The answer depends on two key factors.
How many horsepower do you need for double garage door.
The horsepower needed for your garage door opener is dependent on whether or not you want a long lasting opener verses replacing it every few cycles or the size of the door.
Or horsepower.
Certain garage doors like those made out of wood can be extremely heavy.
One car garages with steel doors only need a 1 2 horsepower garage door opener.
How much horsepower does a garage door opener need.
For doors that are more than 16 feet wide or very heavy an even large opener that s 1 horsepower or higher can reduce strain on the motor.
The price difference is usually only 50 to 100 depending on the brand.
Up to 350 pounds.
Garages with carriage doors should opt for 1 hp garage door openers or higher.
These and oversized doors over 14 feet in width require a 3 4 hp opener in order for the component to function long term.
The horsepower garage door opener is by far the most popular because it can easily open both single and double garage doors although heavier than standard doors or improperly balanced doors will put a strain on the system.
If you re trying to lift a heavy double garage door then the horsepower opener is probably the right size for you.
How long you want the door to last and the weight of the door overall.
According to liftmaster the following is the recommended garage door opener horsepower by garage door weight.
Liftmaster does have weight ratings for their garage doors that we can use as a guideline.
Two car garages or one car garages with insulated or wooden doors need at least a 3 4 horsepower garage door opener.
The most commonly used garage door opener is the horsepower model as it provides a good combination of both quality and price and are almost always powered by dc motors for quiet performance.
While it s the most expensive option it s also long lasting and durable with the maximum amount of power.
For example if you would like to lift a double garage door one might suggest using a 1 2 horsepower because the door is heavier and larger.
Balance your garage door and take care of periodic maintenance.
While they will do the job effectively and are quite affordable a higher horsepower garage door opener.
However there are two other sizes to choose from as well and they all work properly in the right situation.
For very heavy or tall garage doors look at a 3 4 hp or even a 1 hp model.
If you have a sectional double car garage door a 1 2 horsepower motor should be sufficient but a higher power model will operate with less effort and less wear and tear on the motor.
Up to 150 pounds.
Ratings ranging from 1 2 horsepower to 1 1 2 horsepower are typical for residential models.
Heavier or one piece doors may require higher horsepower openers.
Garage door openers are found in three different sizes which are determined by horsepower.
It s good to use with a single or double garage door and is very efficient but only if it s maintained properly.