Things To Consider Before Buying A Garage Door Opener

There's no denying that a garage door opener can simplify your life. This handy-dandy tool eliminates the need to get in and out of your car in order to open and shut your garage door. No more getting wet in the rain or getting cold in the snow. No more fumbling with keys to lock and unlock the garage door.

While a garage door opener is extremely convenient, there are a few things that you are going to want to know before you start shopping for one. Here's a look at the information you're going to want to gather before you head to the store.

How High Does Your Garage Door Go?

Garage door openers aren't one-size-fits-all. The standard height for a garage door is 7-feet, and that's the height that most garage door openers can accommodate. If your garage door is taller than 7-feet, you'll need to purchase an extension kit in order to make a standard garage door opener work, or you'll have to purchase an opener that is designed to accommodate the specific height of your door.

Safety is Key

Safety is extremely important when it comes to a garage door opener. These mechanical devices operate an extremely heavy door, and you want to make sure that it is as safe as possible.

Since 1993, all garage door openers have to be equipped with an electric eye. This safety feature causes the garage door to automatically reverse if something passes in front of it. For example, if a person, an animal or even a ball is in the way of the garage door, this safety feature will make the garage door automatically reverse.

Should You Install It Yourself or Hire a Professional to Install It?

If you're a DIY-er, installing a garage door opener yourself may seem like a relatively easy task; however, before you decide to take on this job yourself, really consider if it is something you can handle. Read the instructions. Do you feel comfortable working with the tools that are needed to install the opener? Do you know how to operate the components?

If installation seems confusing and you feel even the slightest bit unsure, skip doing it yourself and hire a pro. This isn't a job that has room for error. A garage door needs to be installed properly in order to ensure that it works properly. Your safety and the security of your home rely on proper installation.

Choosing the right garage door opener for your needs will ensure that it truly provides the convenience that you are want and need.