On Sunday, October 8, 2017 at 7:00:49 AM UTC-4, Meanie wrote:
On 10/8/2017 6:39 AM, Bob wrote:
Hello,

Thanks for suggestions re my son's automatic garage door opener cycling
by itself. (single door garage; typical home garage and door)

It's a pretty old unit, and does not even have the optical safety door
stops.

So, perhaps it's time to consider a new one.
Haven't looked at these things in many years.

So, let me please ask:

a. What are the "name" brands these days, and even more important, which
brands to stay away from ?

b. What "features" do we want to be sure to get with ?
Â*Â* e.g., Type of "Drive" ?
Â*Â* Options to consider ?

c. anything else we should be asking ?

BTW:Â* what's the typical price for one, with installation these days ?

Thanks,
Bob


IMO, Chamberlain, which is made by Liftmaster who also make Craftsman,

If the garage is attached, I suggest a belt drive for quietness. IF you
want connection to the internet, get the Chamberlain My-Q. You can
control the door via phone app as well as be alerted when the door opens
and closes. Chamberlain also offers other controllers for lamps and
devices which you can turn on/off from the app. Great when/if you're on
vacation.

Price varies on the type of features and drive, and if you get internet
connection but typically $200 to $300.

I have a Liftmaster that's 33 years old now, it's the main opener and
still working. I also have a Craftsman on the second door, 10 years
works fine too. I've had another Craftsman in another house, no
problems with that either.

Noise and whether to go with a belt, I'd say it's more than just if
it's an attached garage, it's where the garage is located. If it's
adjacent to a bedroom, that's usually when noise becomes an issue.

How much they are now, IDK, that Craftsman one 10 years ago was ~$150,
I put it in myself. Whether it's worth more for extra features,
eg to be able to check on the door, close it via internet, is a
personal choice. On mine, it would be nice to have a feature where
it alerts if it's open after a set time, like 10PM.