- 1). Determine what type of "drive" you want. The drive is what lifts the garage door, and there are 3 types: computer, screw, and chain. Computer and screw drives are the quietest and the most expensive. Chain drives tend to rattle, but they can save you money.
- 2). Determine how much horsepower you need to lift your garage door. The amount of horsepower you require depends on how your garage door is constructed. Some doors are aluminum, which is lightweight. Lightweight doors require a minimum of 1/4 horsepower. Other garage doors are constructed of metal and wood panel, which can weigh quite a bit. If you have wood and metal doors or dual-panel doors, you will need a minimum of 1/2 horsepower.
- 3). Review the warranty. Some warranties extend for 5 to 15 years. Other warranties last only for 3 years.
- 4). Review the closing safety mechanism. For instance, some doors stop or lift when they hit an obstruction. Some doors, however, continue to close regardless of what gets in their way.
- 5). Review the remote control code, and make certain it uses a modulating code. Modulating codes change frequently and ensure that only your remote control can open the garage door.
- 6). Review the options and accessories that come with your garage door opener. For instance, some garage door openers can be programmed to match controls within your vehicle, which keeps you from having to carry around a master remote control unit.
- 7). Review the basic lighting features. Many garage door openers, for instance, have temporary lighting that comes on as soon as the door opens.
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