FAQs – Answers to the 10 Most Common Garage Door Opener Questions

How many types of garage door openers are available today?

You’ll find that garage door openers with a trolley are available in two styles. One uses a belt, and the other uses a chain. Of the two, the chain‑drive model is the quieter option. That’s important if you use the space above your garage. Chain‑drive models can use a full chain, or a chain/cable combination. Our recommendation is to use a full‑chain drive, rather than a combo model.

How many garage door opener motor sizes are on the market?

You’ll find that garage door opener motors come in two primary sizes – .5 and .75 horsepower. Those equate almost exactly to European models, which are measured in newtons (500 or 700 respectively). Note that a correctly balanced garage door should weigh no more than about 10 pounds (3.5 to 4.5 kilograms). You should be able to raise the door with just one hand, and that’s all the force that a garage door opener will provide. However, be aware that a .75 horsepower opener delivers enough power to move a door that might weigh up to 350 lbs. (160 kilograms), and it will deliver the same amount of downward force.

Where should I buy my garage door opener?

You have a wealth of choices here. You can most certainly buy your garage door opener from a big box DIY store if you want. However, note that these stores only carry 3‑part trolley garage door openers. That may not be an issue of your garage door isn’t used all that often. However, if you use your garage door daily, these models can wear out and fail quickly. We recommend going with a single‑piece trolley to ensure greater durability.

Our garage door specialists are familiar with most garage door opener makes and models on the market, including installation and troubleshooting. We’d be happy to recommend the right garage door opener for your home and your use need, and we can also offer a professional solution that includes the right components for your needs.

Can I install a garage door opener on my own?

Yes, you certainly can, but you’ll need to have at least a modicum of technical savvy, the right tools, and the time to handle it. We recommend having it professionally installed to ensure that everything’s working correctly, and that the automatic safety reversal system is installed right.

How can I be sure no one can open my garage door if I’m going out of town?

Depending on the model you own, there may be a control panel that allows you to block the signal from all remote controls to prevent unauthorized access, while still operating your garage door from the panel itself. However, it’s simpler just to unplug the opener when you leave. You can plug it back in and reprogram your remote when you return. The entire process should take under two minutes.

How do I reprogram the remote if there’s a power outage?

Power outages are a fact of life, and reprogramming a remote is simple. You’ll need to climb up to the opener motor and look on the back of the housing to find the instructions.

Why does my garage door automatically reverse after it starts closing?

This is a pretty common concern, and it’s almost always to do with the automatic reversal system. Since 1993, all automatic garage door opener systems sold in North America have been required to have these. This photoelectric system consists of two photo eyes, one located on each side of the garage door, a few inches off the floor. If the eyes are not perfectly aligned, or something is blocking the photo beam, the door will not close.

Can I get a backup battery for my garage door opener?

Yes, you can get a backup battery for some garage door opener models, including the LiftMaster 8550W. It can offer about 20 hours of normal operation in the event that your power goes out.

How does MyQ work?

MyQ is a smartphone app that is designed to allow you to use a Wi‑Fi connection to activate your garage door from anywhere in the world. It does not rely on radio frequency, and does not need your remote.

How much will I spend on a garage door opener?

The answer to this question is “it varies”. If you purchase a professional‑grade .5 horsepower belt‑drive model, you’ll pay $350 to $400 or so. Installation will usually run you around $125 if you choose to have it installed at the same time as a new garage door.

Your Question Not Answered?

Was your question not on the list? If so, contact us at any time. Call us at 1-800-696-1926. You can also stop by the showroom, or we’d be happy to send you a quote via email. If you’re considering a new garage door, we invite you to use our Design Centre to see how one of our models will look on your home. You can also see real‑world examples in our image gallery.