Garage Door Motors and Remotes: What to Know Before You Upgrade

Why add a garage door motor

The main reason people add a motor is convenience. Many people cannot imagine living without being able to enter their garage from the car, and a motor is the key to that lifestyle. It also means you can open and close the door without getting out in bad weather.

A motor can also be paired with a new or existing door, so upgrading the opener does not always mean replacing the door itself.

Choosing a garage door motor

When you are looking for a powerful and reliable motor, it helps to start with the door and how you use it. A few questions to ask:

• Does the motor suit your type of door? Motors are available for many kinds of garage door, so check that the model you choose is suitable for yours.
• How much noise is acceptable? If a bedroom or living area is next to the garage, a quiet and efficient motor is worth asking about.
• Is the door for a home or a business? Residential and commercial doors have different demands, so tell your installer how the door will be used.

There is a range of models to choose from, so an installer can match a motor to your needs. You can read about our garage door motors for more detail.

Remote controls: range and reliability

To get the benefit of a motor, you need a remote you can count on. Good remote controls offer a strong operating range and reliable performance, with little interference from other wireless devices around the home such as door bells and baby monitors.

It is also worth thinking about everyone who needs access. Any number of remotes can be programmed to your garage door, so all members of the family can get into the home easily. Learn more about our remote controls.

Safety and everyday care

A motorised door is heavy and powerful, so a little care goes a long way:

• Keep children and pets away from a moving door, and never let them play with the remote.
• Keep the area under and around the door clear.
• Pay attention to changes in how the door sounds or moves, since these are often the first sign of a problem.

If the door begins to behave strangely, read our guide to repairing or replacing a garage door and get it checked rather than forcing it.

What to ask before you upgrade

Before you commit to a motor or remotes, it helps to be clear on a few points:

1. Will the motor work with my existing door, or does the door need attention first?
2. How many remotes do I need for my household?
3. Is the motor suitable for how often the door is used?
4. What will the installation involve?

A technician can answer these during a free measure and quote. If you are in Hobart or the surrounding suburbs, get in touch and describe what you would like to achieve.

Frequently asked questions