Residential Garage Door Openers

There are three main types of residential garage door openers: chain drive, belt drive and wall-mount (jackshaft). A chain drive opener uses a motor and a chain to move a trolley along a metal rail. A belt drive opener works the same way but replaces the chain with a steel-reinforced belt, making it quieter. A wall-mount opener is installed on the wall beside the door instead and turns the torsion spring shaft directly, with no rail on the ceiling.

Yes, a belt drive opener is quieter than a chain drive opener because its steel-reinforced belt eliminates metal-on-metal contact. It's recommended when the garage is attached to the house or when there's a living space, such as a bedroom, above it. It generally costs a little more, while a chain drive model remains a sturdy, budget-friendly choice for a detached garage. For a chain drive opener that's already installed, an optional vibration isolator kit can also help reduce noise.

The wall-mount opener, also known as a jackshaft, is the go-to choice when there isn't enough clearance between the top of the door and the ceiling to install a rail, or when the garage has a cathedral ceiling. Mounted on the wall beside the door, it frees up all the space overhead, which is ideal for overhead storage or a car lift. It's the quietest of the three types and generally the premium option in terms of price. It works only with a torsion spring system and requires a small amount of side clearance as well as a nearby electrical outlet.

LiftMaster offers three lines of garage door openers. The Premium Series is the top of the line, with the quietest, brightest and strongest openers, featuring battery backup and myQ smartphone control. The Plus Series is quiet and powerful, with bright LED lighting and myQ smartphone control. The Basic Series is the classic LiftMaster opener, with the essential features needed for reliable operation.

With LiftMaster DC motors, power isn't just about horsepower. They adjust their force to your door's needs for smooth, quiet and powerful operation. A 3⁄4 HP equivalent is suitable for most residential doors, while 1 HP or more is ideal for heavier or oversized doors. Your Garaga dealer will help you choose the perfect model for your door.

With the myQ app, you can open, close and monitor your garage door right from your phone. Get an alert as soon as it opens, close it remotely if you forgot, and let in family members or a service technician, even when you're away. Simple, secure and always within reach.

An electric garage door opener requires very little maintenance. Test the safety reversal system every month by placing an object in the door's path, and keep the safety sensors clean and properly aligned. Replace the backup battery about every two to three years. Finally, a well-balanced door extends the life of your opener. Leave inspection and maintenance to your Garaga dealer.

Two simple tests let you check your door's safety reversal system, ideally once a month. First, lay a 2x4 piece of wood flat on the floor, centered under the door, then close it: the door should reverse as soon as it touches the board. Second, while the door is closing, pass an object in front of one of the safety sensors: the door should stop and reverse immediately. If the door doesn't respond properly to either test, stop using it and contact your Garaga dealer.

Yes, these terms refer to the same device that operates the garage door: garage door opener, garage door motor and garage door operator are used interchangeably.

The price depends on the type of opener, the power your door requires and the features included. A belt drive model generally costs more than a chain drive, and a wall-mount model is usually the most expensive of the three. A wider or heavier door requires more power. Features such as battery backup, myQ connectivity, a built-in camera or lighting also add to the price.