When choosing a garage door opener, it is important to consider the size of your garage door and how often you use it. Here are some guidelines to help you determine the appropriate size of garage door opener you need:
- For a standard aluminum door in a residential garage, a 1/2 horsepower garage door opener should work well.
- If your garage door is the main entrance to your home, or if you have a one-piece or oversized door, choose an opener with the lifting power of a 3/4- to 1 1/4-horsepower.
- For a sectional double-car garage door, a 1/2-horsepower motor should be sufficient, but a higher-power model will operate with less effort and less wear and tear on the motor.
- A one-car garage door will require an opener with 3/4 horsepower, while a two-car door will need 1 horsepower.
It is also important to consider the amount of clearance overhead that your garage door opener will need. Most automatic openers require at least 12 inches of clearance overhead, while some require 18 inches. If your garage door is 8 feet high or more, you will need an extension rail to ensure that the door opens completely.
