Garage door openers have populated homes across America since the early 1900s, but they’ve come a long way since then. While yours might continue to combat Father Time, it might be smart to replace that older model with a new system and all of the advantages that it brings. Only you can decide on the right time to change your garage door opener — here are some reasons to consider the switch.
Create a Safer Environment
While your old opener might still work reliably, it’s likely not as safe as it should be. Any models created before 1993 technically do not meet a federal law that made it mandatory for garage door openers to utilize automatic reversal systems. This technology uses photoelectric sensors to detect obstructions in the door’s path, and it will send an instant signal to immediately halt the door’s cycle and force it to move back upward.
If you’re expecting younger children around your home or if you’re getting older, it might be wise to invest in a new opener that will lessen the chance of injuries.
Reduce Your Likelihood of Breakages
All technology wears out over time, and garage door openers are no different. This dilemma applies to openers from 1988 or 2008, as repeated use can cause a series of problems. Safety sensors can burn out, as can the opener’s motor, and mechanical components — like springs and rollers — can break too. These repairs can be expensive, and they can quickly build up for older systems that show signs of wear.
Eliminate Noisiness
You might have noticed that old openers carry a significantly louder operating system than newer ones. That’s partially because of the clanky chain drive that many models used to rely on. For most residential models, this method has since gone by the wayside in favor of a reinforced rubber belt that runs much more smoothly. Belt drives are also quieter compared to the chain drives of the past. Here are some key differences between the two:
- Chain drives: If you’re unsure whether you have a chain drive, check out your garage door — you should see a chain similar to one you would see on a bicycle. Chain drives are highly durable, but they do require lubrication to keep everything working smoothly and free of corrosion and rust.
- Belt drives: The newer and innovative belt drives use rubber instead of chains. Because of this, belt drives will rarely require maintenance. They’re also relatively silent, unlike chain drives which you’ll likely be able to hear inside your home. With their longevity and silent operation, belt drives are a great option for residential homes.
Motor units have also changed, and those alternations have also helped to decrease noise. Instead of the old AC-type motors, which often featured a jarring shudder, openers now use DC-type motors that run reliably, quietly and efficiently. DC motors handle speeds better, as they can regulate how quickly the door moves, which prevents abrupt bangs and stoppages.
Increase Your Home’s Security
Fixed code systems became popular in the 1970s, as people grew tired of catching other opener frequencies on their controllers and, subsequently, inadvertently opening each other’s doors. While fixed codes solved that problem, they also became vulnerable to thieves, who could use a machine to hunt down your code and use it to open the door at their leisure.
New systems now use rolling codes, which became popularized in 1996 by LiftMaster. These systems change the opener’s code every time you activate the control, thus making it virtually impossible for thieves to duplicate it.
Get Peace of Mind With a Battery Backup
If you’ve ever experienced power outages or opener malfunctions, you likely needed to engage manual mode in opening your door. You can install new systems that have backup batteries onboard, which automatically turn on once it detects a disconnect from the primary power source.
Take Advantage of Wireless Features
If you’re getting into the smart home craze, you can benefit from the latest opener generation’s implementation of Wi-Fi and smartphone connectivity. Here are a few advantages to using smart technology for your garage door opener system:
- Convenience: If you have your phone on you, then you’ll just need to press one button to be in full control of your garage door. No more having to track down or share one remote control — now you can just open an app and open your garage from anywhere. Smart technology puts everything in one central location — your phone — so can save time and energy.
- Safety: In the past, mistakes might happen — someone might get locked out because they don’t have a garage door opener on them. If it’s cold or nighttime, this could pose a real safety hazard — especially if it’s a child. With smart technology’s innovative safety features, you can open up your garage door from anywhere, giving you the power to alleviate any of these problems.
- Security: It’s easy to forget if you closed the garage door when you leave home. Smartphone connectivity allows you to monitor garage door activity and receive notifications when it opens or closes. You can even create a custom schedule that tells your garage door when to lock based on your typical workday. This security will add a sense of peace to your day and free up your mind to focus on more important endeavors.
You can find an app that meshes with your system, and that will open up a variety of possibilities. You can use it to control the lock on your garage from basically any location, and it can alert you when the door opens. Depending on the other technology you use, some of these apps can also inform you about temperatures, allow you to control lights and pre-program locking cycles.
Liberty Door and Awning Can Assist in Changing a Garage Door Opener
As one of the most prominent garage door dealers in New Jersey, we carry the best options for replacing your garage door opener. We’ll also provide you with excellent customer service, and you can be confident that your garage door will be in good hands. Contact us today if you need services or questions answered.