What size opener (horsepower) is best for my garage door? The horsepower needed for your garage door opener is dependent on whether or not you want a long lasting opener verses replacing it every few cycles, or the size of the door. For example, if you would like to lift a double garage door, one might suggest using a 1/2 horsepower because the door is heavier and larger. Garage door openers are found in three different sizes, which are determined by horsepower. Listed below are the three different sizes and the suggested doors that can be used with them. 1/3 HP: Can technically lift any garage door as long as the garage door is balanced properly and the weight is evenly distributed but is not always recommended because the long term benefit isn’t high. This type of horsepower is often used for single garage doors that are not heavy (ex: steel door). Although it is used for lighter doors, one could get away with using it on a heavier door if they understood that they might need to replace the opener more often than one with
It is the cheapest of the three and least power. ½ HP: This size opener is the most popular out of the three and is recommended for single or double garage doors with average weight (ex: carriage style door). opener will only be efficient when the door is properly balanced and an opener with more horsepower will last longer. It is the second cheapest of the three with medium power. 3/4 HP: Oversized, large, and heavy doors will need an opener with ¾ horsepower (ex: wood doors). by most due to the fact that it will last the longest and provide the best long-term outcome. This is the most expensive out of the three but it is durable and the longest-lasting so you are receiving the most for your buck. All three sizes have benefits and can be seen on garage doors today. Garage door specialists will be able to recommend the right amount of horsepower depending on your very particular situation. If you are looking to purchase your own opener and install it yourself, then make sure you are installing it correctly and the garage door is balanced properly
(watch our video to learn how you can test your garage door to make sure it is balanced properly). 5 Digit Zip Code Best time to call you: How can we help you?Homegarage door opener repair, reprogram my remoteparts for your garage door parts for your garage door A garage door opener is a common feature for most modern homes. The garage door opener uses an electric motor to power a drive system (usually, a chain or belt). The drive system is connected to the garage door with an arm that hinges up and out of the way when the door rises. Garage door openers can be controlled by wall mounted control panels or by wireless remote controls. Most garage door opener parts can easily be replaced. Replacement parts are available directly from the manufacturer or from aftermarket dealers. What Makes A Garage Door Opener Tick? The power head of a garage door opener is a metal or plastic housing that encloses the motor, electrical connections and the control mechanism.
The power head may also have a light mounted on its exterior. The garage door opener drive mechanism is usually a chain or rubber belt. The drive moves along the rail, pulling the carriage back and forth to operate the door. The rail assembly (which can be either a single or multiple pieces) supports the drive mechanism. The rail assembly also provides a track for the carriage assembly. The rail header bracket holds rail to garage wall above the door. The header bracket must be mounted securely to keep the garage door opener in place. The carriage assembly transfers power from drive mechanism to the door via door arm. The carriage assembly typically has a release cord to allow the door to be opened during power outages. The door arm connects the garage door to carriage assembly. The door arm pulls or pushes the garage door open or closed. Door sensors are mounted to the garage door rails. These LED sensors tell the garage door opener if a person or object blocks the opening. If the door sensor fails, the garage door won't close.
A wall controller operates the garage door opener manually. The wall controller is wired to the power head and may control the power head light separately. The garage door can be opened from a car with a wireless remote controller. A quality garage door opener will provide a "rolling code" system that changes the entry code after each use. There are many garage door opener parts to choose from when it comes to repair or replace. Make sure you follow the model numbers from the manufacture to accurately select the right part for your needs. If you are not sure, try and match the picture up with the model number of your opener. Modern garage doors are designed for safety and convenience. But, when the power is out, or if your garage door is otherwise inoperable, convenience goes out the window. When your automatic garage door opener doesn’t work, that doesn’t mean you can’t gain access to your garage. Most all garage doors can be opened manually if you know how to disengage the automatic opener using the manual release.
The key to opening and closing a garage door by hand is to locate the manual release on your automatic opener. Garage door openers include two main pieces of equipment. There’s the motor that’s mounted in the center of the garage, as well as a rail along which the screw, chain or belt drive runs. While different automatic garage doors may look different, most have a release cord that dangles from the garage door opener carriage. The first step is to make sure the garage door is closed and that it’s fully unlocked. Pull down on the release cord using the attached handle, which disconnects the automatic garage door opener from the door itself. If your garage door is in full working condition, you should be able to easily raise and lower the door without exerting any undue pressure or strength.If your garage door is stuck in the open position, pulling the cord will cause the door to come crashing down so make sure the door’s threshold is completely clear of people and objects before disengaging the automatic opener.
If you have any sort of problem pulling the garage door manual release, call a professional for assistance. You will have to pull firmly, but using the manual release should not require you to hang from the cord or take any other drastic measures. Challenges in pulling the release may indicate a more significant problem with the overall garage door system, or be a sign that you have a broken garage door spring. You can visually inspect the door for signs of wear and tear or obviously broken components, but it’s best at this point to lean on a professional for troubleshooting and repairs. What do you do once the power is back on and your automatic opener is working again? First, place the garage door in the closed position once again. Then push the button on your automatic opener. The trolley should quickly and easily reconnect with the tow bar arm during this process, and your automatic garage door opener will be fully functional again. Again, if you experience any challenges in reconnecting the automatic garage door opener, contact a professional.