Since they are fairly simple and reliable devices, many homeowners tend to overlook their importance. With new models released each year offering increased convenience, safety, and other features, it may be worth considering a new garage door opener. In this article, we've put together some reasons why you might want to consider an updated model, even if your current garage door opener still works fine.
energy efficiency
Many modern garage door openers are designed to use less electricity -- especially those that use a DC motor. Often, these corkscrews are also designed to go into sleep mode after a few minutes to reduce energy consumption. Some even have built-in LED lights, which are more efficient and extend the life of the corkscrew. No more replacing burned out bulbs.
Improve security
Garage door openers manufactured after 1993 are required by law to have a reverse mechanism for added security. This safety feature utilizes two sensors that transmit an invisible beam of light to each other. If something blocks the beam while the door opener is running, the door will immediately stop closing and reverse its current path. If your current garage door opener lacks this critical safety feature, a new garage door opener is highly recommended.
Improve security
Since older garage door openers use fixed codes, anyone with a similar or dedicated remote can open someone else's garage door. Considering that most garages have access to the rest of the house, this flaw poses a significant security threat. To address this, new garage door openers use "rolling codes" that change the communication code used between the remote and the opener each time the garage door is operated remotely, each time from over 100 billion possible codes choose. If you're currently using a fixed combination door opener, the added security alone may make upgrading to a new garage door opener worth the investment.
Old corkscrews are often noisy (as are cheap new corkscrews)
Traditional garage door openers use a chain drive system and an alternating current (AC) motor. Even with proper care and maintenance, these corkscrews can still make a big splash. Due to advances in technology, newer corkscrews are equipped with DC (direct current) motors that run more quietly. The noise produced can vary widely, and that alone tends to push people to upgrade their corkscrews. Some are belt-driven, which also helps make them quieter.
New technologies for our connected world
Many newer corkscrews have built-in wifi, which allows the corkscrew to connect to your internet router. Once connected, you can download a free app for your phone or tablet that allows you to operate or monitor your door anywhere in the world with an internet connection. This makes it easy to let friends or service staff come in. These openers can also be used in conjunction with many home automation/security systems that have become very popular over the past decade.
backup power
Another downside of past garage door openers is that they don't operate during a power outage. This can be a small problem or a big one, depending on your current backup parking situation. More modern garage door openers can now be equipped with battery backup/power supplies that will automatically detect power outages and allow your garage door opener to continue to function normally.
