower

You can consider purchasing an opener with a garage door motor with horsepower between ½ to 1 ½. As for a sectional two-car garage door, a ½ horsepower motor will be sufficient. While for heavier doors, you will need to purchase a garage door motor with more horsepower.

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- Noise‍

If loud sounds irritate you, then you should opt for a belt or screw drive that is quieter than the other garage opener options.

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- Safety‍

Buying a garage door opener with safety features such as automatic reversing action sensors, infrared beams, and rolling codes is a wise option to keep your garage secured, and safe from injurying anyone or anything.

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- Budget‍

When making your decision, this is the most important one. Make sure the garage door opener that you choose will fit your standards and budget. 

Meanwhile, here are the different types of garage door openers:

1. Chain Drive Garage Door Openers

Most garage owners choose this because it can fit almost all garage doors' lengths. In addition, it is also one of the most affordable types since it uses a chain to control the garage door. It is best used for insulated garage doors, wooden, or any heavier doors.

This garage door opener type is a durable and robust option. But on the downside, if you don't like loud noises, this option might not be to your liking. It is also not suited for garages located below living areas, and it needs to be maintained regularly than other types of garage openers.

2. Belt Drive Garage Door Openers

Belt drive openers are very similar to chain drive openers, although instead of a chain, this garage door opener consists of a rubber belt used to close and open doors. This garage door opener is best used for heavy and light doors and multi-panel or one-piece doors. The belt drive garage door opener is one of the quietest and has fewer vibrations than other door openers. 

Moreover, this garage door opener is more expensive than a chain drive opener, and it also requires more maintenance than other varieties. The belt tends to slip during warm or humid weather. 

3. Screw Drive Garage Door

This garage door opener has a threaded metal rod that works like a screw every time the garage door opens and closes. The screw drive garage door is recommended if you need a quiet, cost-friendly door. One of its advantages is that this garage door opener is moderately priced compared to other variations. Furthermore, it also has lesser moving parts than different types, minimizing the risk of breaking down.

But, if you purchase this type of garage door, you must ensure that all parts are well-lubricated. You may also experience issues with the device when temperatures fluctuate, and it can be much noisier than the belt drive openers.

4. Jackshaft Garage Door Opener

This garage door opener is installed by simply mounting it on the wall at the end of the torsion bar. This is the minor standard garage door opener out in the market. This mechanism works by utilizing automatic deadbolts and has a computerized system. 

The jackshaft garage door opener is best for garages that possess angled, high, or low ceilings or if you desire an extra storage space on top of your garage door. It is relatively quiet than the other options, and it can also contain additional safety and customizable features. Additionally, it can be pricier because of its advantages.

5. Direct Drive Openers

The direct-drive opener utilizes a gear wheel to move the trolley on a fixed chain. The motor is located inside the trolley, and this garage door opener is best used for taller garage doors. The direct-drive opener is cost-friendly since it is maintenance-free and comes with a lifetime of warranties. This garage door opener can also be relatively more expensive than most garage openers.

6. Draw Bar Openers

 This type of garage door opener typically has chain or belt drive rails. The drawbar opener is compatible with almost all residential garage doors that utilize extension or torsion springs. This garage door opener is cost-friendly, but it may require more maintenance than other types.

7. Hoist Openers

Hoist openers operate similarly to jackshaft openers. These garage openers contain a chain hoist that you can use during power outages. This garage door opener is for huge overhead or rolling steel curtain-style doors. Hoist openers are heavy-duty garage openers, and you might need a bigger budget for this because they're on the expensive side.

If you’re planning to purchase your garage door opener for your garage, make sure you choose the right product that fits right to your standards and budget. It would be best to consult with a licensed professional for a more sound decision.