Investing in a New Garage Door Opener can be a daunting task. With so many New Garage Door options available for the consumers, it is very easy to get confused with all the new terminologies and technologies being introduced. Therefore, it is a better approach may be to look at what functionalities you might want then choose a new opener and motor size accordingly.

AC vs. DC Door Openers

There are two types of motor mechanisms available for garage door openers. AC systems that are alternating-current motors. The power of AC motors is measured in Horse Power or HP. The other type is called DC systems, i.e., direct current motors.

AC vs. DC Door Openers

AC vs. DC Door Openers

The power of DC motors is measured in Newton power or N. Both of these systems have different running mechanisms that result in different speed patterns but have similar technical performance. However, DC motors are preferable if low decibels of the motor is also a factor.

Understanding Motor Size Dilemma

The AC-powered motors come in ⅓HP, ½HP, and ¾ HP. in comparison, the DC-powered motors come in 500N or 700N. A 500N DC motor provides functionality similar to a ½ HP AC motor, and a 700N motor works similarly to a ¾ HP motor.

Garage doors that serve commercial purposes are more frequently used and are heftier in scale; these doors can have motors that run on ½ HP to 4HP or 5HP. On the other hand, garage doors used in residential buildings use 500N or ½ HP motors.

Smartphone Operated Garage Door

Smartphone Operated Garage Door

When buying for residential use, single door garage doors with usual dimensions of 9x7ft can easily be operated by a ½ HP or 500N motor. For a heavier double door that is usually 16x7ft in dimensions, motors with ¾ HP or 700N are a better choice.

Smartphone operated Garage Door

Another thing to consider, along with the motor size, is the added functionality that the garage door opener might offer. When investing in a garage door opener, people usually get their money’s worth in terms of lifespan, the added accessories, and the latest technology features. Many modern door openers come with a Wi-Fi connection; this enables them to be operated using a smartphone.

However, make sure that the garage door you buy with this feature comes from a reputed brand. Quality brands make it a point to constantly keep their software updated to prevent unauthorized use, aka hacking attempts.