How to Select the Best Size and Horsepower Rating for Your Garage Door Opener
Selecting the right size and horsepower garage door opener will not only improve how efficiently your garage door operates, it will also help it last longer.
Garage door openers are labeled according to their size and horsepower. Openers with more horsepower tend to be bigger than less powerful openers, so unit size typically corresponds to the horsepower rating — the greater the horsepower, the bigger the unit.
If you’ve been wondering what size garage door opener you need, you’re in luck. The experts at Precision Garage Door Service have valuable advice about selecting the perfect opener size for your garage door.
What to Take into Account When Choosing a Garage Door Opener Size
The process of choosing a suitable garage door opener isn’t one size fits all. There are many aspects to consider in order to ensure you’re making the best choice for your situation. Some of the most common factors to consider are listed below.
- Door Weight and Size: Larger garage doors benefit from openers with higher horsepower ratings while standard-sized doors don’t need as much horsepower to operate efficiently.
- Door Material: Some heavier garage door types (such as wood) may require more horsepower than lightweight doors made of fiberglass or aluminum.
- Single or Double Doors: Double garage doors are typically heavier than single ones and therefore require more horsepower to lift.
- Noise: Motors with more horsepower can be louder than smaller ones. Also, an undersized motor may make more noise because it’s working harder to safely open and close the door.
- Cost: Which matters to you more: spending more upfront or spending more down the road? Openers with higher horsepower ratings initially cost more, but tend to last longer. Openers with lower horsepower ratings have a cheaper upfront cost, but you may end up spending more on repairs and replacement costs.
- Space: How much space do you have in your garage to accommodate the opener? Keep in mind that larger openers may have bigger motors that take up more space.
As you can see from the list above, there are several factors to consider before you make a final decision on what size and horsepower garage door opener you need. Consulting a professional is the easiest way to make the right choice.
Garage Door Opener Sizes
Garage door openers are found in three different sizes, which are determined by horsepower. Listed below are the various sizes, along with factors to consider when purchasing each type of opener.
Keep in mind that the advice below is based on the assumption that your garage door system is in good working condition. If your garage door is unbalanced or has other issues, you will need to contact a garage door professional for repairs.
1/3 HP Opener
The least expensive of the three types, a 1/3 HP opener is often used for single garage doors that are not heavy, such as steel, fiberglass, or aluminum doors.
Although it has the least amount of horsepower compared to other openers, it can technically lift any garage door. But because the long-term benefit for this class of opener isn’t high (greater risks of repairs), many homeowners opt for a garage opener with more horsepower.
1/2 HP Opener
This size opener is the most popular of the three and is recommended for single or double garage doors with average weight (e.g., a carriage-style door). It is the second cheapest of the three and has enough horsepower to lift most garage doors efficiently.
3/4 HP Opener
Oversized, large, and heavy doors, such as those made of wood, will need an opener with 3/4 horsepower. This size opener is recommended because it can handle heavier loads, will last the longest, and provide the best long-term outcome for your system. Although it’s the most expensive of the three, it offers the benefits of durability and longevity, which means fewer repairs and a longer time between replacements.
Let the Professionals at Precision Install Your Garage Door Opener
While selecting a garage door opener may seem like a relatively simple, straightforward decision, there are several important factors to consider before making a final choice.
And while all three types of garage door opener have benefits. Choosing the right opener size and horsepower can be the difference between a garage door system that operates efficiently and one that requires frequent repairs or replacement. Our garage door professionals can recommend and install the right size opener based on your current door style and size. We’ll also make sure your garage door is properly balanced and factor in the perks that are most important and beneficial for you.
Don’t let the decision of choosing the right size for your opener weigh you down. Give us a call or find the Precision Garage Door Service technician nearest you to get started on your garage door opener installation.
