For this post we ll talk specifically about residential garage door openers.
What size garage door opener for 1 car garage.
There are three levels of horsepower found in most garage doors.
Another unbeatable option when it comes to screw drive garage door openers is the genie excelerator 1 hp screw drive garage door opener.
For example if you would like to lift a double garage door one might suggest using a 1 2 horsepower because the door is heavier and larger.
If you have a traditional steel door that is one sided non insulated and without windows it could weigh as little as 150lbs even if it s 16 feet wide and 7 feet high much less if it s smaller.
Many homeowners have two cars and need garage space to shelter them both.
Ratings ranging from 1 2 horsepower to 1 1 2 horsepower are typical for residential models.
Many 16 x 7 garage doors will be designed with a pair of single 8 foot garage door bays separated by a central post or column.
An opener with at least 1 2 horsepower is common for residential use.
If the garage is the main entrance to your home or you have a one piece door or a heavy oversized garage door you ll probably need one with the lifting power of a 3 4 to 1 1 4 horsepower opener.
Garage door size and frequency of use.
If you have 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.
You also want to get a garage door opener that suits the size of your garage.
1 3 will be able to lift a one car garage door 1 2 is best for dual car or sectional doors around 300 pounds and 3 4 up to 1 5.
Some garage openers are more potent than others and are better suited for large garages.
The horsepower needed for your garage door opener is dependent on whether or not you want a long lasting opener verses replacing it every few cycles or the size of the door.
1 2 horsepower garage door openers work well with standard aluminum doors in a residential garage.
These doors don t need too much power to open so you can buy a garage door opener that s around 1 3 horsepower as this will be more than enough to lift it.
The average garage door is around 8 x10 in size.
A 1 3 horsepower opener can handle most doors 10 feet wide by 8 feet tall made of lightweight material such as uninsulated steel.
Most garage door openers come in a range of 1 3 horsepower to 1 horsepower.
However most of us have single or two car garages in which case the products we will be reviewing of you will work just fine.
Many home builders do not consider this a structural necessity but a style and price choice for the homeowner.
Look for an opener that has the horsepower necessary for your garage door size based on size and weight.
What size is your door.
Heavier or one piece doors may require higher horsepower openers.