Question:
I will be purchasing two garage door openers soon, and wanted to
get recommendations. The Master bedroom is partially over the
garage, and the Family Room is behind the garage, so I want one
that is reasonably quiet and vibration-free. Therefore, I will
probably get a screw-drive model.
Costco has a Chamberlain 1/2 hp screw-drive model, with 2
multi-function remotes and a multi-function wall switch for $149,
which seems like a very good price compared to Genie and Sears.
Any recommendations for/against Chamberlain? Are Genie and/or
Sears preferred over Chamberlain (I believe Chamberlain may make
the Sears screw-drive models)?
Also, this is a new house, and I will be installing the openers
myself. I have heard that I need to purchase additional rails or
other parts. True? The doors are roughly 8'wide x 7'high,
overall ceiling height is about 10'.
Answer:
-We just purchased two Genies for our house with the master over the
garage, family room behind. Bought the Medallion combo pack (screw
drive with wireless keypad for outside and in home service warranty)
from Home Depot for $199 each with free installation.
It's not as quiet as we'd hoped. I'm not sure if it's loud enough to
wake anyone in the master, though. I haven't noticed vibration as an
issue.
Genie is supposed to release their (I think it's called) Excelerator
any day now (they've been saying this for months). It's a screw drive
with a DC motor that is supposed to be quieter. It is also supposed to
open twice as fast as other models. We got tired of waiting for
it...and with the free install deal, we decided to go ahead. According
to the HD guy, the reason it is delayed is that they are waiting for UL
approval.
-I think you find that a belt drive is more quiet than a screw drive. They
will be a little more expensive than screw drive.
I recently bought two belt drive openers from Sears. They are made by
Chamberlain. I think I paid $219 each, but it was at a new Sears, so I got
a grand opening discount.
I had them installed, so I can't give much advice about installation. The
house is new and did not have any openers installed, so I did need to buy
braces for the top of each door. But they came with the necessary rails.
-You don't mention the type of garage door, but Wayne Dalton has just
come out with nifty opener which mounts on the header above the door.
It rotates their tension rod which in turn lifts the door. No
brackets or hangers--BUT i think it is only good for WD doors.
