Best Automatic Garage Door Openers for Seniors
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As we get older, some of the things that we once took for granted in life, like opening the garage door, can become a little more challenging.
But this certainly should not mean that your life should be limited because of this. An automatic garage door opener can give you the freedom to use your garage without having to get out of your car and will allow you to operate the door more safely.
Automatic Garage Door Openers Comparison Chart
Chamberlain B970 Belt Drive Garage Door Opener | beamUP The Centurion BU800 Garage Door Opener | Chamberlain RJO70 Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener | Genie QuietLift Smart Garage Door Opener | Chamberlain B6765 Smart Garage Door Opener with Camera | |
Drive System | Belt drive | Belt drive | Direct drive | Belt drive | Belt drive |
Horse Power | 1 1/4 | 1 1/4 | N/A | 1/2 | 1 1/4 |
Rail Length | 9.4 ft | 7 ft | 7 ft | 9 ft | 7 ft |
Wi-Fi Compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Smart Home Compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Battery Backup | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mounting Location | Ceiling | Ceiling | Wall | Ceiling | Ceiling |
Product Weight | 37.1 lbs | 33.4 lbs | 36.9 lbs | 29.9 lbs | 32.2 lbs |
Dimensions | 26.8" (D) x 13.4" (H) x 8.1" (W) | 26.4" (D) x 13.8" (H) x 7.9" (W) | 10" (D) x 28" (H) x 12" (W) | 28" (D) x 12" (H) x 8.5" (W) | 26.8" (D) x 13.4" (H) x 8.1" (W) |
Warranty | Drive system (limited), motor (limited), parts (5 years) | Motor (lifetime), parts (5 years), accessories (2 years) | Motor (lifetime), parts (5 years), accessories (1 year) | Drive system (15 years), motor (limited lifetime), parts (5 years), accessories (1 year) | Drive system (lifetime), motor (lifetime), parts (5 years), accessories (1 year) |
Price |
What is a Smart Automatic Garage Opener?
A smart automatic garage door opener is a device that is used to open the garage without having to manually perform the task. They come in two different forms; a device that will fit onto the existing garage door or an entirely new door with built-in smart features.
These garage door openers can be operated automatically using either a remote control or a smartphone app. They operate on a Wi-Fi signal and make use of some of the latest in smart home technology.
There are many features that you can make use of, depending on the type of garage door opener that you have but one of the most notable is the ability to lock or unlock the door remotely. If you have driven away from home only to realise that you forgot to lock the door, there is no need to return to do this.
What Are the Benefits of an Automatic Garage Door Opener?
Using an automatic garage door opener may feel a little daunting, particularly if you are not used to this type of technology. But these devices are easy to get to grips with and worth the learning curve as they provide so many benefits to the user. Some of these benefits include:
- Improved safety – One of the most important benefits to any equipment that serves to make your golden years easier is safety. You might not think it but operating a garage door manually does pose a safety risk. Primarily, when you are opening or closing the door, you may find that you struggle and this can heighten your risk of slipping and falling. This applies especially to those whose mobility has become impaired during old age. When you have a smart garage door opener installed, you will be able to operate it using a remote control or with an app on your smartphone. This will eliminate the risk of having an accident while using the door.
- Greater convenience – If you have ever returned home during bad weather and had to get out of the car to open the garage door, you will know how quickly you can become wet, cold, and miserable. However, using a smart garage door means that you no longer have to get out of the car to open the door; simply press a button and drive right in. When you are out of the car or have driven out of the garage, there is no need to hang around and attempt to close the door again because your smart device will take care of that for you too.
- Improves visibility – As we get older, it is not uncommon for us to develop problems with our vision and this can make moving around in low light much more challenging and dangerous. One of the greatest benefits of installing a smart garage door is that many of them come with built-in lights which will brighten the garage and make getting in and out the car much safer and easier.
- Protects against potential intruders – Many seniors are understandably concerned about the security of smart home features and worry that they may not provide as much defence against potential intruders. The good news is that there are some automatic garage doors that have a vacation mode. This can be activated when you are going to be away from home overnight, or for a prolonged period of time. When engaged, this mode will prevent the garage door from opening until you deactivate it. What’s more, there are some models that have a security camera which can be a deterrent in itself but should anyone attempt to enter without your consent, you can feel confident that you will be able to identify the intruder.
- Energy efficient – Not only is a smart garage door incredibly energy efficient with many models priding themselves on this but they also offer some very intuitive features. One of these features is the ability to schedule when the garage door will be open and when it will close. If you return home at the same time every day, you can program the door to be open upon your return using the scheduled opening and closing feature. This can be done using the controls on your smartphone app and can be done from anywhere; you don’t need to be at home to get set up. What’s more, with automatic closing set up, there won’t ever be an issue with forgetting to close the door which further adds to your home’s security.
Types of Drive Systems for Garage Door Openers
When it comes to choosing the right type of smart garage door for your needs, there may be several things you need to consider. One of the most important is the type of drive system you will use and understanding how each one works can make you better equipped to decide.
Chain Drive
A chain drive garage door openers operates using a track to which the door is attached using a chain. As this chain moves along the track, the door can be opened or closed, depending on the direction it is moving.
These are reliable systems that are very common however, there is an issue with these types of systems being that they can be quite noisy. If you have a bedroom above the garage, this could cause a disturbance to the occupant if you regularly come home at unsociable hours.
That being said, these are a very affordable choice and while being one of the oldest types of system, are known for their reliability and robust design.
Belt Drive
The belt drive automatic smart garage door is one of the popular choices. On the interior side of the garage, a T-shaped track will be installed centrally on the ceiling. The garage door is attached to this trap using a reinforced rubber loop which pulls the door open and closed as it moves along the track.
One of the reasons that this is such a popular choice is that it offers very smooth and quiet operation. However, you will need to make sure that you select the correct horsepower motor for your garage door as larger, heavier doors will need more power to move them.
Another advantage of this type of system is that the belt drive will not require huge amounts of maintenance owing to the presence of fewer moving parts.
Screw Drive
Rather than using a push and pull system like the automatic garage door systems we have looked at so far, a screw drive system makes use of a trolley which rides on a threaded steel rod and is powered by a motor.
While the screw drive system is excellent because it does not require a lot of maintenance, it does tend to be a little noisier than some of the other options. What’s more, they may be simple but they can cost a little more to install and tend to be sensitive to extreme temperatures which may cause them to malfunction.
That being said, these systems are very reliable and have an impressive amount of power. For this reason, they are often used on homes where the garage door is much larger or heavier.
Jackshaft
The jackshaft automatic garage door system is one of the more recent options and as such, is proving to be very popular. It operates on a system of pulleys and cables which are connected to a torsion bar are moved with the assistance of a motor. When the door needs to open, the cables will tighten and will relax again to close the door.
These systems are incredibly quiet and smooth and while they may cost a little more, they are ideal for homes where the garage ceiling cannot accommodate a track since the equipment is mounted on the wall.
Smart Garage Door Opener Buyer’s Guide
While it is essential to think about the type of garage door opener that you will have installed, there are many other things that you will need to consider. Take a look below for details on what you should be looking at when choosing your smart garage door.
Garage Door Configuration
If you are choosing a system that is installed on your existing garage doors, then you must make sure that what you choose is compatible with your door. You will need to think about the number of doors that the garage has. While many have a single door, some have two or three and in this case, you will need to choose a system that features a three-button transmission so that each door can be opened independently.
The best way to determine if the system will be compatible with your garage door will be to talk to the manufacturer. More often than not, they will have details of all the current garage door models in use and which system they are compatible with. If you find this information a little overwhelming, you can speak to the supplier directly who will be able to advise you further.
Horse Power
Horsepower refers to how much pull the motor is able to produce and what you need will depend how heavy your garage door is. For example, if you have a very large, solid wooden garage door then this will need significantly higher horsepower than a small aluminum door.
In most residential situations, the horsepower needed won’t exceed 1.5 but again, this is something you will need to discuss with your supplier. It is always better to go with a little more horsepower than you need than have the door struggle.
If you want a system that will be quiet, it is not only important to think about the drive system but also using the correct horsepower. Too low and the system will struggle, likely producing more noise. The best system to use for quiet operation is a belt drive system which will typically require around .5 horsepower for most installations but may require up to 1 horsepower for larger or heavier doors. At this level, you are also gaining greater speed and efficiency.
Connectivity
Depending on the cost of your garage door opener, there may be different connectivity options. For example, those on the lower end may be operated using a remote control. However, if you go for something a little more high end then it will likely benefit from Wi-Fi connection using your existing home setup.
This means that you will be able to control the garage door using your smartphone and an appropriate app. There may also be some that offer operation through voice controlled devices such as Alexa.
Battery Backup
Almost all automatic garage door systems operate using an electric motor but this does leave you at risk in the event of a power outage. In this instance, it is essential that you have some kind of backup and this typically comes in the form of a battery.
Safety Sensors
One of the most important things to think about when installing an automatic garage door opener is safety. You are likely installing this equipment as a way of improving safety, not lessening it but there is a risk of a serious accident if the door does not have a safety sensor.
In the United States, all automatic garage doors are legally required to have safety sensors so it is vital that you ensure yours does before it is installed. These sensors are usually located around six inches from the bottom of the door on either side and are connected by an invisible light beam. If this beam is interrupted, it sends a signal to the motor to reverse the direction to avoid hitting the obstruction. This is crucial if you have grandchildren visiting or pets.
Lighting
As we discussed earlier on, some models of smart garage doors come with lighting which can illuminate the garage and make getting in and out of the car in low light much easier and safer. In many cases, these lights use a motion sensor and will turn on upon detecting your arrival meaning that you do not have to set them or get out of the car to operate switches.
These lights can also assist with security. If an intruder were to attempt to enter your garage, the lights would turn on and this can act as an instant deterrent.
Security Camera
While lighting can provide a deterrent for intruders, the presence of a camera takes things one step further. Your garage is a vulnerable entry point of your home and it is essential that it is well protected.
Not only will a camera likely deter potential intruders, it will capture any suspicious or criminal activity giving you the peace of mind that, should anyone try to enter, you will have sufficient evidence to provide to the authorities.
Best Automatic Garage Door Openers
Having a good choice of automatic garage doors is certainly a bonus, but with too much choice, things can get a little confusing. That is why we have narrowed it down for you and have detailed some of the best products below.
1. Chamberlain B970 Smartphone-Controlled Belt Drive Garage Door Opener
A heavier garage door will need a smart opener that can take its weight and this one boasts Max Lift technology that will lift almost any garage door with 1 ¼ horsepower. Despite its abilities, it still manages to remain quiet which is perfect for not disturbing those in the home.
This garage door opener offers secure code encryption where the smartphone app is concerned so you never need to worry about security. The app can be used for operating the door, setting schedules, and will even send you notifications when the door is opened.
It also comes with a remote control and other handy features like a safety sensor and motion detectors should you want to install a compatible lighting kit.
Key Specs:
- Drive system: belt drive
- Horse power: 1 1/4
- Rail length: 9.4 ft
- Mounting location: ceiling
- Product weight: 37.1 lbs
- Dimensions: 26.8″ (D) x 13.4″ (H) x 8.1″ (W)
Pros
2. beamUP The Centurion BU800 Two Car Garage Door Opener
This 1 ¼ horsepower garage door opener is ideal for two door garages thanks to its ability to provide effortless lift. It is compatible with all doors up to 7ft but there is an option to purchase an extension kit for doors up to 10ft making this a versatile product.
The beamUp is a belt drive system which is quiet, smooth and strong. It has some handy features that make life so much easier including 3000 lumen LED lighting that spreads from edge to edge giving you maximum visibility.
What’s more, this garage door opener comes with two operation choices which include a wireless keypad or a smartphone app that connects using your home Wi-Fi.
Key Specs:
- Drive system: belt drive
- Horse power: 1 1/4
- Rail length: 7 ft
- Mounting location: ceiling
- Product weight: 33.4 lbs
- Dimensions: 26.4″ (D) x 13.8″ (H) x 7.9″ (W)
Pros
3. Chamberlain RJO70 Wall-Mounted Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener
If space is limited then a jackshaft garage door opener like this one will allow you to mount the device on the wall. This is perfect for garages where ceiling space is lacking and still comes with all of the functions you would expect.
For example, this garage door opener features Wi-Fi connectivity and can be used with the myQ app which will allow you to operate the door from anywhere. It works with Amazon Key for safe parcel delivery which gives you great peace of mind where security is concerned.
This garage door opener also boasts a backup battery for times when the power isn’t working. It offers quiet and smooth operation as well as automatic locking. When the door is closed, the system will automatically deadbolt it until you reopen the door.
Key Specs:
- Drive system: direct drive
- Horse power: n/a
- Rail length: 7 ft
- Mounting location: wall
- Product weight: 36.9 lbs
- Dimensions: 10″ (D) x 28″ (H) x 12″ (W)
Pros
4. Genie QuietLift Smart Garage Door Opener
Best Quiet Garage Door Opener – Genie QuietLift Smart Garage Door Opener
The Genie garage door opener is ideal for homes that have bedrooms or living spaces directly above the garage owing to its superior quiet operation. It is smooth and won’t cause a disturbance to those in the house but it also boasts many other features.
This garage door opener features a belt drive operation and a motor with Genie Sense which provides soft starts prolonging the life of your motor. What’s more, the opener comes with the Safe-T-Beam function to prevent accidents as well as a backup battery should the power go out.
The Genie door opener can be used with the Aladdin app which allows you to remotely control the door. It also comes with two pre-programmed remotes and will work with Alexa, so you have plenty of options.
Key Specs:
- Drive system: belt drive
- Horse power: 1/2
- Rail length: 9 ft
- Mounting location: ceiling
- Product weight: 29.9 lbs
- Dimensions: 28″ (D) x 12″ (H) x 8.5″ (W)
Pros
5. Chamberlain B6765 Smart Garage Door Opener with Camera
If security is a concern for you then this garage door opener equipped with a built-in camera and many other smart features to boost security might be right for you. The camera swivels 360º giving you a full and clear view of the garage as well as sending live streams directly to your smartphone or tablet.
The garage door opener is controlled by a smartphone app which allows you to operate it remotely as well as use two-way communication wherever you are. This strong belt driven device is made from top quality materials that will stand the test of time and offers smooth and quiet operation.
It comes with corner to corner LED lighting that shines 3100 lumens across your garage for excellent visibility. What’s more, there is a battery back-up in the case of a power outage.
Key Specs:
- Drive system: belt drive
- Horse power: 1 1/4
- Rail length: 7 ft
- Mounting location: ceiling
- Product weight: 32.2 lbs
- Dimensions: 26.8″ (D) x 13.4″ (H) x 8.1″ (W)