The newest generation of garage door openers are reasonably priced, safe and easy to install and they are no longer a convenience for only a select few. You should consider changing your existing garage door opener if it is too old or if it has an old garage door opener motor or pulley system.

Popular electric garage door opener brands include Genie, Sears Craftsman, Chamberlain, Liftmaster and Stanley and are based on three different types of drive system: screw drive system, chain drive system or computer controlled system.

The screw drive system has a mechanism that moves the length of a steel rod; it is a lifting mechanism that is mounted in your garage ceiling. Many people believe garage opener repair costs are lower with these models because they do not use chains that can break.

The chain drive system door opener is made of a chain that moves the door along a pair of tracks; this is the most common and affordable system but also has the disadvantage of being extremely noisy.

The computer drive mechanism doesn’t use any screws or chains instead the system’s body is mounted above the door.

The speed and the horsepower are other factors used in selecting a new garage doors opener. A faster door means a more expensive one, but this feature reduces the waiting time in your driveway.

Even though it opens quickly, a door usually closes pretty slowly for safety. The power of the motor is important in choosing a door because it has to have enough power to raise the door; a large motor is likely to last longer. Also the quietness of the motor should be another factor in which model to buy.

Enhanced security features can be found in the newer generation door opener that uses random codes. A new random code is generated each time the garage door opener clicker is used to open the garage door. This security code prevents you from opening another garage and vice versa and makes it harder for thieves who often troll neighborhoods with universal garage door opener remotes trying to activate unsuspecting homeowner’s garage doors.

Remote control garage door openers may be found in several models with a different number of buttons. A multiple button remote control is the best choice for someone who has several garages. Don’t have your garage door opener remote handy? No problem, many modern garage door openers feature a fixed controller that is mounted on the wall either inside or outside, near the garage door and it allows the garage door to open without a remote controlled opener.

Safety features are present on every garage door. These features prevent the door from crushing objects or people by reversing the direction if it hits something. This safety feature is triggered by an electronic beam and it is mandated by law. A computer-controlled mechanism can detect or compensate for varying conditions, for example if the door is coming in contact with an obstruction or is closing too fast.