How to select a garage door opener?

Good Sunday morning to you. Did a search on the web and locally with no definitive results: what factors do i consider when replacing a garage door opener?

This is for my Mom, who lives in another state so i can't just pop over to check details. I do know it's a double size door that operates on a torsion spring.

Do i need to know the door weight? Or do i choose a 1.5 hp unit instead of a 0.5 hp and call it a day? Any brand names to avoid/seek out, any other details to consider?

Thanks!

 

My opinion, a proper door opener installation starts with making sure the springs are adjusted, hinges and rollers are lubed, track is straight, etc., so that the door itself is operating properly and it can be raised and lowered manually if needed. And torsion springs can be dangerous to work on. Personally, if it were my mom, particularly not living nearby, I would probably contact a reputable door company in her local area, or a couple of them if possible, get a price, and at least consider having them do it. Then she has someone you are comfortable with nearby if there is ever a problem with it. And you might be surprised at how reasonably priced they are.

 

Mom has a preference for Lowes, so i contacted them by email from their website. They gave a price to install, not including the opener itself, and the deal is to buy the machine on the website and they'll launch an installer.

I agree that the rails, rollers, etc. should be inspected and fixed or maintained as needed. The door and opener are original to the house, prob 30 years old. If the torsion spring is workig does it require replacement just because it's old?

I'll look into sourcing a reputable local service provider.

 

My wife might tell you differently, but I'm old, and I don't think that I need to be replaced just yet. Likewise, springs wear, so they generally are going to need adjustment, but I would guess that the odds are pretty good that they are otherwise fine.

 

I would definitely not have LOWES launch an installer. You want a license or dedicated garage door company to properly inspect, replace and/or adjust existing equipment, then install and then make sure the door and opener work properly. Worth the extra $ for peace of mind. Since you're not around, and something isn't right can she handle an independent guy who LOWES contacts to comeback and fix it? Not if it was my mother!