A garage door is a big investment for your home, so you want to ensure it functions as effectively as possible. A garage door motor has a major impact on how well the door works. If you are interested in possibly upgrading your garage door motor to improve the functionality of your door, the following information may be helpful.

How to Choose Your Garage Door Motor

The first thing you have to determine is the size motor required for the door. The door's size is the primary consideration, but you also need to think about the longevity and quality of the motor.

Cheaper motors can open and close the door, but these models may not last as long as motors of higher quality. If you want a long-lasting garage door motor, consider making a larger investment. However, do not just look at the price of the motor to determine quality. You have to do your research to find out which motor is actually going to meet the needs of your home.

As you do your research, look at the different features available. Some features contribute to higher-priced models but do not have anything to do with the power of the motor. You may be paying for more bells and whistles while you miss out on the added power you need to open and close the door.

You can potentially save money by skipping certain features you do not want and still get a strong motor for your garage door.

Types of Garage Door Motors

You can choose from two motor types. The most common garage door motor is an alternating current motor. This motor allows the door to open and close at consistent speeds. The second, a direct current motor, opens and closes at variable speeds, starting slowly then increasing and decreasing in speed as necessary.

Both motor options work well, but you can discuss the options with your garage door technicians to see which would be best for you.

As you choose which type of garage door motor you want for your home, you need to think about the level of force each type provides. Alternating current motors measure force in horsepower. Direct current motors measure force and power in newtons. Both types of power are slightly different but provide similar results.

Who Can Install a Garage Door Motor

A professional is the best person to install a garage motor. A garage door can pose a significant danger. Professional installation guarantees the job is done correctly and safely. A garage door spring can break at any time. If you are standing beneath the door and a spring or another component suddenly breaks, you can suffer serious injuries.

Professional garage door installers are best suited for this job. They not only have the skills and expertise to install your garage door motor, but they know how to do the job safely.

Expectations When You Install a New Garage Door Motor

Once a garage door motor is properly installed, you could open the door by hand if you needed to. Garage doors use springs to balance the weight to help offset the heaviness of the door. The springs work in concert with the motor to help you open the door with one hand.

If you cannot open the door by hand, the motor will have to work more. After you install a new motor, the door will open more easily.

Your garage door is an important part of your house. Always work with a quality business as you choose your motor and schedule installation. We at Anderson Door Company are ready to help you with all your garage door questions and concerns.