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How Much Horsepower Do I Need in My Garage Door Opener?

Garage Door Opener Chamberlain 1/2 HP
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Garage Door Openers

There are some pretty heavy-duty garage door openers in the marketplace, but how do you know if you truly need one of these beasts? The answer depends on two key factors: how long you want the door to last, and the weight of the door overall. If you’re trying to lift a heavy double garage door, then the ½ horsepower opener is probably the right size for you. However, there are two other sizes to choose from as well, and they all work properly in the right situation.

Heavier Doors

Heavier doors, such as those made of heavy solid wood, require a ¾ horsepower oversized garage door opener in order to be successful. While you may be able to get away with a smaller size garage door opener for a while, the ¾ horsepower model will last longer and allow you to get much more use out of your garage door than a smaller model. The ¾ horse is the longest-lasting, but also the most expensive option.

Most Common Garage Door Opener

The ½ horsepower model is the most common, offering a good mix of quality and price. It can be used with either single or double doors and is extremely efficient as long as the door is balanced properly.

Lighter Doors

Finally, the 1/3 horsepower motor is best for steel doors or other lighter doors. If you use a 1/3 horsepower garage door opener on a heavier door, it will still lift the door but this will vastly shorten its life span—and garage door openers are not cheap!

Finding just the right size for your particular application can be dicey, so having a professional on your side who can help you select an option that provides you with what you need yet stays in your price range is priceless. Call Garage Door Pro today to learn more about our different sizes of garage door openers and competitive prices.

Sources:

How much horsepower does the motor for my residential garage door opener need?

Garage Door Opener Buying Guide

What size opener (horsepower) is best for my garage door?

Garage Door Pro

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