GARAGE DOOR OPENER



Question:
I need to get a new garage door opener. I went to Home Depot and they carry Genie brand costs around $190. for 1/2 HP. Installation fee is $50. At Sears (Craftman brand) has three types: chain, screw and belt rail, cost $170, $190 and $230 respectively. The chain and belt rail has keyless entry. Installation fee is $90. I'm a single mom with 4 kids (3 teen-ages and driving). I don't think we can install it ourselves. Any information is greatly appreciated.

Answer:
I'm much more partial to the Sears chain drive unit, though I know that many may say that the Genie is a superior product. It's more of a mater of personal preference. The belt drive units are said to be more quiet, but a properly installed chain drive unit can be just as silent. The screw drive units have too many plastic parts to wear out. You may check around first. The Sears Craftsman, LiftMaster and Chamberlain are all the same units with slightly different paint jobs. You may get a slightly better product by calling around to garage door companies. For example, my company often runs special pricing on a LiftMaster Chain Drive, installed for around $260. The main difference is that the rail that guides the chain is in one piece, rather than the 3 piece rail that comes with the opener you by at the store. It also has a continuos chain. The consumer model is half chain and half cable. The over-the-counter units have more places to break down over the years. You're also more likely to get a better installation from a garage door company. Most will also perform a complimentary tune up on your door when they install the opener. Places like Sears and HD hire subcontractors. Today they're putting up your opener, tomorrow they my be putting up a fence for somebody. Some do great work, but I've made a good deal of money fixing the messes of others. Try to be there when the opener is installed. It should run smooth and quiet. Don't let the tech. get away with leaving a unit that shakes, rattles the chain or makes any loud noises.





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