When you’re in the market for a garage door opener, you might be thinking about which one to choose: Wall Mount vs. Overhead Garage Door Opener. Both types of openers have their good sides and things to think about, so it’s important to know which one works best for your garage. Choosing the right one not only makes your garage door work well but also saves you money in the long run.
In this article, we’ll compare between overhead garage door openers and wall-mounted openers. We’ll explain what’s good about each one and what’s not so good. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of which opener is right for your garage.
Let’s get started.
What is a Wall Mounted Garage Door Opener?
To start, a wall-mounted garage door opener is a type of opener that you put on the wall next to your garage door. It’s a good option if you don’t have much space on your garage ceiling. Plus, this opener can not lift as heavy doors as overhead openers, and this is one of the disadvantages of a wall-mount garage door opener.
These openers are small and handy for fixing and maintaining. They work well in garages with low ceilings or not much room above the door.
Garage door openers on wall-mounted are usually quiet and work smoothly. They’re a great choice for people who want a simple and efficient way to open their garage door. The above are all the wall mount garage door opener pros and cons.
What is an Overhead Garage Door Opener?
An overhead garage door opener is a kind of opener that goes on the ceiling of your garage. It has a motor and a system of tracks to lift and lower the garage door.
These openers need some space up top for installation and work with most regular garage doors. They’re strong and can handle heavy or big doors.
Even though they take up some space on the ceiling, overhead openers come with lots of choices and features. This makes them a good choice for folks who want a dependable and flexible way to open their garage door.
There are three main types of overhead garage door openers:
- Chain drive: These are the cheapest, but they make a lot of noise.
- Belt drive: These are quieter than chain drives but cost more.
- Screw drive: These are the quietest, but they’re the most expensive.
6 Things to Think About When Choosing Between Wall Mount vs Overhead Garage Door Openers
Choosing the right garage door opener is a big decision for homeowners. It makes a difference in how easy your garage door is to use, how well it works, and even how much money you can save.
If you understand the good and not-so-good things about each option, you can pick the opener that’s right for you and make sure your garage door works smoothly.
Garage Layout and Space Availability
One of the main things to think about when choosing between a wall-mount garage door opener vs. a ceiling mount garage door opener is how your garage is set up.
- Wall Mount Garage Door Opener: If you have limited space up high or your garage has low ceilings, a wall-mounted opener is a good choice. It goes on the wall next to the garage door, so you don’t need space on the ceiling. This is great for garages with not much room up top. It helps you use all the space in your garage and won’t get in the way of other things or the headroom.
- Overhead Garage Door Opener: If your garage has lots of space up high and higher ceilings, you probably have an overhead garage door. Ceiling mount openers go on the ceiling above the garage door to use the space up there. But they need enough room above to install. So, they work best in garages with plenty of vertical space. If your garage has high ceilings and no space issues, a ceiling mount opener is the usual choice.
Noise Level and Sound Considerations
When you’re choosing a garage door opener, think about how much noise it makes, especially if you want a quieter place. Wall-mount garage door openers are known for being quieter compared to ceiling-mount openers.
- Wall Mount Garage Door Opener: Wall mount openers work differently. As per the advantages of wall-mount garage door openers, they don’t use belts, chains, or pulleys, which can make a lot of noise. This design reduces shaking and noise when the opener is running. Since there are no moving parts rubbing against each other, it works more smoothly and quietly.
- Overhead Garage Door Opener: Overhead garage door openers might make a bit more noise because they use traditional belts or chains. Even though modern ones have features to reduce noise, like rubber belts and insulated motor covers, they can still be louder due to vibrations and mechanical sounds compared to wall-mount openers.
To give you a better idea, wall-mount openers usually make around 60 decibels (dB) of noise or even less. That’s like a regular conversation. On the other hand, overhead garage door openers can make 70-80 dB of noise, which is like the noise from a vacuum cleaner or a busy street.
Door Size and Weight Compatibility
When you’re picking between a wall-mount garage door opener and a ceiling-mount garage door opener, you need to think about how big and heavy your garage door is. Different openers can handle different weights, and choosing the right one is important to make sure it works well and doesn’t get damaged.
- Wall Mount Garage Door Opener: If you have a smaller to medium-sized garage door, like the ones you usually see in homes, a wall-mount garage door opener is usually the best choice. These openers are made to work with doors that are between 8 feet by 7 feet and 16 feet by 7 feet. They have enough power to handle regular-sized doors, so they work reliably.
- Overhead Garage Door Opener: If your garage door is bigger and heavier, like the ones in commercial or industrial places, you’ll want overhead garage door openers. These openers can lift heavier doors with larger sizes. They can work with doors up to 24 feet by 14 feet and have the power needed to lift and operate heavy-duty doors.
Installation and Maintenance Requirements
When you’re choosing between a wall-mount garage door opener and a ceiling-mount garage door opener, you should think about how easy it is to install and take care of.
- Wall Mount Garage Door Opener: Putting in a wall mount opener is pretty easy. It goes on the wall next to your garage door and doesn’t need much space above. If you’re good with simple DIY tasks, you might be able to install it yourself, which can save you money. Wall mount openers are also easy to get to for future checks and fixes.
- Overhead Garage Door Opener: Installing an overhead garage door opener is more complicated. It needs more space above, and it’s best to have a professional do it. While professional installation might cost more, it makes sure everything is set up right and reduces the chances of mistakes. Taking care of ceiling mount openers means looking at the motor, belts, and chains, and using some lubricant on moving parts. Some models need adjustments and balance checks from time to time.
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Budget and Cost Comparison
When you’re deciding between a wall-mount garage door opener and a ceiling-mount garage door opener, your budget is a big deal.
- Starting Cost:
Wall Mount Garage Door Opener: $150 – $400
Overhead Garage Door Opener: $200 – $600+
- Setup Expenses:
Wall Mount Garage Door Opener: $100 – $300 (if you do it yourself)
Overhead Garage Door Opener: $200 – $500+ (if you get a pro to do it)
- Keeping It Working Well:
Wall Mount Garage Door Opener: $50 – $100 per year
Overhead Garage Door Opener: $50 – $100 per year
- Saving on Energy:
Wall Mount Garage Door Opener: You could save $20 – $50 per year
Overhead Garage Door Opener: It might use more regular energy
- Fixing or Changing:
Wall Mount Garage Door Opener: $100 – $300 (for small fixes), $300 – $600+ (for big fixes or changing it)
Overhead Garage Door Opener: $100 – $300 (for small fixes), $300 – $600+ (for big fixes or changing it)
Safety and Security Features
Wall mount openers have advanced safety features like motion sensors and automatic reverses for added security. On the other hand, ceiling mount openers have regular safety features like rolling code technology and a manual release for emergencies.
Do you know why your garage door opens by itself? Give our blog a thorough read to learn all about this issue.
Choose Safety Garage Doors for Your Garage Door Opener
When you’re picking between a wall-mount and an overhead garage door opener, think about things like space, noise, door size, how it’s installed, your budget, safety, and how strong it is.
So, Which type of opener is right for you? Wall mount openers are great if you don’t have much space above and want a quiet garage. Overhead openers can lift heavy doors and are good for big ones.
For the right choice, talk to pros and reach out to our trusted garage door opener in Aurora service, Pop’s Garage Door LLC. Our experts are here to help you find the best garage door opener. Contact us today for a smooth and efficient garage door experience from start to finish.
Wrapping Up
To sum it up, when you’re picking the right garage door opener, think about Wall Mount vs Overhead Garage Door Opener. Your choice should match your garage’s space, noise issues, door size, how good you are at setting it up, your budget, safety, and how strong it needs to be. So, consider these things, and you’ll find the opener that’s just right for your garage.
FAQs
What is the main difference between a side mount garage door opener vs. a ceiling mount?
The big difference between side mount garage door openers vs overheads is where they go. Side mount openers go on the wall next to the garage door, while ceiling mount openers hang from the ceiling above the door.
Is a wall-mounted garage door opener better?
Whether a wall-mounted garage door opener is the right choice depends on your garage’s requirements and the space you have.
Is a chainless garage door opener suitable for all types of garage doors?
Chainless openers usually work with regular home garage doors, but it’s important to make sure they’re a good fit, especially if you have a big or heavy door.
What is a garage door opener hanging bracket?
A hanging bracket for a garage door opener is a strong piece of metal that connects the garage door opener to the ceiling or a sturdy part of your garage’s structure.
