When planning a garage door upgrade, one of the most important components to consider is the opener. The right one can affect everything from daily convenience and noise level to long-term performance and safety. 

Choosing the right garage door opener depends on several factors, including your garage’s layout, the door’s specifications, and your personal preferences for noise, power, and smart features. 

Is There Living Space above the Garage? 

Some garage door openers are quieter than others. If there is a living space above your garage, such as a bedroom or an office, a garage door opener may reverberate loudly through that room. That kind of noise can disturb the occupants, home office workers from meeting deadlines or children from getting a good night’s sleep. 

If keeping noise to a minimum is a priority for you, a jackshaft opener, which mounts to the front wall beside the door rather than the ceiling, can be your best option. Thanks to that, they greatly reduce the amount of vibration that is transferred to the room above the garage. Belt drive openers are likewise virtually silent because it uses a belt made from rubber or similar material, moving smoothly along a track. Just avoid chain drive openers as they are the noisiest type due to the metal chain that rattles noisily during operation. 

How Much Space is There above Your Door? 

Before selecting your opener, you should calculate how much headroom clearance you have. This measurement refers to the amount of space between the top of the garage door opening and the ceiling of the garage, and it may vary depending on the make and model of your door. Standard doors require 8 ½ inches (21.5 cm) of headroom clearance for the opener to operate; if your garage has less space than the standard requirement, a wall-mounted opener is the best option to free up overhead space while still offering efficient performance. 

Consider the Drive Type 

Garage door openers are available in a few different types, each with its own distinct advantages and drawbacks:  

• Belt Drive: These openers use a belt to open and close the garage door. It’s a quiet option that is also much faster than other drive types. However, it’s not as strong as others, which means you may want a different option if you have a heavier door. 
• Chain Drive: A chain drive opener works by using a chain to move the garage door trolley along the track. The chain is basically a larger version of a bike chain. It’s a common style that’s quite strong and less expensive than other options. However, it is a much noisier option and may even shake slightly, causing further vibrations throughout the ceiling. 
• Screw Drive: A screw drive replaces the belt or chain with a threaded metal rod that moves the trolley up and down to open and close the door. These types are fast and durable, and they work well with heavier and wider doors. Screw drives can be quite loud, however, making them more suitable for detached garages and workshops. 
• Jackshaft: Jackshaft openers are mounted to the wall next to the garage door rather than the ceiling above it. It’s a great option if you don’t have much overhead clearance. They also produce minimal noise and vibration, making them a nice silent option. However, they also come with a higher upfront cost, and they only work for sectional doors.  

Know What Kind of Lifting Power You Need 

Different openers have different lifting capacities. A garage door opener’s power is measured in horsepower, with opening ranging from ⅓ HP to ¾ HP The size and weight of your garage door determines what kind of lifting power you need:   

• ⅓ HP openers are best for single car garage and lightweight steel garage doors.   
• ½ HP openers are the most popular option for single and double garage doors that are between 8 and 12 feet wide. They can handle any door material, whether composite, aluminum, or steel. 
• ¾ HP are best for larger and heavier doors such as those made from wood.  

Your instinct may be to simply get the most powerful opener available, but we caution against that; it’s important that your opener and door are compatible with each other. Using an opener that’s too powerful for your door can lead to premature wear and tear, excessive noise, and even safety risks from too much force.  

Don’t Forget Safety and Security Features 

Safety is always a priority when it comes to your home. When looking at garage door openers, you want to select one with robust safety and security features. Auto-reverse functions are essential, stopping your garage door from closing if it detects objects in its path. A battery backup is also an important safety feature, allowing your door to operate even during power failures. 

Do You Want Smart Home Integration?  

Smart home integration is becoming increasingly popular in the modern world as homeowners prize convenience and connectivity more than ever. Many new models of garage door opener are equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to monitor and control it from anywhere via integrated smartphone app.  

With real-time alerts and notifications, you can stay informed if your garage door has been left open or if there is any suspicious activity. You can act quickly if your door has been left open or if anyone tries to tamper with it, giving you security, peace of mind, and better energy efficiency.  

Call Creative Door Services for Genie Garage Door Openers 

At Creative Door Services, we know that the garage door opener is what really makes your garage tick. We have a robust inventory of garage door openers, including from Genie, one of the most trusted brands in the business. Whether you’re looking for an ultraquiet model with smart integration or you need one with the horsepower to lift your heavy door, you can trust us to have exactly what you need.  

With over 55 years of experience in the garage door industry, our expert team can also install and maintain your opener for you, providing you with the convenience and value you expect from professionals. When you’re looking for a new door opener, call Creative Door Services. You can find us in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba to request a quote.