Most automatic garage door openers fall into three categories based on their drive mechanisms:

• Chain Drive – By far the most common and least expensive opener, this model uses a chain running along a center track to open the door.
• Screw drive – Powerful and slow-moving, a screw drive opener relies on a long threaded rod to open the door smoothly. This type of opener usually requires the least amount of maintenance.
• Belt drive – The quietest and most expensive type of garage door opener, a belt drive design uses rubber belts to open the garage door.

Other considerations when choosing an automatic garage door opener include:

• Motor Size – Choose a motor that is appropriate for the size of door. Usually at least ˝ HP motor is recommended for a 16 ft double garage door.
• Controls – A wide variety of door opener controls and transmitters are available, including fixed keypads and keychain remotes.
• Security – New garage door openers use an enhanced security system by which the opener’s security code is automatically changed each time the door is opened by the remote transmitter. This prevents code stealing

For information on garage door opener maintenance, refer to your door opener owner’s manual.

Possible problems with the door opener can include:

• Lack of power caused by a blown fuse, tripped circuit breaker or disconnected power cord. If a fuse is blown or circuit breaker is tripped, take caution as the root cause of the problem could be an electrical short, jammed opener or jammed door.
• Issue with the door opener remote or transmitter. This can be something as simple as battery replacement, a lose wire or improper programming. Refer to your door opener owner’s manual for more information.
• If the opener goes up but does not close the door, the issue may be with the photoelectric safety devices located approximately one foot above the floor on each side of the door. If these devices are out of alignment, blocked or the wiring to them is broken the door will not close.
• If the door opener operates, but does not close or open the door completely, the issue could be that the opener’s limit switches are out of adjustment. Refer to your door opener owner’s manual for more information.
• Other common problems with an opener include issues with the internal parts:
  • Bad motor
  • Damaged or stripped gears
  • Broken belt or chain
  • Bad internal electronics

Even though most internal parts on a garage door opener can be repaired, it is usually easier and more economical in the end to replace it with a new garage door opener.