Garage Door Opener - DIY Chatroom

Burat · 05-06-2007, 04:55 PM

I have an 8X 7 and a 16X7 garage doors to be installed soon - the installer states that I don't need but a 1/2 hp opener ( I had wantred to put in a 3/4 Chamberlian belt drive opener).
He states that the 3/4 hp opener (which has the standard battery backup) may present more reliability issues bec of the battery backup. Anyone have any experience w/ this garage door opener? And should I go w/ the 1/2 hp opener (cost difference is only $30)?

warnerww · 05-06-2007, 05:54 PM

Do not know anything about the brands but a 1/2 horse is enough power. Both doors when installed correctly will take the same amount of force to open. Thanks to the torsion spring. However you should get what you want not what the contractor wants you to have ( in my opinion anyway)

Ron6519 · 05-06-2007, 07:43 PM

The garage door opener HP has nothing to do with the doors ability to go up or down. The doors weight is counter balanced by the springs. If the opener had to lift it under it's own steam, it would need alot more then 3/4 HP.
If you look at these openers, you will see that the higher the HP rating, the more options available. 1/2 HP is more then enough.
Ron

**joasis** · 05-06-2007, 11:51 PM

My personal choice is always a screw drive operator....smoother, but does require a little maintenance. As stated above, HP means very little in garage door applications, if the door is correctly installed. We just installed a 16 high by 24 wide insulated door, very, very heavy. 4 - 6 inch diameter by 4 feet long torsion springs, and the operator horsepower is only 3/4. And this is a commercial application.