Especially if you live in Denver, Colorado, your car doesn’t have to get hit by a golf-ball-sized hailstone for you to recognize the importance and usefulness of a working garage. But the type of garage door opener you choose can make all the difference in its functionality. It can mean that using your garage is either a daily annoyance or a breezy, non-issue. (We prefer the second option!)
When it comes to choosing a chain vs belt garage door opener, they both serve the same purpose, but each has features that may be more desirable. Below, we compare the two to help you decide on the best garage door opener for your home.
Price
If you’re budget hunting, chain drive garage door openers are most likely the way to go. Chain drives are more common and less expensive overall. It’s important to note that inexpensive doesn’t have to mean “cheap.” There are several reputable brands that offer chain drive options such as Craftsman, Genie, and Chamberlain.
Models like the Genie ReliaG 850 offer both chain and belt options with several available upgrades to fit your needs while still remaining budget-friendly.
Strength & Longevity
While chain drives may win your heart with the cost, belt drives tend to carry a longer lifespan. Chain drives have to be pulled over gears that create constant friction points. Due to this, they suffer more wear and tear over the years and may need more frequent replacement.
Since belt drives use a trolley to move the belt, minimizing friction and wear. Ideally, both types of openers should last you at least 10 years. Some, especially belt drives, may last as long as 15 or 20 years, especially if you are keeping up with your regular 10-point maintenance check.
Despite longevity, there are situations where chain belts may be a better choice. For example, chain belts can lift heavier doors than belt drives. So if you have a multi-door garage or doors made of solid wood, a chain may be the best option. Consult with your garage door professional if you have a custom wood door or need to lift two or more garage doors.
Quiet Operation
When it comes to noise level, belt drives are the clear favorite among garage users for their quiet operation. The Genie Stealth 500 was considered by Forbes as the best affordable model with quiet operation while the LiftMaster 8500W was considered the best all around, excluding cost. Both of these models are belt drives.
Security & Convenience Features
Most modern garage door openers come with wireless options and lights as a standard but some options offer more features others. Some openers include emergency backup batteries, motion sensor lights, and code encryption. Code encryption helps to keep tech-savvy burglars from hacking your garage door opener and gaining access to your home. Each time you use a remote with this feature, a new signal is sent from remote to receiver, making it nearly impossible to gain access. These remotes also make you less likely to pick up on dual frequencies, helping you to avoid crossing signals with your neighbor.
Though these features aren’t specific to belt or chain drives, you should keep them in mind as you search for a new garage door opener. Some models even allow for upgrades at an additional cost.
The Best Garage Door Openers for Any Budget
Garage door openers are heavy-duty equipment for your home and it’s important to select the one that fits your needs best. They are required to lift 300+ pounds daily to open your door and regularly and keep your car and home safe. Whether you are looking for a long-lasting, quiet option like a belt drive or a strong, affordable option like a chain drive, you don’t want to select just any opener. That’s why we carry the top two brands, LiftMaster and Genie. Both provide budget-friendly options that don’t skimp on safety. Read more about our residential garage door openers here.
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