What You Should Know Before Choosing a Garage Door Opener
With so many garage door openers on the market, you may understandably be confused by the possibilities. One of the initial differences between the products is the power of the garage door motor. To determine the motor strength that is the best fit for your home and needs, you must take into account your door’s weight and dimensions. Keep in mind that the horsepower of the garage door motor can affect the opener’s functionality and lifespan.
Garage door openers are available with your choice of a chain system or a belt system. Chain systems are suitable for homes with a detached garage because they are louder. On the other hand, the quieter operation of a belt system makes it a preferred option for homes with an attached garage.
There are also variations in the features a garage door opener comes with. While all openers come with a garage door remote and a wall-mounted console for the interior of the garage, many now also have an exterior keypad for walk-up access. Some also have a smartphone app for accessibility from greater distances.
Other features include:
A security light
A manual release
A battery backup system
Rolling code operation for security
Programmable settings
Camera Systems
Motion Lights and more
If the garage door is greater than seven feet tall, an extension kit will be needed for the garage door opener installation.
While you also need to keep an eye on the garage door replacement cost, it is important to consider the benefits of professional garage door opener installation. The installation project can be daunting for an inexperienced homeowner to complete. It may be worthwhile to avoid the stress of a do-it-yourself installation project by hiring a reputable garage door company.
What to Know About Garage Door Opener Installations
Before you attempt to install your new garage door opener yourself, it is important to know what to expect. The reality is that installing your opener yourself can be a time-consuming, exhausting, and even dangerous project. In addition to potentially hurting yourself as you work on a ladder and install heavy equipment overhead, there is a chance that you may damage your home and your garage door in the process. This can lead to expensive and avoidable repairs. In addition, it can take an inexperienced homeowner several hours or longer to finally get the opener to work. Even after such effort, the opener may not work exactly as intended.
The garage door replacement cost should also be considered carefully. A quality garage door opener may provide you with up to 20 years of use, so it is worth investing in a quality opener that has the longevity you expect. Be aware that some advanced features may sound amazing, but these features may lead to more complex garage door opener installation efforts. They may also require greater maintenance efforts and the need to replace the opener sooner than you otherwise may need to. Your garage door technician can install your preferred opener correctly so that you enjoy maximum longevity from it.
Likewise, the cheapest garage door opener installation cost may not always be the best way to go. The unfortunate reality is that manufacturing processes for garage doors vary dramatically. Even systems that are installed perfectly may be prone to breaking, and this risk may increase if the opener is not installed properly. Proper installation promotes longer-lasting operation, better operation, and a better-looking unit in the garage.
The best installation company offers:
A labor warranty
Friendly, responsive customer service
Free up-front estimates
Be aware that garage door opener installation cost is not uniform from house to house. For example, beams in the garage may interfere with the desired placement of the opener. In some cases, the garage door may need to be modified in some way to accommodate the opener. Tall garage doors may require the installation of an extension kit. An experienced installation contractor may be able to pull some parts from your old opener if they are still in great condition.
Best Overall
Chamberlain - 4505T
Ultra-Quiet WI-FI Garage Door Opener
This ¾-horsepower opener is a great option for many homes because of its mid-level price combined with an array of premium features. Through the myQ app, you can control and monitor your garage door through your smartphone. This app is compatible with Amazon Key, which enables groceries and packages to be dropped off in the garage. It also comes with an ultra-quiet DC garage door motor with a soft start-stop function. Other exciting features include integrated Bluetooth tech, enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity, two garage door remote controllers, a wall control panel, safety sensors, and a wireless keypad.
Key Features
Steel Reinforced Belt Drive
Ultra Quiet DC Motor
2 Remotes and Outside Keypad Included
Soft Start / Stop (Gentle On Garage Door)
WiFi-Enabled Smartphone Control Built-In
2 Replaceable Light Bulb Slots (Max 100w each)
Best Budget
Chamberlain - D2101
Heavy Duty Chain Drive Garage Door Opener
If you are looking for the best value in an affordable garage door opener, the Chamberlain Heavy-Duty, Chain-Drive unit could be ideal for your home. It has a ½-horsepower garage door motor and durable steel construction for longevity. The unit is compatible with the myQ app for remote monitoring and control from any location via your smartphone. It also has 2.0-level security encryption that is available with 100 billion codes. This Chamberlain unit comes with safety sensors, a push-button wall unit, and a remote controller.
Key Features
Heavy Duty Chain
1 Remote
1 Replaceable Light Bulb Slots (Max 100w each)
Smartphone Control Capable (Add-On Required)
Low Cost
Best of the Best
LiftMaster - 87504-267
Secure View™ Ultra-Quiet Belt Drive Smart Opener with Camera, LED Corner to Corner Lighting™ and Battery Backup
This elite garage door opener from LiftMaster comes with all of the bells and whistles. It comes with a higher garage door replacement cost, but you may find that the features are worth the cost. Through the myQ app, you can enjoy remote control and monitoring as well as two-way audio communication and a built-in camera. It also has a unique lighting design with LED bulbs that cast light to every corner of the garage. It also comes with an ultra-quiet DC motor, a belt drive system, a battery backup feature, and secure Amazon Key deliveries.
Key Features
Steel Reinforced Belt Drive
Ultra Quiet DC Motor
2 Remotes and Outside Keypad Included (Limited Offer)
Soft Start / Stop (Gentle On Garage Door)
WiFi-Enabled Smartphone Control Built-In
Built-In Corner to Corner LED (2,000 lumens Very Bright)
Battery Backup (in case of a power outage)
LED Control Panel Display With Light On Motion Sensor
Built-in Camera/Video with 2-way audio
Best Wall-Mounted
LiftMaster -8500W
DC Battery Backup Wall Mount Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener
If you prefer to free up overhead space in the garage with the installation of a wall-mounted unit, this LiftMaster garage door opener should be considered. It stands apart from others with ultra-quiet operation from a DC garage door motor. This motor features a backup battery for operation even when the power goes out. Its Wi-Fi connectivity gives you control to its operation as well as its 1,500 lumens LED light. For added security, the opener turns the garage door’s deadbolt lock after the door closes. Plus, this opener comes with secure accessibility through Amazon Key.
Key Features
Wall-Mounted
Ultra Quiet DC Motor
1 Remote
Soft Start / Stop (Gentle On Garage Door)
WiFi-Enabled Smartphone Control Built-In
myQ Remote LED Light (1,500 lumens)
Battery Backup (in case of a power outage)
LED Control Panel Display With Light On Motion Sensor
Automatic Garage Door Deadbolt Lock
Why Choose Garage Door Nova For Your Garage Door Opener Installation
Regardless of the garage door opener that you decide to install, you understandably want to ensure that it functions properly from day one. Our company, Garage Door Nova, is a locally-owned garage door opener repair and installation company. Our team of licensed, insured and bonded technicians are available to install your garage door opener properly and without delay.
What can you expect from Garage Door Nova?
While there are numerous garage door opener installation contractors that you could request assistance from, we are the company that consistently goes above and beyond to provide excellent service to all of our customers. Specifically, our experienced technicians always work efficiently so that our customers can enjoy the use of their new garage door opener as soon as possible. We even offer same-day installation in most cases. Our team also focuses on providing exceptional customer service from the first phone call until after the work is completed. Because of our focus on delivering a great customer experience, we have almost all five-star reviews from previous customers.
You may think that garage door opener installation costs would equate to a small fortune, but we always maintain fair and reasonable pricing. More than that, we provide free up-front estimates, and we always disclose all fees to our customers. While our rates for garage door opener installation are affordable, we stand behind the quality of our work with a 5-year labor warranty on garage door openers.
Many of our customers at Garage Door Nova have a growing concern about the environment. While they want or need a new garage door opener in their home, they are concerned about generating waste. After all, the old garage door opener and the packaging for the new garage door opener could wind up in a landfill. While this may be the case with some installation contractors, it is not the case at Garage Door Nova. Our technicians take a proactive approach to deal with waste. We always recycle steel and cardboard waste from the installation projects we work on.
Do you need special guidance on the selection of a new garage door opener that is ideal for your needs? Are you ready to schedule installation service for the garage door opener you have recently purchased? At Garage Door Nova, we are always happy to answer questions so that our customers can make a well-informed equipment selection. We are also available to deliver a free estimate for the cost of installation upon request. With same-day installation service available, now is the perfect time to contact our team at Garage Door Nova.
Elaine reached out to us because the cables on her door were frayed. Having had previous bad experiences with other garage door companies overcharging her, she was a little apprehensive about having us come out at first. We assured her that we didn’t have a service fee and headed to her home for the free estimate.
Job Solution
Once the technician arrived, he found that her cables were indeed broken. The technician was able to replace the broken garage door cables on the same visit. Within an hour or so Elaine’s door was back functioning normally again.
This company and its employees ( specifically Roger) are outstanding in their customer service, professional presentation, and most of all quality of work. Roger answered all my questions, explaining in a way for this senior to understand. He covered the function of the garage door elements he replaced and how to keep them functioning. I truly appreciated the professionalism of Roger and this company, and I will recommend them to my friends who may need services. Garage Door Nova you are Top Notch 10 Stars! THANKS again!!!
Replace a Garage Door Opener
Silver Spring, MD
October 14, 2021
Job Details
Miles was in need of a new garage door opener. His previous opener was more than 18 years old, and more importantly not working anymore.
Job Solution
The solution for Miles was clear. He needed a new garage door opener to be installed. He had two vehicles, so he needed an opener that came with a remote for each car. Miles was also interested in having a wireless keypad on the outside of his garage for convenient entry. Lastly he wanted his new garage door opener to have the capability to be operated over wifi using an app. We installed a Premium Series Belt Drive Chamberlain B4505, which fulfilled all his needs. We also walked him through setting up the mobile MyQ app on his phone. Miles was very happy with his install and left us a great 5 Star Review.
I had been trying for several days to get a new garage door opener, but was not able to find someone that I was comfortable with. Then I found NOVA through Angie’s list. Brian came out and did an outstanding job of explaining what was involved and how much it would cost. The cost was very reasonable and Brian was super. He not only installed the opener, but he helped me get it linked to my cell phone and WiFi. Before leaving Brian explained and demonstrated to me how everything worked. Dealing with GDN was a wonderful experience and I will be using them for my future garage door needs.
Garage Door Installation
Upper Marlboro, MD
August 16, 2021
Job Details
Mr. Williams reached out to us looking for a new garage door to replace his old wooden garage door. The wooden door had begun to rot on the bottom panel. The garage door was original to the house, which was a little over 25 years old. Mr. Williams wanted his new door to be insulated and much quieter than his current door. He also requested that his new garage door have windows on top and be replaced ASAP.
Job Solution
We suggested that Mr. Williams purchase a new Clopay 4050 Insulated Garage Door with steel backing and a sunset array glass pattern to match the design of his previous door and the nearby houses in his neighborhood. An insulated door provides a bit more temperature resistance from the weather. Also the Clopay 4050 steel-backed garage door vibrates less during operation, so it was much quieter than Mr. William’s original wooden garage door. We were able to install the new garage door for Mr. Williams only three days after his initial call. The install went very smoothly with no problems. Mr. William is very happy with his new door and has added peace of mind knowing his door is warranted for five years.
Excellent service! Responded same day to my request on HomeAdvisor for garage door replacement with a site check to confirm door measurements and color. Provided detailed invoice/quote with links to door pamphlets. Upon request provided options for various R-Values on insulated doors. Assisted selection of specific door manufacturers based on in-stock status or wait times for other models. The technician installing the door was very professional and did a great job. Very pleased with this installation and this company. Thanks!
Best Budget
Chamberlain - D2101 Heavy Duty Chain Drive Garage Door Opener
